We all saw with concern, that the members of both houses were detained in town, to lend the wished-for interposition; had the Christmas dividend been the sole object of their attention, the business might have been postponed till the next session, as that is expected to take place before this dividend can be made; and the rather, as those lights may then be had, which could not be expected, though much wished for, at the end of the last session. But as preventing the dividend of 5l. _per cent._ declared for the 5th of July, was the principal object, it was necessary to settle that business before the session was closed; and I believe you are satisfied, Gentlemen, there was sufficient evidence laid by you before both houses, to prove a dividend of 5l. _per cent._ improper and improvident at that time, whether you agree to determine a dividend with the deputy-chairman upon a cash account, or with the chairman upon a general account. The wisdom of the legislature has stopt your dividing at Midsummer, while your ability is doubtful, and has left it in your power, after the beginning of the next session, to make a dividend of 6l. 1-4th at Christmas, if your ability is no longer doubtful at that time. I presume, the first objection is by this time sufficiently answered, that it is clear the legislature made no mistake when they inserted the 24th of June; and that they meant to prevent any dividing between that day and the meeting of parliament. I shall now proceed to the second objection, _viz._ That whether the legislature meant to prevent the dividend of 5l. _per cent._ taking place the 5th of July or not, the act will not have the effect contended for--it is insisted, that the clause (A) which restrains the company from making "any dividend, for, or in respect of, any time subsequent to the 24th of June, 1767," includes no more than the eleven days, between that day and the 5th of July, and will not affect the rest of the half year, but a proportionable dividend may be made up to the 24th of June.