ition, obtained the royal
assent. Over and above these wise, salutary, and patriotic measures for
the improvement of commerce, they encouraged the importation of raw silk
by an act, reducing the duties formerly payable on that which was the
growth of China to the same that is raised on the raw silk from Italy,
and allowing the same drawback upon the exportation of the one which had
been usually granted on the other. A second bill was brought in for the
encouragement of the growth and culture of silk in Carolina and Georgia,
where it had been lately produced with extraordinary success, by
freeing from all duties that which should be imported from his majesty's
dominions in America; and a third was framed, permitting raw silk of the
growth or produce of Persia, purchased in Russia, to be imported into
Great Britain, from any port or place belonging to the empire of Russia.
Divers efforts were made, by different members in the opposition, to
rectify certain abuses in the army and administration; some bills were
brought in, and several petitions were left on the table; but all of
them proved abortive, from the power and influence of the minister, who
seemed resolved that no benefit should flow upon the nation through
any channel but his own. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged, for the
honour of his memory, that there is no session on record so productive
as this was of measures advantageous to the community.

{GEORGE II. 1727-1760}

WESTMINSTER ELECTION.

The people, however, were not entirely satisfied with the conduct of the
administration, if we may judge from the ferment and commotions raised
during the progress of an election for a citizen to represent the city
of Westminster in parliament. The seat which had been filled by lord
Trentham, eldest son of earl Gower, having become vacant, in consequence
of that nobleman's accepting a place at the board of admiralty, he again
declared himself a candidate, and met with a violent opposition. Those
who styled themselves the independent electors of Westminster, being
now incensed to an uncommon degree of turbulence by the interposition
of ministerial influence, determined to use their utmost endeavours to
baffle the designs of the court, and at the same time take vengeance on
the family of earl Gower, who had entirely abandoned the opposition, of
which he was formerly one of the most respected leaders. With this view
they held consultations, agreed to resolutions, a