ord broach a doctrine
which tended to establish a despotic dispensing power and arbitrary
government. Oxford replied, his family had never been famous, as
some others had been, for promoting and advising arbitrary measures.
Sunderland, considering this expression as a sarcasm levelled at the
memory of his father, took occasion to vindicate his conduct, adding,
that in those days the other lord's family was hardly known. Much
violent altercation was discharged At length the motion for the bill was
rejected by a small majority, and the malt-bill afterwards passed with
great difficulty.

Another bill being brought into the house of commons for rendering the
treaty of commerce effectual, such a number of petitions were delivered
against it, and so many solid arguments advanced by the merchants who
were examined on the subject, that even a great number of tory members
were convinced of the bad consequences it would produce to trade,
and voted against the ministry on this occasion; so that the bill was
rejected by a majority of nine voices. At the same time, however, the
house agreed to an address thanking her majesty for the great care she
had taken of the security and honour of her kingdoms in the treaty of
peace; as also for having laid so good a foundation for the interest of
her people in trade. They likewise besought her to appoint commissioners
to treat with those of France, for adjusting such matters as should
be necessary to be settled on the subject of commerce, that the treaty
might be explained and perfected for the good and welfare of her people.
The queen interpreted this address into a full approbation of the
treaties of peace and commerce, and thanked them accordingly in the
warmest terms of satisfaction and acknowledgment. The commons afterwards
desired to know what equivalent should be given for the demolition of
Dunkirk; and she gave them to understand that this was already in the
hands of his most christian majesty: then they besought her that she
would not evacuate the towns of Flanders that were in her possession,
until those who were entitled to the sovereignty of the Spanish
Netherlands should agree to such articles for regulating trade as might
place the subjects of Great Britain upon an equal footing with those
of any other nation. The queen made a favourable answer to all their
remonstrances. Such were the steps taken by the parliament during this
session with relation to the famous treaty of Utrech