nk these measures now
justifiable, because we have proceeded too far to retreat with honour;
and that though at first a better scheme might have been formed, yet
this, which has hitherto been pursued, ought not now to be changed.

I, my lords, though it is not of very great importance to confute an
opinion by which the measures of the government will not be
obstructed, cannot forbear to declare myself of different sentiments,
and to assert, in opposition to artful calumnies and violent
invectives, that the present measures were originally right, that they
were such as prudence would dictate, and experience approve, and such
as we ought again to take, if we have again the power of choice.

I am, indeed, far from doubting, but these measures will, in a short
time, be justified by success; a criterion by which, however unjustly,
the greatest part of mankind will always judge of the conduct of their
governours; for it is apparent, my lords, that howsoever the French
power, commerce, and wealth, have been exaggerated by those that
either love or fear them, they will not long be able to stand against
us; their funds will in a short time fail them, and their armies must
be disbanded, when they can no longer be paid, lest, instead of
protecting their country, they should be inclined to plunder it.

The abundance of our wealth, my lords, and the profit of our commerce,
are sufficiently apparent from the price of our stocks, which were
never before supported at the same height for so long a time; and of
the fall of which neither an actual war with Spain, nor the danger
which has been suggested of another with France, with France in the
full possession of all its boasted advantages, has yet been able to
produce any token. Another proof of the exuberance of our riches, and
the prosperity of our commerce, by which they are acquired, is the
facility with which the government can raise in an instant the
greatest sums, and the low interest at which they are obtained. If we
compare our state in this respect with that of France, the insuperable
difficulties under which they must contend with us, will sufficiently
discover themselves. It is well known, my lords, that we have lately
raised the money which the service of each year required, at the
interest of three for a hundred; nor is it likely that there will be
any necessity of larger interest, though our annual demands were to be
equal to those of the last war. But the French are wel