Sir Thomas Hale, Thomas Meredith. Kingston, Sir William St. Quinten, Knaresborough, Lancaster Towen, Leicester Town, Sir John Molesworth, Lewes, Sir Thomas Travers. London, Sir Robert Clayton, Ludlow, Lyme-Regis, Lynn-Regis, Sir John Turner, Sir Charles Turner. Sir Robert Marsham, Sir William Strickland, Marlborough, Rd. Earl of Ranelagh, Sir James Etheridge, Mawes, (St.) Melcombe-Regis, Sir Thomas Travel, Michael (St.) Anthony Rowe. Monmouth Town, Sir George Markham. Newcastle upon Tine, Newton, (Lancashire) Northampton Town, Sir Thomas Willoughby, Nottingham Town, Sir Edmund Bacon, Oxfordshire, Sir Robert Jenkinson, Oxford University, Pembroke Town, Retford, John Thornhaugh, Sir Willoughby Hickman Thomas York, Sir Joseph Williamson, Sir Charles Sedley, Rullandshire, Sir Thomas Mackworth, Rye, Sir John Parsons, Sir Humphrey Briggs, Salop Town, John Michell. Surum New, Sir Tho. Mompesson. Southampton, John Cholmondeley. Stamford, Thirsk, Sir Godfrey Copley, Charles Spencer, Warwickshire, Wendover, John Backwell, Sir William Forester, Weobly, Westbury, James Vernon, Viscount Fitzharding, Sir George Hungerford, Woodstock, Speaker to this Parliament, Sir THOMAS LITTLETON. Mr. Harley chosen Speaker.] Feb. 6. The New Parliament, according to the writs of summons, met at Westminster, and was prorogued to Monday the 10th, when the King came to the house of peers, and sending for the commons signified to them by the Lord Keeper, that they should forthwith proceed to the choice of a fit person to be their Speaker, and present him to his majesty. The next day, the commons returning to their house, made choice of Robert Harley, esq. * who was the next day presented and approved by the king. The King's Speech on opening the Session.] After which, his majesty made this Speech to both houses: "My Lords and Gentlemen; Our great misfortune in the loss of the duke of Gloucester, f * "The man, on whose management of the house of commons, the new ministry depended, was Mr. Robert Harley, the heir of a family, which had hitherto been the most eminent of the Presbyterian party. His education was in that way; but he, not being considered at the Revolution, as he thought he deserved, had set himself to oppose the court in every thing, and to find fault with the whole administration. He had the chief hand both in the reduction of the army, and in the matter of the Irish Grants. The high party trusted him, though he still kept up an interest among the Presbyterians; and he had so particular a dexterity, that he made both the high church party and the Dissenters depend upon him; so it was agreed, that he should be Speaker.-Sir Thomas Littleton had been sent for by the king, who told him, that he thought it would be for his service, that he should give way at that time to Mr. Harley's being chosen into that office; which sir Thomas acquiesced in, and accordingly absented himself from the house on the day or election, when Mr. Harley, being the first person proposed for Speaker, and afterwards si: Richard Onslow named by others, the former had 249 votes for him, against 125 in the negative." Tindal. "By the death of the duke of Gloucester, the protestant interest was exposed to new dangers; for as he was the last protestant heir in the act of settlement, so his relation to the exiled family, his birth within the kingdom, and his talents, which were promising, united the attachment of every party, and ensured his peaceable accession, at some future day, to the throne of England." Somerville. hath made it absolutely necessary that there | should be a further provision for the Succession to the Crown in the Protestant line, after me and the princess. The happiness of the nation, and the security of our Religion, which is our chiefest concern, seems so much to depend upon this, that I cannot doubt but it will ineet with a general concurrence: And I earnestly recommend it to your early and effectual consideration. The death of the late king of Spain, with the Declaration of his Successor to that monarchy, has made so great an alteration in the affairs abroad, that I must desire you very maturely to consider their present state; and I make no doubt but your resolutions thereupon will be such, as shall be most conducing to the interest and safety of England, the preservation of the Protestant Religion in general, and the peace of all Europe.-These things are of such weight, that I have thought them most proper for the consideration of a New Parliament, to have the more immediate sense of the kingdom in so great a conjuncture.-I must desire of you, Gentlemen of the House of Commons, such Supplies as you shall judge necessary for the service of the current year; and I must particularly put you in mind of the Deficiencies and Public Debts occasioned by the late War, that are yet unprovided for.-I am obliged further to recommend to you, that you would inspect the condition of the Fleet, and consider what repairs or augmentations may be requisite for the Navy, which is the great bulwark of the English nation, and ought, at this conjuncture most especially, to be put into a good condition; and that you would also consider, what is proper for the better security of those places where the ships are laid up in winter.-The Regulation and Improvement of our Trade, is of so public concern, that I hope it will ever have your serious thoughts; and if you can find proper means of setting the Poor at work, you will ease yourselves of a very great burthen; and at the same time add so many useful hands to be employed in our manufactures, and other public occasions.-My Lords and Gentlemen; I hope there will be such an agreement and vigour in the resolutions you shall take, upon the important matters now before you, as may make it appear, we are firmly united among ourselves; and in my opinion nothing can contribute more to our safety at home, or to our being considerable abroad." Address of the Commons to support the King.] The Commons spent the two succeeding days in qualifying themselves; and on the 13th began with the business of Bribery in Elections, which was a matter of long debates and censures." "As soon as the parliament was opened, it appeared, that the French had a great party in it. It is certain, great sums caine over this winter from France; the pacquet-boat came seldom without 10,000 Louis d'Ors: it often brought more. The nation was filled with them, and in six months time a million of guineas were coined out of them. The inerchants Vol. V. On the 14th, upon reading his majesty's Speech, they came to this Resolution; on a division Yeas 181; Noes 160: "That they would stand by and support his majesty and his government, and take such effectual measures as may best conduce to the interest and safety of England, the preservation of the Protestant Religion, and the peace of Europe." The King's Answer.] This Resolution was presented to his majesty by the whole house, on the 17th; the king gave them this Answer: indeed said, that the balance of trade was then so much turned to our side, that whereas we used to carry over a million of our money in specie, we then sent no money to France, and had at least half that sum sent over to balance the trade. Yet this did not account for that vast flood of French gold, that was visible in the nation. And, upon the departure of M, de Tatlard, the French embassador, whose place was supplied by M. Poussin, with the character only of Secretary, a very visible alteration was found in the bills of exchange. For which reason it was concluded that great remittances had been made to that ambassador, and that these were distributed among those, who resolved to merit a share in that wealth, which came over so copiously beyond the example of former times. Upon the view of the house it appeared evidently, that the Tories were a great majority; yet they, to make the matter sure, resolved to clear the house of a great many, who were engaged in another interest. Reports were brought to them of Elections, that had been scandalously purchased by some, who were concerned in the new East-India Company. Instead of drinking and entertainments, by which elections were formerly managed, now a most scandalous practice was brought in of buying votes, with so little decency, that the electors engaged themselves by subscriptions to chuse a blank person, before they were trusted with the name of their candidate. The old East-India Company had driven a course of corruption within doors with so little shame, that the new company intended to follow their example, but with this difference, that, whereas the former had bought the persons, who were elected, they resolved to buy elections. Sir Edward Seymour, who had dealt in this corruption his whole life-time, and when the old company was said to have bought before at a very high price, brought before the house of commons the discovery of some of the practices of the new company. The examining of these took up many days. In conclusion, the matter was so well proved, that several elections were declared void; and some of the persons so chosen were for some time kept in prison, after they had been expelled the house. In these proceedings great partiality appeared; for, when in some cases corruption was proved clearly against some of the Tory party, and but doubtfully against some of the contrary side, that, which was voted corruption in the Whigs, was called the giving alms in the Tories." Tindal. 4 K "I thank you for this. Address*, and your ready concurrence to those great ends therein mentioned, which I take to be extremely important to the honour and safety of England; and I assure you, I shall never propose any thing but what is for our common advantage and security. Having this occasion, I think it proper to acquaint you, that yesterday I received a Memorial from the Envoy extraordinary of the States General, a translation whereof I leave with you: As to the first part of it, I think it necessary to ask your Advice, as to the latter part I desire your Assistance." A second and third Address.] Upon the Report of the king's Answer, to their Address abovementioned, the Commons farther resolved, "That an humble Address be made to his majesty, that he will please to cause the Treaty between England and the States General of the 3rd of March 1677, and all the renewals thereof since that time, to be laid before the house." Which his majesty commanded to be done by Mr. Secretary Hedges. And the house was so well satisfied, that on the 20th they resolved, "That an humble Address be made to his majesty, that he will please to enter into such Negotiations, in concert with the States-General | of the United Provinces, and other potentates, as may most effectually conduce to the mutual safety of these kingdoms, and the States-General, and the preservation of the peace of Europe; and giving him assurances of support and assistance, in performance of the Treaty made with the States-General, the 3rd of March 1677." The King's Answer.] This Address was presented by the whole house on the 21st. And his majesty was pleased to return the following Answer: "Gentlemen; I thank you heartily for the Advice you have given me, and your unanimous Resolution to support and assist me, in making good the Treaty mentioned in your Address; and I will immediately order my ministers abroad, to enter into negotiations in concert with the States-General, and other potentates, for the attaining those great ends which you desire. Nothing can more effectually conduce to our security, than the unanimity and vigour you have shewed on this occasion: and I shall always endeavour on my part to preserve and increase this mutual trust and confidence between us." The King communicates to both Houses the Earl of Melfort's Letter to the Earl of Perth.] "A design was laid in the house of commons, to open the session with an Address to the king, that he would own the king of Spain. The matter was so far concerted, that they had agreed on the words of the Vote, and seemed not to doubt of the concurrence of the house. But Mr. Monkton opposed it with great heat, and among other things said, That if this Vote was carried he should expect, that the next vote would be for owning the pretended prince of Wales." Tindal. Feb. 17. Mr. Secretary Vernon communicated to the Commons by his majesty's orders a Letter, which came to London not designedly, as is supposed, in the French mail. This letter was dated the 18th Feb. N. S. and was written by the earl of Melfort to his brother the earl of Perth, then governor to the pretended prince of Wales. It contained his schemes to set on foot another Invasion, and discovered that he held a close correspondence with the earl of Arran, now duke of Hamilton. Melfort urged in it many arguments, to get the earl of Middleton discarded, and recommended himself, as much fitter to be trusted. Address of the Lords on the King's Speech.] This Letter was also communicated to the house of lords, who ordered it to be printed, and the next day presented an Address to the king, "humbly returning their thanks and acknowledgments to his majesty for his concern expressed in his Speech for the Protestant Religion, and his care for its preservation, by recommending to their consideration a further provision for the Succession to the crown in the Protestant line. They added, that, being deeply sensible of the weight of what his majesty had further recommended to them, they could not but desire he would be pleased to order all Treaties made by him, since the late war, to be laid before them, that they might thereby be better enabled to give their advice. They likewise requested his majesty to engage in such alliances abroad, as he should think proper for preserving the balance of Europe, assuring him, that they would readily concur with whatever should be conducive to the honour and safety of England, preservation of the Protestant Religion, and the peace of Europe. Next they humbly thanked his majesty for communicating the earl of Melfort's Letter to them, and desired he would be pleased to order the seizing of all horses and arms of Papists, and other disaffected persons, and have those ill men removed from London, according to law; but especially they desired he would please to give directions for a search to be made after arms and provisions of war mentioned in the letter. Lastly, they requested, that such a fleet might speedily be fitted out, as his majesty in his great wisdom should think necessary for the defence of himself and kingdoms." His majesty thanked their lordships for this Address, and for the concern they expressed in relation to the common security both at home and abroad; and told them, he would give the necessary orders for those things they desired of him, and take care for fitting out such Ships, as in that conjuncture should be necessary for their common safety. First Vate in relation to the Protestant Saccession.] March 3. On consideration of that part of his maj.'s Speech, which related to the Succession, the commons resolved, "That for the preserving the peace and happiness of this kingdom, and the security of the Protestant Religion by law established, it is absolutely necessary, a further Declaration be made of the Limitation and Succession of the crown, in the Protestant Line, after his majesty, and the princess, and the heirs of their bodies respectively. And that farther Provision be first made, for Security of the Rights and Liberties of the people." ations in concert with the States-General of the United Provinces, and other potentates, for the mutual security of England and Holland, and the preservation of the Peace of Europe, according to an Address of this house to that effect: and the said Mr. Stanhope having transmitted to his majesty, Copies of the Demands made by himself and the Deputies of the States upon that subject, to the French Ambassador there; his majesty hath thought fit to communicate the same to you, it being his majesty's gracious intention, and to acquaint you from time to time with the State and Progress of those Negotiations, into which he has entered pursuant to your Address above-mentioned. Kensington 17th March, 1700." : Address of the Commons on the PartitionTreaty.] When this Message was taken into the consideration of the commons on the 21st of March, they began with the great obstruction to it, the Treaty of Partition and after reading the said Message, the Proposals made to the French ambassador by Mr. Stanhope, and the Resolution of the States-General for treating with M. d'Avaux, they resolved, That the Treaty of Partition be read; and after reading of it, they proceeded to this Resolution, Heads of the Bill of Succession.] March 12. Mr. Conyers reported the further Resolutions of the Committee appointed for that purpose; and the house did then agree and resolve, 1. "That all things relating to the well-governing of this kingdom, which are properly cognizable in the Privy-Council, shall be transacted there, and all Resolutions, taken thereupon, shall be signed by the Privy-Council. 2. That no person whatsoever, that is not a native of England, Scotland or Ireland, or the dominious thereunto belonging; or who is not born of English parents beyond the seas (although such person be naturalized or made denison) shall be capable of any grant of lands, tenements or hereditaments from the crown, to himself, or any other in trust for him. 3. That upon the further limitation of the crown, in case the same shall hereafter come to any person not being a native of this kingdom of England, this nation be not obliged to engage in any War," That an humble Address be presented to his for the defence of any dominion, or territories not belonging to the crown of England, with out the consent of parliament. 4. That whosoever shall hereafter come to the possession of this crown, shall join in communion with the Church of England as by the law established. 5. That no Pardon be pleadable to any Impeachment in Parliament. 6. That no person who shall hereafter come to the possession of this crown, shall go out of the dominions of England, Scotland, or Ireland, without consent of parliament. 7. That no person who has any Office under the king, or receives a Pension from the crown, shall be capable of serving as a member of the house of commons. 8. That further provision be made, for the confirming of all Laws and Statutes for the securing our Religion, and the Rights and Liberties of the people. 9. That Judges commissions be made quam diu se bene gesserint, and their salaries ascertained and established: but upon the Address of either house of parliament, it "Gentlemen; I am glad you are pleased may be lawful to remove them. 10. That the with my communicating to you the State of the princess Sophia, dutchess dowager of Hanover, Negotiations I have entered into, pursuant to be declared the next in Succession to the crown your Address; I shall continue to inform you of England in the Protestant Line, after his of the Progress that shall be made in them; majesty and the princess, and the heirs of their and be always willing to receive your Advice bodies respectively; and that the further limi- thereupon; being fully persuaded, that nothing tation of the crown be to the said princess So- can contribute more effectually to the happiphia and the heirs of her body, being Protes-ness of this kingdom, and the Peace of Europe, tants. 11. That a Bill be brought in upon the said Resolutions." The King's Message relative to the Partition Treaty.] March 18. The following Message was delivered to the house of commons by Mr. Secretary Hedges: "W. R. His majesty having directed Mr. Stanhope, his envoy extraordinary and plenipotentiary at the Hague, to enter into Negoti majesty; to return the Thanks of this house for his gracious Message, wherein he is pleased to communicate his royal intentions, to acquaint this house from time to time with the state and progress of those Negotiations, into which his majesty had entered pursuant to the address of this house. And also to lay before his majesty the ill consequences of the Treaty of Partition (passed under the great seal of England, during the sitting of parliament, and without the Advice of the same) to the peace of Europe, whereby such large territories of the king of Spain's Dominions were to be delivered up to the French king." The King's Answer.] When this Address was presented to the king, he did somewhat resent the unkindness of it; and thought there was much more reason to complain of the perfidious breach of the Treaty, than of the making of it. However, to decline the entering into any defence of it, he gave this Answer: than the concurrence of the parliament in all my Negotiations, and a good understanding between me and my people." The Partition Treaty debated in the House of Lords.] March 14. The Lords taking the Partition-Treaty into consideration, some days after, they loudly expressed their disapprobation thereon, which they wholly laid at the earl of Portland's door. His lordship however excused |