proceedings had been of a similar nature to those in
the commons. Lord Wharncliffe had scarcely risen to move for an address
to his majesty against the dissolution, when the Duke of Richmond rose
to complain that all the peers were not sitting in their proper places,
as usual on such occasions. This gave rise to a scene of noise and
confusion, in which one noble lord was heard to say that ministers were
taking the crown off the king's head. Lord Wharncliffe, being at length
allowed to proceed, stated that, without wishing to provoke discussion
on the subject, he was anxious that it should be entered on the journals
of the house, that he in his place yesterday did give notice that
he would move an humble address to his majesty not to exercise his
undoubted prerogative of dissolving parliament. His lordship then made
a motion to that effect. The lord-chancellor said, that he had never yet
heard it doubted that the king possessed the prerogative of dissolving
parliament at pleasure; still less had he ever known a doubt to exist on
the subject at a moment when the lower house has thought fit to refuse
the supplies. The near approach of his majesty was now announced, and
Lord Shaftesbury was called to the chair amid discordant noises which it
was difficult for him to subdue. Lord Mansfield addressed the house, but
was interrupted in his speech by the entrance of the king, and the house
of commons having been summoned, his majesty prorogued parliament in
these words:--"My lords and gentlemen,--I have come to meet you for the
purpose of proroguing this parliament with a view to its dissolution.
I have been induced to resort to this measure for the purpose of
ascertaining the sense of my people, in the way in which it can be
most constitutionally and authentically expressed, on the expediency of
making such changes in the representation as circumstances may appear
to require, and which, founded upon the acknowledged principles of
the constitution, may tend at once to uphold the just rights and
prerogatives of the crown, and to give security to the liberties of the
people." Parliament was prorogued to the 10th of May, and a proclamation
appeared the next day announcing its dissolution, and directing a new
election, the writs of which were made returnable on the 14th of June.

The dissolution of parliament was hailed by the people with great joy.
Illuminations were got up on every hand. That in London was authorised
by the lord-m