isitions, but was rather inclined to sacrifice
something of his own to procure the general quiet and tranquillity of
Europe. A member observed, that nobody could tell how far that sacrifice
would have extended, but certainly it was a very uncommon stretch of
condescension. This sacrifice was said to be the cession of Gibraltar
and Port Mahon, which the regent of France had offered to the king
of Spain, provided he would accede to the quadruple alliance. Horatio
Walpole observed, that the disposition of Sicily in favour of the
emperor was an infraction of the treaty of Utrecht; and his brother
exclaimed against the injustice of attacking the Spanish fleet before a
declaration of war. Notwithstanding all these arguments and objections,
the majority agreed to the address; and such another was carried in the
upper house without a division. The declaration of war against Spain was
published with the usual solemnities; but this war was not a favourite
of the people, and therefore did not produce those acclamations that
were usual on such occasions.

CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE REGENT OF FRANCE.

Meanwhile cardinal Alberoni employed all his intrigues, power, and
industry, for the gratification of his revenge. He caused new ships to
be built, the sea ports to be put in a posture of defence, succours to
be sent to Sicily, and the proper measures to be taken for the security
of Sardinia. He, by means of the prince de Cellamare, the Spanish
ambassador at Paris, caballed with the malcontents of that kingdom, who
were numerous and powerful. A scheme was actually formed for seizing the
regent, and securing the person of the king. The duke of Orleans owed
the first intimation of this plot to king George, who gave him
to understand that a conspiracy was formed against his person and
government. The regent immediately took measures for watching the
conduct of all suspected persons; but the whole intrigue was discovered
by accident. The prince de Cellamare intrusted his despatches to the
abbe Portocarrero, and to a son of the marquis de Monteleone. These
emissaries set out from Paris in a post-chaise, and were overturned.
The postillion overheard Portocarrero say, he would not have lost his
portmanteau for a hundred thousand pistoles. The man, at his return
to Paris, gave notice to the government of what he had observed. The
Spaniards, being pursued, were overtaken and seized at Poictiers, with
the portmanteau, in which the regent foun