He took his seat more proudly than
ever, for he was this year also elected lord mayor of London: a high
dignity for a man whose chief merits were those of agitation.
MEETING OF THE NEW PARLIAMENT.
The new parliament met on the 29th of November when the king signified
his pleasure that the commons should elect a speaker to be presented on
the next day for his approbation. Sir Fletcher Norton was unanimously
re-elected, and on the following day his majesty opened the session with
a speech in the usual form. The leading topic in this speech was the
rebellious spirit displayed in America. His Majesty remarked: "It gives
me much concern that I am obliged at the opening of this parliament, to
inform you that a most daring spirit of resistance and disobedience to
the law still unhappily prevails in the province of Massachusets Bay,
and has, in divers parts of it, broke forth in fresh violences of a very
criminal nature. These proceedings have been countenanced and encouraged
in others of my colonies, and unwarrantable attempts have been made to
obstruct the commerce of this country by unlawful combinations. I have
taken such measures and given such orders as I judged most proper and
effectual for carrying into execution the laws which were passed in the
last session of the late parliament, for the protection and security of
the commerce of my subjects, and for the restoring and preserving peace,
order, and good government in the province of Massachusets Bay; and
you may depend upon my firm and steadfast resolution to withstand every
attempt to weaken or impair the supreme authority of this legislature
over all the dominions of my crown: the maintenance of which I consider
as essential to the dignity, the safety, and the welfare of the British
empire; assuring myself that, while I act upon these principles, I shall
never fail to receive your assistance and support.
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