of
the catholic question into the cabinet. A loud cry of "No popery!" was
indeed heard at this time, and when they were dismissed, the public
voice applauded his majesty's decision. Addresses poured in from all
quarters, expressive of approbation, the terms of which may be seen from
his majesty's reply to the address of the corporation of the city of
London: "I receive with the greatest satisfaction the assurances you
give me of your concurrence in those principles which have governed my
conduct on the late important occasion. It has ever been my object to
secure to all descriptions of my subjects the benefits of religions
toleration; and it affords me particular gratification to reflect,
that during my reign these advantages have been more generally and
extensively engaged than at any former period; but at the same time
I never can forget what is clue to the security of the ecclesiastical
establishment of my dominions, connected as it is with our civil
constitution and with all those blessings which, by the favour of
Providence, have hitherto so eminently distinguished us among the
nations of the world."

TRIAL OF STRENGTH BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES.

On the first meeting of Parliament, after the new appointments, there
was a great trial of strength. In the course of negociation with the
late ministers, his majesty had been advised to exact a written pledge
from them, not only to abandon the catholic question, but never to
resume it. His majesty could scarcely have found it necessary to demand
of his new ministers such a pledge; yet, on the 9th of April, Mr. Brand
moved in the commons, "that it is contrary to the first duties of the
confidential servants of the crown to restrain themselves by any pledge,
expressed or implied, from offering to the king any advice that the
course of circumstances might render necessary for the welfare and
security of any part of his majesty's extensive empire." As it has been
observed, this was a constitutional truism, a principle not to be denied
without attacking the constitution itself. As, however, this motion, if
carried, would have been followed by other resolutions, implying a want
of confidence in men who had given such advice to his majesty, &c, the
new cabinet determined to try their strength on Brand's first motion. It
was warmly supported by Mr. Fawkes, Sir Samuel Romilly, and others;
and as warmly opposed by Perceval and Canning. The friends of the late
administration w