eace has left them in a worse condition than
before; and in answer to all these complaints, what are they told? Why,
that their continuing to suffer all this, is the price they must pay to
keep the king and his family on the throne of these realms. If this
were true, it ought not to be owned; but it is far from truth; the
very reverse is true. Nothing can weaken the family; nothing shake the
establishment, but such measures as these, and such language as this."
He affirmed, that if the ministers had proceeded conformably to the
intentions of parliament, they would either have acted with vigour, or
have obtained a real security in an express acknowledgment of our right
not to be searched as a preliminary, _sine qua non_, to our treating at
all. Instead of this, they had referred it to plenipotentiaries. "Would
you, sir," said he, "submit to a reference, whether you may travel
unmolested from your house in town to your house in the country? Your
right is clear and undeniable, why would you have it discussed? but much
less would you refer it, if two of your judges belonged to a gang
which has often stopped and robbed you in your way thither before."
The ministers, in vindication of the convention, asserted, that the
satisfaction granted by Spain was adequate to the injury received; that
it was only the preliminary of a treaty which would remove all causes
of complaint; that war was always expensive and detrimental to a trading
nation, as well as uncertain in its events; that France and Spain would
certainly join their forces in case of a rupture with Great Britain;
that there was not one power in Europe upon which the English could
depend for effectual assistance; and that war would favour the cause and
designs of a popish pretender. The house, upon a division, agreed to the
address; but when a motion was made for its being recommitted, the two
parties renewed the engagement with redoubled eagerness and impetuosity.
Sir William Wyndham and Mr. Pulteney poured all the thunder of their
eloquence against the insolence of Spain, and the concessions of the
British ministry. Sir Robert Walpole exerted all his fortitude and
dexterity in defence of himself and his measures, and the question being
put, the resolutions for the address were carried by a small majority.

SECESSION OF THE CHIEF MEMBERS IN THE OPPOSITION.

Then sir William Wyndham, standing up, made a pathetic remonstrance
upon this determination. "This address,"