will
reject them as unqualified What effect this practice may have upon the
independency of parliament, every person must perceive who reflects,
that, in almost all the counties of England, the high sheriffs are
annually appointed by the minister for the time being.

{GEORGE II. 1727-1760}

MESSAGE FROM THE KING TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

The attention of the legislature was chiefly turned upon the conduct of
France, which preserved no medium, but seemed intent upon striking some
important blow, that might serve as a declaration of war. At Brest, and
other ports in that kingdom, the French were employed in equipping a
powerful armament, and made no scruple to own it was intended for North
America. Towards the latter end of March, sir Thomas Eobinson, secretary
of state, brought a message from the king to the parliament, intimating,
that his majesty having at the beginning of the session declared his
principal object was to preserve the public tranquillity, and at the
same time to protect those possessions which constitute one great source
of the commerce and wealth of his kingdoms, he now found it necessary
to acquaint the house of commons, that the present situation of affairs
made it requisite to augment his forces by sea and land, and to take
such other measures as might best tend to preserve the general peace
of Europe, and secure the just rights and possessions of his crown in
America, as well as to repel any attempts whatsoever that might be made
to support or countenance any designs which should be formed against his
majesty and his kingdoms; and his majesty doubted not but his faithful
commons, on whose affection and zeal he entirely relied, would enable
him to make such augmentations, and to take such measures for supporting
the honour of his crown, and the true interest of his people, and for
the security of his dominions in the present critical conjuncture, as
the exigency of affairs might require; in doing which his majesty
would have as much regard to the ease of his good subjects as should be
consistent with their safety and welfare. In answer to this message, a
very warm and affectionate address was presented to his majesty; and
it was on this occasion that the million was granted for augmenting his
forces by sea and land. [357] _[See note 2 X at the end of this Vol.]_
The court of Versailles, notwithstanding the assiduity and despatch
which they were exerting in equipping armaments, and embarking