into
the empire, shake its constitution, overturn its system, and threaten
oppression to the protestant interest on the continent, were events
which must sensibly affect the minds of the British nation, and had
fixed the eyes of Europe on this new and dangerous crisis. He gave them
to understand that the body of his electoral troops, which were brought
hither at the desire of his parliament, he had now directed to return to
his dominions in Germany, relying with pleasure on the spirit and zeal
of his people, in defence of his person and realm. He told the commons
that he confided in their wisdom, for preferring more vigorous efforts,
though more expensive, to a less effectual, and therefore less frugal
plan of war; that he had placed before them the dangers and necessities
of the public; and it was their duty to lay the burdens they should
judge unavoidable in such a manner as would least disturb and exhaust
his people. He expressed his concern for the sufferings of the poor,
arising from the present dearth of corn, and for the disturbances to
which it had given rise; and exhorted his parliament to consider of
proper provisions for preventing the like mischiefs hereafter. He
concluded with remarking, that unprosperous events of war in the
Mediterranean, had drawn from his subjects signal proofs how dearly
they tendered the honour of his crown; therefore, they could not, on his
part, fail to meet with just returns of unwearied care, and unceasing
endeavours for the glory, prosperity, and happiness of his people.

DEBATES ON THE ADDRESS.

The king having retired from the house of peers, the speech was read by
lord Sandys, appointed to act as speaker to that house; then earl Gower
moved for an address, which, however, was not carried without objection.
In one part of it his majesty was thanked for having caused a body of
electoral troops to come into England at the request of his parliament;
and this article was disagreeable to those who had disapproved of the
request in the last session. They said they wished to see the present
address unanimously agreed to by the lords; a satisfaction they could
not have, if such a paragraph should be inserted; for they still thought
the bringing over Hanoverian troops a preposterous measure; because
it had not only loaded the nation with an enormous expense, but also
furnished the court of France with a plausible pretence for invading the
electorate, which otherwise it would have