ar
pleasure in meeting them at a time when the perfect re-establishment of
a general peace had restored to his people the blessings of quiet and
tranquillity. He said, the good effects of these already appeared in the
flourishing condition of national commerce, and in the rise of public
credit, which were the foundations of strength and prosperity to these
kingdoms. He declared, that, during the summer, he had used every
opportunity of cementing and securing the peace; that it was his firm
resolution to do everything in his power for the preservation of it,
and religiously adhere to the engagements into which he had entered.
Finally, he took notice of the good disposition he had found in the
other contracting parties to the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle to cherish
the public tranquillity of Europe; and he earnestly recommended to the
two houses the maintenance of a strong naval power, as the bulwark of
national security.

When the motion was made for an address of thanks in the house of
commons, the first paragraph of his majesty's speech furnished the
opposition with a handle to declaim against the late treaty. Sir John
Hinde Cotton observed, that the peace could not be properly styled
complete, as nothing had been stipulated with respect to the article
of "No search;" alluding to the interruption our commerce had sustained
from the Spaniards in the West Indies; a stipulation, without which both
houses of parliament had formerly voted that there should be no peace
with that kingdom.

{1749}

In the present conjuncture of affairs, such an objection savoured rather
of party than of patriotism; and indeed sir John declared, that the
remarks he made upon the occasion were rather in discharge of the duty
he owed to his country, than in hope of seeing his sentiments espoused
by the majority. Some sharp altercation was used in the debate which
arose on this subject; and many severe invectives were levelled at
those who negotiated, as well as at those who approved and confirmed the
treaty. But Mr. Pelham, who sustained the whole weight of the debate
on the side of the administration, answered every objection with equal
candour and ability; and if he failed in proving that the terms of peace
were as favourable as could be expected, considering the unfortunate
events of the war, and the situation of the contending powers; he at
least demonstrated, that it would be the interest of the kingdom to
acquiesce for the present in the t