expressed his satisfaction to find that the
English were not so closely united to France as formerly; for he had
generally observed that when two dogs were in a leash together, the
stronger generally ran away with the weaker; and this he was afraid
had been the case between France and Great Britain. The motion was
vigorously defended by Mr. Pelham, paymaster of the forces, and brother
to the duke of Newcastle, a man whose greatest fault was his being
concerned in supporting the measures of a corrupt ministry. In other
respects he was liberal, candid, benevolent, and even attached to the
interest of his country, though egregiously mistaken in his notions
of government. On this occasion, he insisted that it was no way
inconsistent with the honour or dignity of that house to thank his
majesty in the most particular terms, for every thing he had been
pleased to communicate in his speech from the throne; that no
expressions of approbation in the address could be any way made use of
to prevent an inquiry into the measures which had been pursued, when the
treaties should be laid before the house. He said, at the opening of a
session the eyes of all Europe were turned towards Great Britain, and
from the parliament's first resolves all the neighbouring powers
judged of the unanimity that would ensue between his majesty and the
representatives of his people; that their appearing jealous or diffident
of his majesty's conduct, would weaken his influence upon the councils
of foreign states and potentates, and perhaps put it out of his power to
rectify any false step that might have been made by his ministers. His
arguments were reinforced by a long speech from Mr. H. Walpole. The
question was put, the motion carried, and the address presented.

DEBATE ON A STANDING ARMY.

The next subject of debate was the number of land-forces. When the
supply fell under consideration, sir W. Strickland, secretary at war,
moved that the same number which had been maintained in the preceding
year should be continued in pay. On the other hand, lord Morpeth having
demonstrated the danger to which the liberties of the nation might be
exposed, by maintaining a numerous standing army in time of peace, made
a motion that the number should be reduced to twelve thousand. A warm
debate ensuing, was managed in favour of the first motion by lord
Hervey, sir Robert Walpole and his brother, Mr. Pelham, and sir Philip
Yorke, attorney-general. This gentlem