uated by
that arbitrary spirit which prevails in the best troops, will commit
violences that might rouse the tamest people to resistance, and which
the vigilance of their officers cannot effectually restrain. The
inevitable consequences will be open rebellion, which you profess by
this act to obviate. I have been bred a soldier; I have served long; I
respect the profession, and live in the strictest habits of friendship
with many officers; but no country gentleman in this house looks on
the army with a more jealous eye, or would more strenuously resist the
setting them above the control of civil power. No man is to be trusted
in such a situation. It is not the fault of the soldier, but the vice of
human nature, which, unbridled by law, becomes insolent and licentious,
wantonly violating the peace of society, and trampling upon the rights
of human kind." In conclusion, Barre warned ministers of the results of
their restrictive measures; entreating them, likewise, not to urge them
on to rebellion. In the course of his speech Lord North had said that
he had had the advantage of being aided by the ablest lawyers; and
when Colonel Barre had concluded his harangue Mr. Wedderburne, the
solicitor-general, arose, and explained and defended the principles
of the bill, which, he observed, was limited as to time, and intended
solely to procure a fair trial for the imputed offences of all who might
be concerned or engaged to act under government.

The motion for leave to bring in this bill was passed without a
division, and it was introduced on the 21st of April, on which occasion
another stormy debate occurred. Alderman Sawbridge contended, that it
was a ridiculous and cruel measure--a measure designed to enslave the
Americans, by a minister who would, if opportunity was afforded him,
enslave England. He added:--"But I sincerely hope the Americans will
not admit of the execution of any of those destructive bills, but nobly
refuse them all. If they do not, they are the most abject slaves upon
the face of the earth, and nothing which the minister can do is base
enough for them." Lord North, in reply, calmly disclaimed any intention
of enslaving America, and declared that the assertion was about as true
as another report, circulated in some quarters, which stated that the
colonists had seen their error, and were willing to make reparation to
the East India Company for the tea they had destroyed. Instead of making
reparation, he added,