The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Volume 11.: Parlimentary Debates II.Johnson, Samuel
History
The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Volume 11.: Parlimentary Debates II.
Johnson, Samuel
Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons -- History -- 18th century
Thus shall we assert the rights of mankind, and support the faith of
treaties, oppose the oppressors of the world, and restore our ancient
allies to their former greatness, without exhausting our own country;
for it is not impossible, that by the proper use of this sum, the
queen may obtain such advantages in one campaign, as may incline the
French to desert the king, and content themselves with the peaceable
possession of their own territories; for it is to be remembered, that
they are now fighting only for a remote interest, and that they will
not hazard much; a firm resistance will easily incline them to wait
for some more favourable opportunity, and there will be then leisure
for forming our measures in such a manner, that another opportunity
may never be offered them.
But of the present scheme, what effect can be expected but ignominy
and shame, disgrace abroad, and beggary at home? to this expense what
limits can be set? when is there to be an end of paying troops who are
not to march against our enemies? as they will at all times be of
equal use, there will be at all times the same reason for employing
them, nor can there ever be imagined less need of idle troops, than in
a time of war.
I am, therefore, afraid, that in a short time the Hanoverians may
consider Britain as a tributary province, upon which they have a right
to impose the maintenance of sixteen thousand men, who are to be
employed only for the defence of their own country, though supported
at the expense of this. I am afraid that we shall be taught to
imagine, that the appearance of the Hanoverians is necessary in our
own country, perhaps to check the insolence of the sons of freedom,
who, without fear, border upon treason. I am afraid, that his majesty
or his successour may be advised by sycophants and slaves to trust the
guard of his person to the trusty Hanoverians, and advised to place no
confidence in the natives of Britain.
For my part, I think it a very wise precept by which we are directed
to obviate evils in the beginning; and therefore, since, in my
opinion, the influence of Hanover must be destructive to the royal
family, and detrimental to those kingdoms, I shall endeavour to
obviate it by voting against any provision for these useless
mercenaries, and declaring that I shall more willingly grant the
publick money to any troops than those of Hanover.
Lord PERCIVAL spoke next as follows:--Sir, I look upon the question
now under your consideration, to vary very little in reality from that
which was debated here the first day of this session. The principal
point in the debate of that day, was the same with that which is more
regularly the debate of this, _whether the_ Hanoverian _forces should
be taken into_ British _pay_?
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