son who was not a native of his dominions, except his royal highness
prince George of Denmark, should be admitted into his majesty's councils
in England or Ireland. This resolution was levelled against the earls
of Portland, Albemarle, and Galway; but before the address could be
presented, the king went to the house of peers, and having passed the
bill which had produced such a ferment, with some others, commanded
the earl of Bridge-water, speaker of the house in the absence of the
chancellor, who was indisposed, to prorogue the parliament to the
twenty-third day of May.

* Consisting of the lord-chancellor, the lord-president, the
lord privy-seal, the lord-steward of the household, the earl
of Bridge-water, first commissioner of the admiralty, the
earl of Marlborough, the earl of Jersey, and Mr. Montague.

A SEVERE BILL PASSED AGAINST THE PAPISTS.

In the course of this session the commons having prosecuted their
inquiry into the conduct of Kidd, brought in a bill for the more
effectual suppressing of piracy, which passed into a law; understanding
afterwards that Kidd was brought over to England, they presented an
address to the king desiring that he might not be tried, discharged, or
pardoned, till the next session of parliament; and his majesty complied
with their request. Boiling still with indignation against the lord
chancellor, representing the necessity of an immediate parliament. It
was circulated about the kingdom for subscriptions, signed by a great
number of those who sat in parliament, and presented to the king by lord
Boss, who with some others was deputed for that purpose. The king told
them they should know his intention in Scotland; and in the meantime
adjourned their parliament by proclamation. The people exasperated
at this new provocation, began to form the draft of a second national
address, to be signed by the shires and boroughs of the kingdom; but
before this could be finished, the king wrote a letter to the duke of
Queensberry and the privy council of that nation, which was published
for the satisfaction of the people. He professed himself grieved at the
nation's loss, and willing to grant what might be needful for the relief
and ease of the kingdom. He assured them he had their interest at heart;
and that his good subjects should have convincing proofs of his sincere
inclination to advance the wealth and prosperity of that his ancient
kingdom. He said he hoped this d