in common to them both. And it is an
invariable rule in this country, a rule never to be departed from,
that there can no cause exist in which we ought to engage on the
continent, without the aid and assistance of that neighbouring state.
This is the test, the certain mark, by which I shall judge, that the
interest of this country is not at present the object in pursuit.

Is any man then wild enough to imagine, that the accession of sixteen
thousand Hanoverian mercenaries will compensate for the loss of this
natural ally? No; but it is said that this indicates such a firmness
and resolution within ourselves, that it will induce them to come in.
Sir, if they had any real proofs of our firmness and resolution, that
the interest of this country was to be pursued, I dare say they would
not long hesitate. But they look with a jealous eye upon this measure,
they consider it as an argument of your weakness, because it is
contrary to the genius and spirit of this country, and may, therefore,
lessen his majesty in the affections of his people.

They have for some years past looked upon a British parliament as the
corrupt engine of administration, to exhaust the riches, and impair
the strength of this country. They have heard it talk loudly, indeed,
of the house of Austria, when it was in your power to have raised her
to that state, in which she was properly to be considered as the
support of the balance of Europe, if timid neutralities had not
intervened, and our naval strength had properly interposed to her
assistance.

They have lately looked upon this parliament, and with the joy of a
natural ally they have done it, resenting your injuries, bravely
withstanding the power, that you might restore the authority of your
government, demanding constitutional securities, appointing a
parliamentary committee for inquiry and justice. Sir, they now see
that inquiry suppressed, and justice disappointed. In this situation,
what expectations can we form of their accession to us; talking bigly,
indeed, of vindicating foreign rights, but so weak and impotent at
home, as not to be able to recover our own privileges?

But this measure is said to be undertaken in consequence of the advice
of parliament. There has been great stress laid upon this. It has been
loudly proclaimed from the throne, echoed back again from hence, and
the whole nation is to be amused with an opinion, that upon this
measure, the fate of the house of Austria, the bal