Banff. James earl Fife. Bute and Caithness. Kenneth, viscount Fortrose; of Ireland; in 1771, he was created earl of Seaforth in Ireland. Kinross and Clackmannan. Robert Adam; architect to the board of works, and clerk of the works to Chelsea hospital. Cromartie and Nairn. William Pulteney; second son of sir James Johnstone, bart. Dumfries. Archibald Douglas; made a lieutenant-general. Dunbarton. Archibald Edmonstone; created a baronet of Great Britain, May, 3, 1774. Edinburgh. Sir Alexander Gilmour. Elgin. Francis Grant; brother to sir Ludovick Grant; colonel of a regiment of foot; made a major-general in 1770. Fife. John Scot; colonel of a regiment of foot. Forfar. William earl Panmure; in 1770 made a general, and colonel of the 2d or royal regiment of Scots Greys. Haddington. Sir George Suttie. Inverness. Simon Fraser; made a ma- Kincardine. Robert Rickart Hepburn; a Linlithgow. John Hope; eldest son of Peebles. James Montgomery; lord ad- Perth. David Græme; made a liente- Renfrew. William M'Dowall. treasurer of the navy; a new writ or- Selkirk. John Pringle. Stirling. Thomas Dundas; only son of sir Laurence Dundas, baronet. Sutherland. James Wemyss; third son of the late earl of Wemyss; a lieutenant in the navy. Wigton. James Murray. Edinburgh City. Sir Lawrence Dundas. BURGHS OF Kirkwall, &c. Alexander Mackay; uncle to lord Reay; colonel of a regiment of foot; made a major-general in April 1770; made steward of the three Chiltern Hundreds in the county of Buckingham; a new writ ordered, March 26, 1773.--James Grant; governor of East Florida, and lieutenant-colonel of the 40th regiment of foot. Inverness, &c. Hector Munro; lieutenant-colonel in the army. Elgin, &c. Sir Andrew Mitchell; died, a new writ ordered, February 1771. --Thomas Lockhart; a counsellor at law. Aberdeen, &c. Thomas Lyon; only brother to the earl of Strathmore, Forfar, &c. William Pulteney; made his election for the county of Cromarty; al new writ ordered, March 3, 1769.-George Dempster. Crail, &c. Sir John Anstruther. Kirkaldy, &c. James Townshend Oswald; only son of the late member; made secretary for the Leeward Islands; a new writ ordered, January 21, 1772, he was re-elected. Inverkeithing, &c. James Masterton; made barrack-master-general in Scotland; a new writ ordered, May 9, 1769, he was re-elected. Glasgow, &c. Lord Frederick Campbell; made lord clerk register for Scotland; a new writ ordered, November 10, 1768, he was re-elected. Selkirk, &c. John Lockhart Ross; made his election for the county of Lanark; a new writ ordered, November 29, 1768. --James Dickson; a merchant in London; died, and the Speaker issued his warrant to the clerk of the crown to make out a new writ, November 1771. Sir James Cockburne; a director of the East India company. Haddington, &c. Patrick Warrender; Dumfries, &c. William Douglas. Mr. Tyrwhitt, It is our present business to proceed to the election of a proper person to preside as Speaker; a business of no small importance; for on this choice depend the regularity and dignity of our proceedings in the course of this parliament. If ability, integrity, impartiality, a firm attachment to our happy constitution, a zeal for the rights and privileges, joined to a perfect knowledge of the rules and orders of this House, are qualifications requisite for a Speaker, in whom shall we more surely find them, than in the right hon. gentleman, who, during the last parliament, filled that Chair with so much honour to himself, and so much satisfaction to the House? Those who were members of that parliament, must feel that what I say falls short of his real deserts; those who were not, and consequently had not an opportunity of being so immediately acquainted with his merit, will very soon be sensible that my commendations are poor and insufficient, though built upon the truest ground. the House, in me, who possess so little the It would shew great want of respect to talent of speaking, were I to detain them long upon a subject, in which I am per Ayr, &c. James Stuart; second son of suaded the wishes of every body go hand the earl of Bute. SIXTEEN PEERS OF SCOTLAND. Duke of Gordon. Argyle; died in 1770; (earl of Stair in his room.) Athol, Earl of Morton, died in 1769; (marquis of Lothian in his stead.) Eglintoun; died in 1769, (earl of Errol in his stead.) in hand with mine; and therefore each person can form to himself better reasons for agreeing with me, than I am capable of offering. This unanimous consent, which I felt myself sure to meet, is what has given me courage to take upon myself to make this motion, unaccustomed as I am to speak in public, conscious as I am of my inability *From the Commons' Journals. either to afford the least entertainment, or | experience of the last parliament, and the convey the smallest instruction. certain assurance which that, and only that, can give. I will trouble the House no farther, than to beg of them to join with me in intreating that right hon. gentleman again to take upon him this laborious task. I do therefore move, That the right hon. sir John Cust be desired to take the Chair as Speaker. Then the right hon. Henry lord viscount Palmerston, addressing himself likewise to the Clerk (who, standing up, pointed to him, and then sat down), spake to the following effect: Mr. Tyrwhitt, I rise to second the noble lord's motion, rather in compliance with the forms of the House, and from a desire to shew my hearty approbation of the proposition he has made, than because it seems to require any farther arguments to support it. Among the various objects which employ the attention of a new parliament, the choice of a proper person to fill the high office of Speaker must ever be of great importance, since it must in some degree operate upon every matter that can come under our consideration; and it becomes still more important, in proportion as the situation of our affairs becomes more nice and full of difficulty. Few parliaments have ever met at a more interesting crisis than the present; nor can the annals of our history furnish many periods of time that have called so loudly for the utmost exertion of parliamentary wisdom, or afforded so ample a field for its deliberations. Happily we now enjoy the blessings of peace; and it imports us to remember, that the hour of tranquillity is the hour of resource: the fate of this country, for ages, may, perhaps, depend❘ on the counsels of the present parliament; surely then we cannot be too cautious whom we appoint to preside over them. In vain shall we expect that our proceedings should be attended with their due weight and efficacy, if he who fills our Chair possesses not that worth and those talents which give dignity to power, and make authority respectable. Within these walls many gentlemen might doubtless be found, whom we might deem worthy of so important a trust, and whose conduct we might reasonably hope would justify our opinion; but I congratulate the House that we have something stronger than opinion on which to ground our confidence, we have experience, the I will not so much offend the delicacy of the right hon. member who has lately presided here, or do so much injustice to his character, as to attempt to describe it; his best advocates are his actions; I appeal to them; and they will speak for him in such a strain, as must drown the feeble voice of panegyric. I feel it more becoming me to leave to gentlemen's own recollection, the wisdom, the knowledge, the integrity, the impartiality, the zeal, the assiduity, with which the right hon. gen tleman has already executed his high office; and to content myself with paying to his merits the most honourable tribute which it is in my power to offer, by seconding my noble friend's motion, that the right hon. sir John Cust do take the Chair of this House, as Speaker. The House calling sir John Cust to the Chair, he stood up in his place, and said, "Mr. Tyrwhitt, "It is a natural, and I will add a commendable, ambition in every one, to wish for the approbation of his country. "This ambition in me, cannot be more amply gratified, than by the favourable sentiments which the two noble lords have expressed of my past conduct, and by the kind manner in which their partiality to me has induced them to recommend me to the House, for the very important, but very arduous charge, of again filling that Chair. "I am truly sensible of my obligations to the noble lords, and shall ever set the highest value upon their good opinion; but I must entreat them, as well as the House, to reflect, that abilities, far superior to any which I can boast, are requisite for that high station. "The experience which I may be supposed to have gained in a former parliament, has indeed taught me what are the necessary qualifications; but it has, at the same time, convinced me how few of them I possess. "Notwithstanding my most diligent endeavours to discharge my duty, and to answer, in the smallest degree, the expectations of the last House of Commons, when they did me the unmerited honour of calling me unanimously to that Chair, the difficulties would have been too great for me to have surmounted, without the peculiar favour and indulgence of that I must beg leave to congratulate the whole House on this occasion; the elder part, who would always be ready to lend you assistance and support in arduous and difficult points, on the ease they will find in your being able, in so masterly a manner, to clear up and elucidate any thing that might appear doubtful; the younger, and those gentlemen who have never sat in parliament before, on the favour and indulgence they will be sure to meet with from you. House; of which, as no one ever stood in greater need, so no one ever had a greater share, and which I shall ever remember with the greatest gratitude. It would be as unreasonable in me to ask, as for this House to grant, the same: and therefore, that their proceedings may receive no detriment from my defects; that their weight, their authority, and the reverence which is due to them, may be preserved; I hope they will permit me to enjoy the satisfaction, as a private member, of seeing my past conduct thus approved; and that, among so many gentlemen of greater knowledge and experience, they will turn their thoughts upon one every way worthier of their choice than myself." The House again calling sir John Cust to the Chair, he was taken out of his place by lord Charles Spencer and lord viscount Palmerston, who led him from thence to the Chair; where, upon the first step, he said, "I must beg leave to remind gentlemen, that they have yet an opportunity to re-consider a resolution, which I am afraid they have too hastily taken, and to recall me to do my duty as a private mem. ber." But the Members cried, 'No, No.' Whereupon sir John Cust ascended the upper step of the Chair; and standing there, said, "It would ill-become me to dispute any longer the commands of this House, to which I shall at all times pay an implicit obedience. I cannot sufficiently express my acknowledgments for their favourable acceptance of my past endeavours to do my duty in this place; but I hope they will permit me to lay my imperfections before his Majesty to-morrow." 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. John Shelley said, Mr. Speaker; the deference and dutiful respect I wish always to pay to the proceedings of this House, will not permit me to be satisfied with only making the usual motion for adjournment, after the election of a Speaker: I cannot therefore deny myself the pleasure of testifying the high satisfaction I feel on seeing you again called upon to that important trust; as I am happy of this opportunity of shewing you personal regard and attention. The fortune, Sir, you not only have in possession, but still so great in reversion, is an additional circumstance that must add weight and dignity to the Chair you now fill, as well as be a security to the public of your being above the temptation of little worldly allurements: as to your integrity, it would be presumption to mention it; as your actions, in the course of the last parliament, gave the strongest demonstrations of it; so that a repetition of them, if spoke with truth, must look like flattery. I will now, Sir, detain you and the House no longer, than to move to adjourn; and therefore I move you, that this House do adjourn till to-morrow morning, eleven of the clock. The Speaker's Speech on being presented and approved of.] May 11. The Lords Commissioners sent for the Commons, who being come, The Speaker-Elect said, "My Lords, "His Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of Great Britain, in parliament assembled, have, in pursuance of his royal directions, and according to their undoubted rights, proceeded to the election of one of their members to be their Speaker, among so many of them better qualified for this high and important trust, their choice has again fallen upon me. "His Majesty must, I am afraid, have observed so many imperfections in my conduct during the last parliament, that I need urge no other reasons to induce his Majesty to give his faithful Commons an opportunity of presenting one worthier of their choice, and his Majesty's royal approbation." Then the Lord Chancellor said, "Sir John Cust; "Your conduct, during the last par liament, in that important trust to which you are now again called, hath given his Majesty the fullest and most convincing proof of your great knowledge, wisdom and sufficiency: and his Majesty hath commanded us to let you know, that he entirely approves the choice which his Commons have made; and we do, by virtue of his Majesty's commission, and in his name, allow and confirm you to be their Speaker." Then Mr. Speaker said: "My lords; it is my duty to resign myself, as I do, to his Majesty's determination, and to beseech his Majesty's acceptance of my most humble and dutiful acknowledgements for this fresh mark of his grace and favour. I have had such ample experience of his Majesty's goodness, that, for my encouragement in the execution of this great trust, I cannot doubt of his Majesty's making all just allowances for my failings, of his pardon for all my future involuntary errors, at least that they may not be imputed to his faithful Commons. That they may be the better enabled to do 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 their persons, their estates, and servants, may be free from arrests and all molestations; that they may enjoy liberty of speech in all their debates; may have access to his Majesty's royal person whenever 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 command from the King, to acquaint you, that his Majesty is fully persuaded of the prudence and temper of this House of Commons, as well as of their duty and loyalty. "And we do, by virtue of his Majesty's cominission, 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 predeces sors. "As to what concerns yourself, Sir, though his Majesty is convinced that a person of your wisdom and discretion can never stand in need of that pardon which your modesty hath induced you to ask, yet his Majesty hath commanded us to assure you, that you may rely upon his gracious support and acceptance in your execution of this high and important charge, and that he will put the most favourable construction upon all your words and actions." The Lords' Commissioners Speech on opening Session.] After which, the Lord Chancellor made the following Speech to both Houses; "My Lords, and Gentlemen, "In pursuance of the authority given us by his Majesty's commission, under the great seal, amongst other things, to declare the causes of your present meeting: we are, by the King's command, to acquaint you, that his Majesty has not called you together at this unusual season of the year, in order to lay before you any matters of general business, but merely to give you an opportunity of dispatching certain parliamentary proceedings, which his Majesty's desire of providing, at all events, for the welfare and security of his good subjects, makes him wish to see completed as soon as possible, and with that dispatch which the public convenience, as well as your own, required. His Majesty, at the same time, has commanded us to assure you of his perfect confidence in this parliament, and that he has the strongest reason to expect every thing from their advice and assistance that loyalty, wisdom, and zeal for the public good, can dictate or suggest." Joint Address of Thanks.] Then the Commons withdrew; and the following Joint Address, moved in the Lords by the duke of Northumberland, was agreed to, and ordered to be sent down to the Commons; by whom it was also approved of: "Most Gracious Sovereign, "We your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lords spiritual and temporal, and Commons, in parliament assembled, beg leave to return your Majesty our most hearty thanks for that gracious and paternal attention to the welfare of your people, which has induced your Majesty at this time to interpose your own more immediate authority for putting an end to that dangerous disturbance of the public peace, those outrageous acts of violence to the property of your Majesty's subjects, and that most audacious defiance of the authority of the civil magistrates, |