n that I am obliged at the opening of this parliament, to
inform you that a most daring spirit of resistance and disobedience to
the law still unhappily prevails in the province of Massachusets Bay,
and has, in divers parts of it, broke forth in fresh violences of a very
criminal nature. These proceedings have been countenanced and encouraged
in others of my colonies, and unwarrantable attempts have been made to
obstruct the commerce of this country by unlawful combinations. I have
taken such measures and given such orders as I judged most proper and
effectual for carrying into execution the laws which were passed in the
last session of the late parliament, for the protection and security of
the commerce of my subjects, and for the restoring and preserving peace,
order, and good government in the province of Massachusets Bay; and
you may depend upon my firm and steadfast resolution to withstand every
attempt to weaken or impair the supreme authority of this legislature
over all the dominions of my crown: the maintenance of which I consider
as essential to the dignity, the safety, and the welfare of the British
empire; assuring myself that, while I act upon these principles, I shall
never fail to receive your assistance and support." In conclusion, his
majesty recommended both houses to proceed with temper and unanimity
in their resolutions, in order that his subjects in every part of his
dominions might be taught by their example to preserve a due reverence
for the laws, and a just sense of the blessings of the British
constitution.

In the debate on the address in the commons, an amendment was proposed
on the part of the opposition, to the effect that his majesty would be
pleased to communicate the whole intelligence received from America,
and to lay all letters, orders, and instructions relating to the late
transactions before parliament. This was opposed by Lord North, who
argued that it was not a proper time for entering into a discussion on
the subject, since matters were in a state of suspense, He said that a
reconcilliation was highly desirable, but as no terms of concession had
been made by the Americans, it could not be expected that England would
offer terms of submission. On the opposition benches the conduct of the
late parliament in passing the American acts was severely censured, and
the prime-minister was taunted with the failure of those acts from
which he had augured such great and beneficial effects. Th