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
Whatever be our design with regard to Germany, the war against Spain
is evidently neglected; and, indeed, one part of our conduct proves at
once, that we intend neither to assist the Austrians, nor to punish
the Spaniards; since we have in a great measure disabled ourselves
from either by the neutrality which captain Martin is said to have
granted, and by which we have allowed an asylum both to the troops of
Spain, which shall fly before the Austrians, and the privateers which
shall be chased by our ships in the Mediterranean.
I am, therefore, convinced, my lords, that our designs are not such as
they are represented, or that they will not be accomplished by the
measures taken. I am convinced in a particular manner, that the troops
of Hanover can be of no use, and that they will raise the resentment
of the nation, already overwhelmed with unnecessary burdens. I know,
likewise, that they have been taken into pay without the consent of
the senate, and am convinced, that if no other objection could be
raised, we ought not to ratify a treaty which the crown has made,
without laying it before us in the usual manner. I need not,
therefore, inform your lordships, that I think the motion now under
your consideration necessary and just; and that I hope, upon an
attentive examination of the reasons which have been offered, your
lordships will concur in it with that unanimity which evidence ought
to enforce, and that zeal which ought to be excited by publick danger.
To which the duke of NEWCASTLE made answer to the following
purport:--My lords, I know not by what imaginary appearances of
publick danger the noble lord is so much alarmed, nor what fears they
are which he endeavours with so much art and zeal to communicate to
this assembly. For my part, I can upon the most attentive survey of
our affairs, discover nothing to be feared but calumnies and
misrepresentations; and these I shall henceforward think more
formidable, since they have been able to impose upon an understanding
so penetrating as that of his lordship, and have prevailed upon him to
believe what is not only false, but without the appearance of truth,
and to believe it so firmly, as to assert it to your lordships.
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