t
length sir James Falconer of Phesdo offered an expedient, which neither
party could refuse with any show of moderation. He suggested a resolve,
that the parliament would not proceed to the nomination of a successor
until the previous treaty with England should be discussed; and that it
would make the necessary limitations and conditions of government before
the successor should be nominated. This joint resolve being put to
the vote, was carried by a great majority. The treaty with England was
neglected, and the affair of the succession consequently postponed. The
duke of Athol moved, that her majesty should be desired to send down the
witnesses and all the papers relating to the conspiracy, that, after due
examination, those who were unjustly accused might be vindicated,
and the guilty punished according to their demerits. The commissioner
declared, that he had already written, and would write again to the
queen on that subject. The intention of the cavaliers was to convict
the duke of Queensberry of malice and calumny in the prosecution of that
affair, that they might wreak their vengeance upon him for that instance
of his animosity, as well as for his having deserted them in the former
session. He found means however to persuade the queen, that such an
inquiry would not only protract the session, but also divert them from
the settlement of the succession, and raise such a ferment as might be
productive of tragical consequences. Alarmed at these suggestions, she
resolved to prevent the examination, and gave no answer to the repeated
applications made by her parliament and ministers. Meanwhile the duke
of Queensberry appeased his enemies in Scotland, by directing all his
friends to join in the opposition.

THEY PASS THE ACT OF SECURITY.

The duke of Hamilton again moved, that the parliament should proceed to
the limitations, and name commissioners to treat with England previous
to all other business, except an act for a land tax of two months
necessary for the immediate subsistence of the forces. The earl of
Marchmont proposed an act to exclude all popish successors; but this was
warmly opposed, as unseasonable, by Hamilton and his party, A bill of
supply being offered by the lord justice Clerk, the cavaliers tacked to
it great part of the act of security, to which the royal assent had been
refused in the former session. Violent debates arose; so that the house
was filled with rage and tumult. The national spir