happiness and honour of the British nation. He then entered into a
detail of that conduct against which he had so often declaimed; and
being transported by an overheated imagination, accused him of personal
attachment and affection to the enemies of the kingdom. A charge that
was doubtless the result of exaggerated animosity, and served only
to invalidate the other articles of imputation that were much better
founded. His objections were overruled; and the address, as at first
proposed, was presented to his majesty.

THE COUNTRY PARTY OBTAIN A MAJORITY IN THE COMMONS.

This small advantage, however, the minister did not consider as a proof
of his having ascertained an undoubted majority in the house of commons.
There was a great number of disputed elections; and the discussion of
these was the point on which the people had turned their eyes, as the
criterion of the minister's power and credit. In the first which was
heard at the bar of the house, he cai-ried his point by a majority of
six only; and this he looked upon as a defeat rather than a victory. His
enemies exulted in their strength; as they knew they should be joined,
in matters of importance, by several members who voted against them on
this occasion. The inconsiderable majority that appeared on the side of
the administration, plainly proved that the influence of the minister
was greatly diminished, and seemed to prognosticate his further decline.
This consideration induced some individuals to declare against him as a
setting sun, from whose beams they could expect no further warmth. His
adherents began to tremble; and he himself had occasion for all his art
and equanimity. The court interest was not sufficient to support the
election of their own members for Westminster. The high-bailiff had been
guilty of some illegal practices at the poll; and three justices of the
peace had, on pretence of preventing riots, sent for a military force
to overawe the election. A petition presented by the electors of
Westminster was taken into consideration by the house; and the election
was declared void by a majority of four voices. The high-bailiff was
taken into custody; the officer who ordered the soldiers to march, and
the three justices who signed the letter, in consequence of which he
acted, were reprimanded on their knees at the bar of the house.

SIR ROBERT WALPOLE CREATED EARL OF ORFORD.

The country party maintained the advantage they had gained in d