itions and representations that were delivered,
touching the incapacity of the eldest sons of Scottish peers, excluded
from sitting in the parliament of Great Britain. Counsel being heard
upon the subject, that incapacity was confirmed; and new writs were
issued, that new members might be elected for the shires of Aberdeen and
Linlithgow, in the room of William lord Haddo, and James lord Johnston.
Petitions were likewise presented to the house of lords by some Scottish
peers, concerning their right of voting and signing proxies. After warm
debates, the house, upon a division, determined that a Scottish lord
created a peer of Great Britain should no longer retain his vote in
Scotland; and that the noblemen who were in the castle of Edinburgh had
a right to sign proxies, after having taken the oaths to the government.
The Scottish peers and commoners that sat in the British parliament were
divided into two factions. The duke of Queensberry was in great
credit with the Queen and the lord-treasurer, by whose interest he was
appointed secretary of state for Scotland. His influence in elections
was so great, that all offices in that kingdom were bestowed according
to his recommendation. He was opposed by the dukes of Hamilton,
Montrose, and Roxburgh, who were supported by the earl of Sunderland and
lord Somers; so that the whole interest in that country was engrossed by
one or other member of the ministry. A bill for a general naturalization
of all protestants was brought into the house, and notwithstanding
violent opposition from the tories, both among the lords and commons,
was enacted into a law. The whigs argued for this bill, as a measure
that would encourage industry, improve trade and manufacture, and repair
the waste of men which the war had occasioned; but one of their chief
motives was to throw an addition of foreigners into the balance against
the landed interest. The tories pleaded that a conflux of aliens might
prove dangerous to the constitution; that they would retain a fondness
for their native countries, and, in times of war, act as spies and
enemies; that they would insinuate themselves into places of trust and
profit; become members of parliament; and by frequent intermarriages
contribute to the extinction of the English race: that they would add
to the number of the poor, already so expensive; and share the bread of
the labourers and tradesmen of England.

ACT OF GRACE.

An inquiry being set on foot