re of all Europe; that he had the
satisfaction to be assured of a good disposition in all the powers that
were his allies, to adhere to the same salutary object. He exhorted them
to continue their attention to the reduction of the national debt, the
augmentation of the sinking fund, and the improvement of the public
revenue. He recommended to their serious consideration what further
laws and regulations might be necessary for suppressing those crimes and
disorders, of which the public had so justly complained; and concluded
with an assurance, that his hearty concurrence and endeavours should
never be wanting in any measure that might promote their welfare and
prosperity. The addresses in answer to this speech were couched in the
usual form of implicit approbation; but that of the commons did not pass
without question. The earl of Egmont took exceptions to one paragraph,
in which they acknowledged his majesty's wisdom, as well as goodness,
in pursuing such measures as must contribute to maintain and render
permanent the general tranquillity of Europe; and declared their
satisfaction at the assurances his majesty had received from his allies,
that they were all attached to the same salutary object. His lordship
expatiated on the absurdity of these compliments at such a juncture,
when the peace of Europe was so precarious, and the English nation had
so much cause of complaint and dissatisfaction. He was seconded by some
other individuals, who declaimed with great vivacity against continental
connexions; and endeavoured to expose the weakness and folly of the
whole system of foreign measures which our ministry had lately
pursued. It must be owned, indeed, that they might have chosen a better
opportunity to compliment their sovereign on the permanency of the peace
than at this juncture, when they must have seen themselves on the very
brink of a new rupture with the most formidable power in Europe. But
the truth is, these addresses to the throne had been long considered as
compliments of course, implying no more than a respectful attachment
to their sovereign; accordingly, both houses agreed to their respective
addresses without division. The two grand committees of supply and
of ways and means, being established, the business of the house was
transacted without much altercation; and the people had great reason to
be satisfied with their moderate proceedings. Ten thousand seamen, and
the usual number of land forces, were retain