[270] While the bill regulating the succession was in the House of Commons, a proviso was offered by Mr. Godolphin, that nothing in this act is intended to be drawn into example or consequence hereafter, to prejudice the right of any protestant prince or princess in their hereditary succession to the imperial crown of those realms. This was much opposed by the whigs; both because it tended to let in the son of James II., if he should become a protestant, and for a more secret reason, that they did not like to recognise the continuance of any hereditary right. It was rejected by 179 to 125. _Parl. Hist._ v. 249. The Lords' amendment in favour of the Princess Sophia was lost without a division. _Id._ 339. [271] The Duchess of Savoy put in a very foolish protest against anything that should be done to prejudice _her_ right. Ralph, 924. [272] 12 & 13 w. 3, c. 2. [273] It was frequently contended in the reign of George II. that subsidiary treaties for the defence of Hanover, or rather such as were covertly designed for that and no other purpose, as those with Russia and Hesse Cassel in 1755, were at least contrary to the spirit of the act of settlement. On the other hand it was justly answered that, although in case Hanover should be attacked on the ground of a German quarrel, unconnected with English politics, we were not bound to defend her; yet, if a power at war with England should think fit to consider that electorate as part of the king's dominions (which perhaps according to the law of nations might be done), our honour must require that it should be defended against such an attack. This is true; and yet it shows very forcibly that the separation of the two ought to have been insisted upon; since the present connection engages Great Britain in a very disadvantageous mode of carrying on its wars, without any compensation of national wealth or honour; except indeed that of employing occasionally in its service a very brave and efficient body of troops. [274] 1 G. 1, c. 51. [275] _Life of Clarendon_, 319. [276] "The method is this," says a member in debate; "things are concerted in the cabinet, and then brought to the council; such a thing is resolved in the cabinet, and brought and put on them for their assent, without showing any of the reasons. That has not been the method of England. If this method be, you will never know who gives advice." _Parl. Hist._ v. 731.