e contract for these troops could be
made without the delay of tedious negotiations; that they were ready
to march upon the first notice, and that they had been long learned in
the exactest discipline.

The concurrence of all these circumstances easily determined our
ministers in their choice, and the troops were ordered to join the
Britons in the Low Countries; a step which so much alarmed the French,
that they no longer endeavoured to push forward their conquests, nor
appeared to entertain any other design than that of defending
themselves, and returning in safety to their own country.

Such was the conduct of our ministry, such were their motives, and
such has been their success; nor do I doubt but this house will, upon
the most rigorous examination, find reason to approve both their
integrity and prudence. Of their integrity they could give no greater
proof, than their confidence of the agreement of this house to
measures which, though conformable in general to our resolutions, were
not particularly communicated to us; because, indeed, it could not be
done without loss of time, which it was necessary to improve with the
utmost diligence, and a discovery of those designs, which ought only
to be known by the enemy after they were executed. Of their prudence,
their success is a sufficient evidence; and, therefore, I cannot doubt
but gentlemen will give a sanction to their conduct, by providing,
according to the estimates before the committee, for the support of
troops, which have been found of so great use.

Lord POWLETT rose up next, and spoke to the effect following:--Sir,
the honourable gentleman has with so much clearness and elegance
displayed the state of Europe, explained the necessity of hiring
foreign troops, and showed, the reasons for which the troops of
Hanover were preferred to those of any other nation, that I believe it
not to be of any use to urge other arguments than those which he has
produced.

As, therefore, it is indisputably necessary to hire troops, and none
can be hired which can be so safely trusted as those of Hanover, I
cannot but agree with the right honourable gentleman, that this
measure of his majesty ought to be supported.

Sir JOHN ST. AUBYN then spoke as follows:--Sir, it is with the
greatest difficulties that I rise up to give you this trouble, and
particularly after the honourable gentleman with whom I am so very
unequal to contend. But when my assent is required to a propositi