had been
frighted away by the revolution, were now encouraged by the treaty
of Ryswick to return, and appeared in all public places of London and
Westminster with remarkable effrontery. The enemies of the government
whispered about that the treaty contained a secret article in favour
of those who professed that religion; and some did not even scruple to
insinuate that William was a papist in his heart. The commons, alarmed
at the number and insolence of those religionists, desired the king, in
an address, to remove by proclamation all papists and nonjurors from the
city of London and parts adjacent, and put the laws in execution
against them, that the wicked designs they were always hatching might be
effectually disappointed. The king gratified them in their request of
a proclamation, which was not much regarded; but a remarkable law was
enacted against papists in the course of the ensuing session. The old
East India company, about this period, petitioned the lower house to
make some provision that their corporation might subsist for the residue
of the term of twenty-one years granted by his majesty's charter; that
the payment of the five pounds per cent. by the late act for settling
the trade to the East Indies, might be settled and adjusted in such
a manner as not to remain a burden on the petitioners; and that such
further considerations might be had for their relief, and for the
preservation of the East India trade, as should be thought reasonable.
A bill was brought in upon the subject of this petition, but rejected
at the second reading. Discontents had risen to such a height, that some
members began to assert they were not bound to maintain the votes
and credit of the former parliament; and, upon this maxim, would have
contributed their interest towards a repeal of the act made in favour of
the new company: but such a scheme was of too dangerous consequence to
the public credit to be carried into execution.

That spirit of peevishness which could not be gratified with this
sacrifice, produced an inquiry into the management of naval affairs,
which was aimed at the earl of Orford, a nobleman whose power gave
umbrage, and whose wealth excited envy. He officiated both as treasurer
of the navy and lord commissioner of the admiralty, and seemed to have
forgot the sphere from which he had risen to title and office. The
commons drew up an address complaining of some unimportant articles of
mismanagement in the conduct o