. William Cowper, with the title of lord-keeper. This was a lawyer of
good extraction, superior talents, engaging manners, and eminence in his
profession. He was staunch to whig principles, and for many years had
been considered as one of their best speakers in the house of commons.
The new parliament meeting on the twenty-fifth day of October, a violent
contest arose about the choice of a speaker. Mr. Bromley was supported
by the tories, and the whigs proposed Mr. John Smith, who was elected
by a majority of forty-three voices. The queen in her speech represented
the necessity of acting vigorously against France, as a common enemy
to the liberties of Europe; she commended the fortitude of the duke of
Savoy, which she said was without example; she told them her intention
was to expedite commissions for treating of an union with Scotland; she
earnestly recommended an union of minds and affections among her people;
she observed, that some persons had endeavoured to foment animosities,
and even suggested in print that the established church was in danger;
she affirmed that such people were enemies to her and the kingdom,
and meant only to cover designs which they durst not publicly own, by
endeavouring to distract the nation with unreasonable and groundless
distrusts and jealousies; she declared she would always affectionately
support and countenance the church of England, as by law established;
that she would inviolably maintain the toleration; that she would
promote religion and virtue, encourage trade, and every thing else that
might make them a happy and flourishing people.

BILL FOR A REGENCY.

The majority in both houses now professed the same principles, and
were well disposed to support the queen in all her designs. They
first presented the usual addresses in the warmest terms of duty and
affection. Then the commons drew up a second, assuring her they would,
to the utmost of their power, assist her in bringing the treaty of union
to a happy conclusion. They desired that the proceedings of the last
session of parliament, relating to the union and succession, might be
laid before the house. The lords had solicited the same satisfaction;
and her majesty promised to comply with their request. The lower house
having heard and decided in some cases of controverted elections,
proceeded to take into consideration the estimates for the service of
the ensuing year, and granted the supplies without hesitation. In the
h