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 vigorous