l known to raise
the sums which their exigencies require on very different terms, and
to have paid ten for a hundred for all the money which their late
projects have required; projects which they cannot pursue long at such
enormous expense, and by which their country must in a short time be
ruined, even without opposition.

While we can, therefore, raise three millions for less than the French
can obtain one, and, by consequence, support three regiments at the
same expense as one is supported in their service, we have surely no
reason to dread the superiority of their numbers, or to fear that they
will conquer by exhausting us.

Thus, my lords, I have delivered my opinion with freedom and
impartiality; and shall patiently hearken to any objections that shall
arise against it, supported by the consciousness, that a confutation
will only show me that I have been mistaken; but will not deprive me
of the satisfaction of reflecting, that I have not been wanting to my
country; and that if I have approved or defended improper measures, I
at least consulted no other interest than that of Britain.

Lord HERVEY spoke next, to the following effect:--My lords, it is not
without that concern which every man ought to feel at the apparent
approach of publick calamities, that I have heard the measures which
are now the subject of our inquiry so weakly defended, when their
vindication is endeavoured with so much ardour, and laboured with so
much address.

The objections which press upon the mind, at the first and slightest
view of our proceedings, are such as require the closest attention,
such as cannot but alarm every man who has studied the interest of his
country, and who sincerely endeavours to promote it; and therefore it
might be hoped, that those who appear to have thought them
insufficient, are able to produce, in opposition to them, the
strongest arguments, and the clearest deductions.

When we attempt the consideration of our present condition, and
inquire by what means our prosperity may be secured, the first
reflection that occurs, is, that we are traders, that all our power is
the consequence of our wealth, and our wealth the product of our
trade. It is well known, that trade can only be pursued under the
security of peace; that a nation which has a larger commerce, must
make war on disadvantageous terms against one that has less; as of two
contiguous countries, the more fruitful has most to fear from an
invasion by