, was
dismissed in consequence of the opinions given by the judges. Finally,
the same tribunal granted an information against Dr. Purnel, the
vice-chancellor, for his behaviour in the case of the rioters
above-mentioned; but this was countermanded in the sequel, his conduct
appearing unexceptionable upon a more cool and impartial inquiry.

{GEORGE II. 1727-1760}

ELECTION OF A CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE.

In proportion as Oxford declined, her sister university rose in the
favour of the administration, which she at this period cultivated by
an extraordinary mark of compliance and attachment. The dignity of
chancellor of the university being vacated by the death of the duke
of Somerset, the nation in general seemed to think it would naturally
devolve upon the prince of Wales, as a compliment at all times due
to that rank; but more especially to the then heir-apparent, who had
eminently distinguished himself by the virtues of a patriot and a
prince. He had even pleased himself with the hope of receiving this
mark of attachment from a seminary for which he entertained a particular
regard. But the ruling members, seeing no immediate prospect of
advantage in glorifying even a prince who was at variance with the
ministry, wisely turned their eyes upon the illustrious character of the
duke of Newcastle, whom they elected without opposition, and installed
with great magnificence; learning, poetry, and eloquence, joining their
efforts in celebrating the shining virtues and extraordinary talents of
their new patron.

Although opposition lay gasping at the feet of power in the house of
commons, the people of England did not yet implicitly approve all the
measures of the administration; and the dregs of faction, still agitated
by an internal ferment, threw up some ineffectual bubbles in different
parts of the kingdom. Some of those who made no secret of their
disaffection to the reigning family, determined to manifest their
resentment and contempt of certain noblemen, and others, who were said
to have abandoned their ancient principles, and to have sacrificed their
consciences to their interest. Many individuals, animated by the fumes
of inebriation, now loudly extolled that cause which they durst not avow
when it required their open approbation and assistance; and, though they
industriously avoided exposing their lives and fortunes to the chance of
war in promoting their favourite interest when there was a