rce of this act
was limited to the duration of the then war with France only. This
regulation very clearly demonstrated, that whatever violences might have
been committed on the ships of neutral nations, they were by no means
countenanced by the legislature, or the body of the people.

NEW MILITIA LAWS.

Every circumstance relating to the reformation of the marine, must be
an important object to a nation whose wealth and power depend upon
navigation and commerce; but a consideration of equal weight was the
establishment of the militia, which, notwithstanding the repeated
endeavours of the parliament, was found still incomplete, and in want
of further assistance from the legislature. His majesty having, by
the chancellor of the exchequer, recommended to the house the making
suitable provision for defraying the charges of the militia during
the current year, the accounts of the expense already incurred by this
establishment were referred to the committee of supply, who, after
having duly perused them, resolved, that ninety thousand pounds should
be granted on account, towards defraying the charges of pay and clothing
for the militia, from the last day of the last year, to the twenty-fifth
day of March in the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty, and for
repaying a sum advanced by the king for this service. Leave was given
to bring in one bill pursuant to this resolution, and another to enforce
the execution of the laws relating to the militia, remove certain
difficulties, and prevent the incenveniencies by which it might be
attended. So intent were the majority on both sides upon this national
measure, that they not only carried both bills to the throne, where they
received the royal assent, but they presented an address to the king,
desiring that his majesty would give directions to his lieutenants
of the several counties, ridings, and places in England, to use their
utmost diligence and attention for carrying into execution the several
acts of parliament relating to the militia. By this time all the
individuals that constituted the representatives of the people, except
such as actually served in the army, were become very well disposed
towards this institution. Those who really wished well to their country
had always exerted themselves in its favour; and it was now likewise
espoused by those who foresaw that the establishment of a national
militia would enable the administration to send the greater number of