treachery.

There are, sir, other papers which may, indeed, be laid before us,
without any benefit to our enemies, and, perhaps, with some advantage to
ourselves; the papers which contain the accompts of our preparations and
stores, the lists of our forces, and the calculation of our expenses,
are the proper subjects of senatorial inquiries; and if the motion be
restrained to those, I believe it will not be opposed by any gentleman
engaged in the administration of our affairs. I shall beg leave to
propose these words may be added, "So far as the same relates to a
supply of ships, marines, or land forces."

The motion, thus amended, was agreed to.

HOUSE OF LORDS, FEB. 13, 1740-1.

DEBATE ON ADDRESSING HIS MAJESTY FOR REMOVING SIR ROBERT WALPOLE.

The opposition which for a long time had been made in the commons, to
the measures of the administration, was on this day pushed to a crisis,
and produced a motion in both houses. In the house of lords it
occasioned the following debate:

Lord CARTERET began in this manner:--My lords, as the motion which I am
about to make is of the highest importance, and of the most extensive
consequences; as it cannot but meet with all the opposition which the
prejudices of some, and the interest of others, can raise against it; as
it must have the whole force of ministerial influence to encounter,
without any assistance but from justice and reason; I hope to be excused
by your lordships for spending some time in endeavouring to show, that
it wants no other support, that it is not founded upon doubtful
suspicions, but upon uncontestable facts; that it is not dictated by
private interest, but by the sincerest regard to publick happiness; not
abetted by the personal malevolence of particular men, but enforced by
the voice of the people; a voice which ought always to be attended to,
and, generally, to be obeyed.

To endeavour, my lords, to remove from places of publick trust all those
who appear to want either the virtues or abilities necessary for
executing their offices, is the interest of every member of a community.
And it is not only the interest but the duty of all those who are,
either by the choice of the people, or by the right of birth, invested
with the power of inspecting publick affairs, and intrusted with the
general happiness of their country. That, therefore, every motive
combines to make it the duty, and every argument concurs to prove it the
privilege of your l