nt of their mother-
country.--Equally unaccountable was the miscarriage of
another bill, brought in for regulating the manner of
licensing alehouses, which was read for the first time; but
when a motion was made for a second reading, the question
was put, and it passed in the negative.

SESSION CLOSED.

The longest and warmest debate which was maintained in the course of
this session, arose from a motion for leave to bring in a bill for
shortening the term and duration of future parliaments; a measure truly
patriotic, against which no substantial argument could be produced,
although the motion was rejected by the majority, on pretence, that
whilst the nation was engaged in such a dangerous and expensive war, it
would be improper to think of introducing such an alteration in the
form of government. Reasons of equal strength and solidity will never
be wanting to the patrons and ministers of corruption and venality.
The alteration proposed was nothing less than removing and annulling an
encroachment which had been made on the constitution; it might have
been effected without the least pang or convulsion, to the general
satisfaction of the nation; far from being unreasonable at this
juncture, it would have enhanced the national reputation abroad, and
rendered the war more formidable to the enemies of Great Britain, by
convincing them that it was supported by a ministry and parliament who
stood upon such good terms with the people. Indeed, a quick succession
of parliaments might have disconcerted, and perhaps expelled that
spirit of confidence and generosity which now so remarkably espoused
and gratified the sovereign's predilection for the interest of
Hanover.--Other committees were established, to enquire into the expense
incurred by new lines and fortifications raised at Gibraltar; to examine
the original standards of weights and measures used in England; consider
the laws relating to them, and report their observations, together with
their opinion of the most effectual means for ascertaining and enforcing
uniform standards to be used for the future. The commons were perfectly
satisfied with the new works which had been raised at Gibraltar; and
with respect to the weights and measures, the committee agreed to
certain resolutions, but no further progress was made in this inquiry,
except an order for printing these resolutions, with the appendix;
however, as the boxes containing the standard