observe them
though every other nation should disregard them; that we should show
an example of fidelity to mankind, and stand firm, though we should
stand alone in the practice of virtue, I shall readily allow; and,
therefore, I am far from advising that we should recede from our
stipulations, whatever we may suffer by performing them, or neglect
the support of the Pragmatick sanction, however we may be at present
embarrassed, or however inconvenient it may be to assert it.

But surely for the same reason that we observe our own stipulations,
we ought to incite other powers, likewise, to the observation of
theirs; at least not contribute to hinder it. But how is our present
conduct agreeable to these principles? The Pragmatick sanction was
confirmed not only by the king of Britain, but by the elector,
likewise, of Hanover, who is, therefore, equally obliged, if treaties
constitute obligation, to defend the house of Austria against the
attacks of any foreign power, and to send in his proportion of troops
to the support of the queen of Hungary.

Whether these troops have been sent, those whose provinces oblige them
to some knowledge of foreign affairs, can inform the house with more
certainty than I; but since we have not heard them mentioned in this
debate, and have found, by experience, that none of the merits of that
electorate are passed over in silence, it may, I think, fairly be
concluded, that the distresses of the illustrious queen of Hungary
have yet received no alleviation from her alliance with Hanover, that
her complaints have moved no compassion at that court, nor the justice
of her cause obtained any regard.

To what can we impute this negligence of treaties, this disregard of
justice, this defect of compassion, but to the pernicious counsels of
those men who have advised his majesty to hire to Britain those troops
which he should have employed in the assistance of the queen of
Hungary; for it is not to be imagined, that his majesty has more or
less regard to justice as king of Britain, than as elector of Hanover;
or that he would not have sent his proportion of troops to the
Austrian army, had not the temptations of greater profit been
industriously laid before him.

But this is not all that may be urged against this conduct; for can we
imagine, that the power of France is less, or that her designs are
less formidable to Hanover than to Britain? nor is it less necessary
for the security of Hanover, t