Page:The Wentworth Papers 1715-1739.djvu/285

 religious observers of our words, and had reproached the French for breach of faith, but now was falHng into their way of distinguishing between the letter and spirit of a treaty. Sir William Windam that proposed the first question, said that under colour of securing the Protestant succession they had made a treaty dishonourable to England, had cnveight against what the Whigs cheifly vindicate this treaty. We ought never to admit forreigners to be judges of our laws. A standing army was what he hoped we should never see in England, but to allow of tweenty or 30,000 forreigners to come over was of more pernicious consequence, and that by this treaty the Dutch might do when ever they judged it proper. This sort of argument against the Garranty of the Dutch was urged likewise by others. The answer to't w^as that they were not to come but in case of the unfortunate day of the demise of the Oueen, and then not to come un- called for. Did they think the Pretender wou'd forbear to land, if he saw no forces to resist him, but only being told there was an act of Parliament against ? Mr. Moor and others put the house in mind when this treaty was made at a time when the administration were in the hands of the late ministry ; and how w^eakly they defended us in the late in- vasion, and how backward the Dutch were in assisting us at that time ; and all the late ministry did was to get an Act of Indemnity to save themselves for their notorious neglects.

On the Birth night I help Mr. Bromley into the Dancing room, so this day when I was carried into the house by some members the Sergeant found me out and wou'd not lett me stay without I sent to ask the Speaker's leave. So I did, and he sent the Sergeant word he cou'd not give me leave because he had refused several that had made application to him, but if he wou'd let me stay he wou'd take no notice, so I obtained my desire.

London, February 22, 17 12. Dear Brother,

The house of Lords divided yesterday whether they shou'd adjourn till Monday or till Saturday. They carried it

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