n address to
the king on the state of public affairs, and that he would likewise
move a call of the house, that he might "guard against backsliders and
time-watchers," and show the people who were their honest and consistent
representatives and who were not. In pursuance of this notice, on the
10th of May his lordship moved, "That an humble address be presented to
his majesty, humbly to represent to his majesty the deep regret felt
by this house at the change which has been announced in his majesty's
councils by the retirement of those ministers in whom this house
continues to repose unabated confidence. That this house, in conformity
with the recommendation contained in his majesty's most gracious speech
from the throne, has framed and sent up to the house of lords a bill
for a reform in the representation of the people, by which they are
convinced that the prerogatives of the crown, the authority of both
houses of parliament, and the rights and liberties of the people, are
equally secured. That, to the progress of this measure, this house
considers itself bound in duty to state to his majesty that his subjects
are looking with the most intense interest and anxiety; and they cannot
disguise from his majesty their apprehension that any successful attempt
to mutilate or impair its efficiency would be productive of the greatest
disappointment and dismay. This house is therefore compelled, by warm
attachment to his majesty's person and government, humbly, but most
earnestly, to implore his majesty to call to his councils such
persons only as will cany into effect, unimpaired in all its essential
provisions, that bill for the reform of the representation of the
people, which has recently passed this house." The motion was opposed by
Mr. Baring, who, before proceeding to speak against it, expressed a
hope that Lord Althorp would give some explanation of the nature of
that advice which ministers had tendered to the king, and his majesty's
refusal of which had led to their resignation. Lord Althorp declined
answering, and Mr. Baring then went on to say that the house was thus
left in utter ignorance. He asked on what facts, therefore, was the
proposed address to be rested? Lord Althorp, in reply, said, that he had
no objection to state plainly that the advice which ministers had given
to the king was, that he should create as many peers as would enable
them to carry the reform bill through the house of lords in all its
efficien