He makes some reflections on Mr. _Osborne_’s observations of the ill conduct of the ministry in the latter end of Q. _Anne_’s reign; as the endeavours to break the power of the Dissenters, and to weaken the security of the _Hanover_ succession; setting aside the _Quaker_’s affirmation; the disbanding the army. All which _Fog_ laughs at! and concludes with his surprize, that when he considers with how much good sense these two writers have exposed the actions of that _Tory_ ministry, and how they have defended the measures of the present, there should be a disaffected person left in the kingdom. Fog’s Journal, _Jan. 23._ No. 123. This Paper consists of reflections on a pamphlet, intituled, _A Defence of the Measures of the present Administration_. He begins with the observation which the author had made: “That complaints and outcries are no foundation for supposing defects in publick counsels; for in a frame of government like ours, a continuance of the same administration will always lessen the popularity of the ministry. “The frequent use of this observation, _Fog_ says, is enough to shew its good sense. ’Twas first started by the Rev. Author of the Enquiry, all the anniversary pamphlets have had it since, and it has been repeated by Mr. _Osborne_ 75 times; by Mr. _Walsingham_ twice as many; nor is there any thing in this pamphlet but what has the authority of, at least, 50 repetitions”: yet he cannot subscribe to his opinion; for supposing it true, it is a sure sign that affairs are well conducted; but if the contempt of all men of sense be added to this clamour, oh! then we pronounce him an angel. He goes on to quote another passage; “That the Peace of _Utrecht_ left us on good terms with _Spain_, which might have turn’d to our advantage, had our affairs been wisely manag’d in the late reign; but as they were not, it laid the foundation of the several perplexities that have since attended us.” This conduct of the last reign, _Fog_ says, ought to be apply’d to a person or two since dead, and not to the present ministers. Adds, that he might have spar’d his encomium of the _Utrecht_ treaty, or shewn us the folly of cultivating a good understanding with the _Emperor_ and _Spain_ at the same time, by which our affairs, every where were left in _a stupid calm_; for had they contriv’d to make either of ’em our enemy, we should always have had a quarrel and a treaty depending, and so have given vent to our humours and money too. The author having said, that when the present ministry came into power, they observ’d from the complexion of things mischief must be gath’ring some where, which prov’d to be an alliance betwixt _Spain_ and the _Emperor_. This, _Fog_ affirms, was very sagacious; but that the treaty he speaks of was, and still is deny’d by both the parties.