son and heir apparent of the most noble John duke of Rutland, one of the knights of the shire for the county of Cambridge, addressing himself to the Clerk (who, standing up, pointed to him, and then sat down), spoke to the effect following:

Mr. Dyson;

As it is necessary, before we proceed in any business, to make choice of a proper person to preside in our future deliberations and debates, I rise, if the House will give me leave, in order to propose one.

That Chair is not a post of ease and repose, but of great labour and activity: It requires a person of a distinguished character, whose authority may the better support the dignity of this House.

It is of the greatest consequence, that we chuse the most able person we can find to supply this important office; for the qualifications of a Speaker must necessarily have great weight and influence in our proceedings; and the public business, as the person we shall fix on may prove more or less expert, will accordingly be either facilitated or obstructed, expedited or perplexed.

That honourable Chair, Sir, demands, in the person who shall be destined to fill it, many talents and many virtues: it requires, in general, great abilities; it requires, in particular, an exact skill in the orders, rules, and methods, of parliament; it requires a perfect knowledge of all the powers and privileges of this House, and a consummate experience in the infinite variety of business necessarily to be transacted within these walls: besides these

a zeal and affection for the rights and liberties of the Commons of Great Britain.

I perceive every gentleman's eyes are already fixed on the right hon. Mr. Onslow; I do not doubt, therefore, but I shall meet with the unanimous approbation of this House, when I move, that Mr. Onslow may be desired to accept of this important trust; and that he will again take possession of that Chair, which he has filled, in four successive parliaments, with the greatest ability and integrity, with so much honour and reputation to himself, to the satisfaction of former parliaments, and to the advantage of this kingdom.

There can but one doubt occur in the choice of Mr. Onslow; and that is, how far he himself can be induced to accept of this important and laborious office; and yet I flatter myself, there is one argument, resulting from his own virtue, and love of his country, which will be able to overrule this difficulty. There is no man, whose long and faithful services give him a juster title to repose and dignity, than Mr. Onslow: no man has a stricter or more indisputable claim to every argument of self-defence, that can possibly excuse his embarking again in this laborious office; no man can forego the arguments with greater grace and dignity; no man so likely to sacrifice every consideration of personal ease and advantage to the interest of the public, and to the importunities of this House, than himself. I therefore move, "That the right hon. Arthur Onslow, esq. be desired to take the Chair as Speaker."

"

Very difficult indeed, Sir, it is to find so many great qualifications united in any one person; yet we have the happiness of having one gentleman amongst us, whom experience has shewn us, on many occasions, to be equal, in every shape, to this important office; one whose great ability and integrity has appeared, in innumerable instances, through the course of several successive parliaments; one whose zealous attachment for our present happy establishment, and for the whole constitution of this nation in general, is well known; and who has a heart warm with that zeal and affection, which is the proper character of a Speaker of this House;

Mr. Dyson;

I rise up to second the motion made by the noble lord, who has so perfectly and so elegantly described the eminent virtues and abilities of my very honourable friend, that he has scarce left room for me to say any thing, but to testify my strongest approbation, and to declare the high veneration and esteem I bear his name and person.

This acknowledgment is particularly due from me, as the strongest union and friendship has ever subsisted betwixt his family and mine, connected by the same principles, rivetted by the same views, the

I am particularly happy in being able to dedicate my first attempt of this kind to a person of such high worth, and in a cause so highly to be approved of by every one in this House, that it must reflect honour on me, though I prove very unequal to the task.

It would be extremely unnecessary, as well as presumptuous in me, to aim at a detail of my very honourable friend's excellencies, as every one here must be thoroughly sensible of the great benefits we have reaped from his incessant services and abilities; and, I hope, will readily join in intreating him once more to accept of that office, which he has filled, for so many parliaments, successively, with so much honour, steadiness, and integrity. I beg leave therefore, Mr. Dyson, to assist the noble lord in replacing Mr. Arthur Onslow in the Chair.

The House calling Mr. Onslow to the Chair, he stood up in his place, and said:

« Mr. Dyson,

"Every gentleman here must be sensible of the great honour I have received by the motion the noble lord, and the worthy gentleman, have just now made; and it will not be thought strange to any one, that I should extremely value myself, as indeed I do, upon their favourable thoughts of me, and their recommendation of me to the favour of the House if the length of time, through which I have already passed in this high and painful office, should create in gentlemen an argument for my being called to it again, does it not also, Sir, suggest some very strong reasons against another undertaking of it by me now? I am sure it does-I am sure it ought to do so with me: but, however, Sir, I will not dispute with the House in their commands; I am theirs, to be disposed of as they shall think proper; and shall always deem it a duty to submit, in every thing, my will to their direction."

The House again calling Mr. Onslow to the Chair, he was taken out of his place by the lord marquis of Granby and Mr. Pelham, who led him from thence to the Chair; where, upon the first step, he said,

"It is my duty to inform gentlemen, that it is yet in their power to re-consider what they have done, by calling me back

But the Members cried " No! No!” Whereupon Mr. Onslow ascended the upper step of the Chair, and standing there, said,

"Since gentlemen have commanded me to the place I am now in, it becomes me to return the House, as I do, my humblest thanks for this fresh mark of their kind regard and favour to me."

And thereupon he sat down in the Chair; and then the mace, which before lay under the table, was laid upon the table.

Then the right hon. Wills earl of Hillsborough in the kingdom of Ireland, one of the burgesses for the borough of Warwick, and comptroller of his majesty's houshold, said,

Mr. Speaker; I stand up only to make the usual motion of adjournment, after the election of a Speaker; but I cannot deny myself the pleasure of taking this opportunity to express the high satisfaction I feel in seeing you, Sir, again raised to that great and important office: the uncommon ability and invariable integrity with which I have had the honour to see you discharge the duties of it, in two successive parliaments, are the foundation of that satisfaction.

I beg leave, Sir, to congratulate the House on their having placed in the Chair, one who is thoroughly acquainted with the constitution of this country, and with the laws and privileges of parliament; and who has always placed his glory in the defence and support of them.

I congratulate the elder part of the House, whose particular duty it is to support and advise the Chair, when there is occasion for it, on the ease and security they will feel in the consideration, that the business of parliament is to pass through your hands; and that the honour and dignity of this House are the immediate objects of your attention.

Those members, who have never before sat in parliament, and the younger part of tulate them on the indulgence you will the House, will give me leave to congrashew them-indulgence which I have often experienced, and hope you will still continue to me; and on the instruction you are always willing to give in every way, and constantly do give in the most pleasing and efficacious way, that of example.

Sir, I congratulate the nation in general; for give me leave to say, that you are

tative.

We have received the king's command to present the Speaker to his majesty tomorrow: you will then, Sir, be confirmed in your high office: his majesty will confirm you, Sir, as one whom he knows to be a true and steady friend to liberty, and to this constitution, and, of consequence, zealously attached to his royal person and family.

And now, Sir, give me leave to congratulate you upon the greatest human reward virtue and merit can receive, the concurrent approbation of the best of kings, and of all your fellow subjects. I move you, Sir, that this House do adjourn till to-morrow.

And the House adjourned accordingly Next day, the House being met, and the Speaker elect having taken the Chair, a Message was brought by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. "Mr. Speaker; the Lords, authorised by virtue of his majesty's commission, desire the immediate attendance of this hon. House in the House of Peers." Accordingly, Mr. Speaker elect, with the House, went up to the House of Peers. Where Mr. Speaker elect spoke to the effect following:

"My lords; his majesty's faithful Commons, in parliament assembled, have, in pursuance of his royal direction, and according to their ancient right, proceeded to the election of one of their members to be their Speaker in this parliament; and their choice has again fallen upon me for this great trust.

"From what has passed in several former parliaments, with regard to myself, I did not presume to dispute the commands of the Commons upon this occasion: it is for the same reasons, and from the like principle of duty, I forbear to urge any thing here, against their present resolution, but resign myself entirely to his majesty's pleasure; well knowing his own royal wisdom can have best determined his own choice, either to approve or disapprove what his Commons have now done."

Then the Lord Chancellor said,

"Mr. Onslow; the king has had such ample and satisfactory experience of your great abilities and zeal for the service of himself and your country, in the important station to which you are now a

Then Mr. Speaker said,

"My lords; since his majesty has been pleased to approve the choice the Commons have made of me to be their Speaker, it becomes me to submit to his royal determination, and to receive, with all humility and thankfulness, this fresh instance of his royal grace and favour to me; and, for my encouragement therein, I have an humble hope of the continuance of his pardon of my failings and infirmities in it; at least that they will not, in any faithful Commons: and that they may be wise, be imputed by his majesty to his the better enabled to perform their duty to his majesty, and their country, I do, in their name, and on their behalf, by humble petition to his majesty, lay claim to all their ancient rights and privileges; particularly, That they, their servants, and estates, may be free from arrests, and all freedom of speech in their debates, and other molestations: That they may enjoy have access to his royal person, as occasion shall require: And that all their proceedings may receive from his majesty the most favourable construction."

Then the Lord Chancellor said,

"Mr. Speaker; we have it in com. mand from the king to acquaint you, that his majesty is fully persuaded of the prudence and temper of his House of Commons, as well as of their loyalty and duty.

"And we do by virtue of his majesty's commission, and in his name, declare to you, that the king grants and allows to them all their privileges, in as full and ample manner, as they have at any time heretofore been granted or allowed by his majesty, or any of his royal predecessors.

"As to what you, Sir, have desired on your own behalf, the king has never, through a long course of years, had any reason to apprehend, that you can stand in need of such an indulgence; but his majesty has commanded us to assure you of his gracious support in the discharge of your great and arduous trust; and that he will put the most favourable construction both upon your words and actions.”

laws, and the just authority of my government, in that part of the United Kingdom. "Gentlemen of the House of Commons;

"I have ordered the Estimates for the

encroachments.

"The gradual reduction of the National Debt, which has been so wisely and successfully begun, will, I make no doubt, have your serious and constant attention.

"My Lords and Gentlemen;

"It is unnecessary for me to use any arguments to press upon you unanimity and dispatch in your proceedings. I have had such ample experience of the fidelity, zeal, and good disposition of my parliaments, during the course of my reign, that I trust there is a mutual confidence established between us; the surest pledge of my own, and my people's happiness.

The Lords' Address of Thanks.] His majesty having retired, the following Address, moved by the earl of Waldegrave and seconded by the earl of Breadalbane, was agreed to:

"Most Gracious Sovereign; "We, your majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lords spiritual and temporal in parliament assembled, beg leave to return your majesty our humble thanks for your most gracious Speech from the throne.

"We are truly sensible of your majesty's wise and public-spirited views, to strengthen the foundations, and secure the duration of the general peace, in which every part of Europe is so nearly interested: and nothing can excite our warmest gratitude more than that concern which you are pleased to express, that the advantages of this peace may be rendered lasting to your people, by promoting their commerce, and protecting those possessions which are so essential to it, and are an object of the public care never to be departed from by this country.

The friendly assurances which your majesty has lately received from the king of Spain give us great satisfaction; as we promise ourselves that they will be fol

estates in the Highlands to those public uses to which they stand appropriated by the last parliament, will always be thankfully remembered by us. We shall, with the greatest readiness, concur in any provisions that may render that measure as perfect and useful as possible, for improving that part of the United Kingdom, and preserving its tranquillity.

"The enforcing the due course and execution of the laws, and securing the authority of your majesty's government there, of which those laws have always been the rule, are one and the same object: which will not fail to meet with our constant attention.

"Permit us, Sir, to take this opportunity to renew the most solemn assurances of our inviolable fidelity and affection to your sacred person and government. In this, our duty and our interest unite, and are inseparable. Our resolution is fixed and unalterable, to strengthen your majesty's hands, for preserving the peace, supporting the honour of your crown, and maintaining the rights and possessions of your kingdoms against any encroachments. The maxim graciously laid down by your majesty," that a mutual confidence between you and your parliament is the surest pledge of the happiness both of king and people," is highly worthy a British monarch: And it shall be our zealous endeavour, to demonstrate to the world the stability of that confidence; and, under the protection of the Divine Providence, to transmit to our posterity the blessings of your majesty's reign in the perpetuity of the Protestant Succession in your royal House."

The King's Answer.] To which Address the King gave this Answer:

"My Lords,

"I return you my hearty thanks, for this very dutiful and affectionate Address. The zeal you express for my person and government, and for maintaining the rights and possessions of my crown, cannot fail to have the best effects both at home and abroad. The confidence you repose in me shall always be made use of for the true interest of my people."