" In conclusion, his
majesty recommended both houses to proceed with temper and unanimity
in their resolutions, in order that his subjects in every part of his
dominions might be taught by their example to preserve a due reverence
for the laws, and a just sense of the blessings of the British
constitution.
In the debate on the address in the commons, an amendment was proposed
on the part of the opposition, to the effect that his majesty would be
pleased to communicate the whole intelligence received from America,
and to lay all letters, orders, and instructions relating to the late
transactions before parliament. This was opposed by Lord North, who
argued that it was not a proper time for entering into a discussion on
the subject, since matters were in a state of suspense, He said that a
reconcilliation was highly desirable, but as no terms of concession had
been made by the Americans, it could not be expected that England would
offer terms of submission. On the opposition benches the conduct of the
late parliament in passing the American acts was severely censured, and
the prime-minister was taunted with the failure of those acts from
which he had augured such great and beneficial effects. The amendment,
however, was negatived by a majority of 264 against 73, and the original
address carried. Opposition shared the same fate in the lords. The Duke
of Richmond moved an amendment similar to that in the commons, and a hot
debate took place in consequence, but it was lost by a majority of 63
against 13.
Pages:
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362