ption, because it seemed
to imply, that persons already naturalized would be excluded from
employments in the next reign, though already possessed of the right
of natural-born subjects, a consequence plainly contradictory to the
meaning of the act. Others opposed it, because the lords had already
resolved by a vote, that they would never pass any bill sent up from
the commons, to which a clause foreign to the bill should be tacked;
and this clause they affirmed to be a tack, as an incapacity to hold
employments was a circumstance altogether distinct from a settlement in
money. The queen expressed uncommon eagerness in behalf of this bill;
and the court influence was managed so successfully that it passed
through both houses, though not without an obstinate opposition, and a
formal protest by seven-and-twenty peers.

EARL OF MARLBOROUGH CREATED A DUKE.

The earl of Marlborough arriving in England about the latter end of
November, received the thanks of the commons for his great and signal
services, which were so acceptable to the queen, that she created him
a duke, gratified him with a pension of five thousand pounds upon the
revenue of the post office during his natural life; and in a message
to the commons, expressed a desire that they would find some method to
settle it on the heirs male of his body. This intimation was productive
of warm debates, during which sir Christopher Musgrave observed, that he
would not derogate from the duke's eminent services; but he affirmed
his grace had been very well paid for them by the profitable employments
which he and his duchess enjoyed. The duke, understanding that the
commons were heated by the subject, begged her majesty would rather
forego her gracious message in his behalf, than create any uneasiness
on his account, which might embarrass her affairs, and be of ill
consequence to the public. Then she sent another message to the house,
signifying that the duke of Marlborough had declined her interposition.
Notwithstanding this declaration, the commons in a body presented an
address, acknowledging the eminent services of the duke of Marlborough,
yet expressing their apprehension of making a precedent to alienate the
revenue of the crown, which had been so much reduced by the exorbitant
grants of the late reign, and so lately settled and secured by her
majesty's unparalleled grace and goodness. The queen was satisfied with
their apology; but their refusal in all probability