Lunæ, 24 die Februarii;

8° Gulielmi Tertii.

Prayers.

Eyme's, &c. Nat.

AN ingrossed Bill, from the Lords, intituled, An Act . . . naturalizing Solomon Eyme, and others, was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

Wallop's &c. Estate.

An ingrossed Bill, from the Lords, intituled, An Act to enable Trustees to make, and fill up, Leases of the respective Estates of Bluet Wallop Esquire, and John Wallop Gentleman, during their Minorities; and to purchase other Lands, by the Fines thereby to be received, to the same Uses as the Estates to be leased are already settled; was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

Chamberlaine's Estate.

Mr. Conyers reported from the Committee, to whom the ingrossed Bill, from the Lords, intituled, An Act to enable Trustees to exchange Lands of Sir James Chamberlaine Baronet, an Insant, lying in the common Field of Salford, in the County of Oxford, for like Quantities of Land there, in order to the making an Inclosure, was committed, That they had examined and considered the same; and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendments: And he delivered the same in at the Clerks Table.

Fowne's Estate.

An ingrossed Bill, from the Lords, intituled, An Act to enable John Fownes Esquire to sell certain Lands in the County of Devon, which were settled on his Marriage; and to settle other Lands, of an equal Value, to the same Uses; was read the Third time.

Resolved, That the Bill do pass.

Ordered, That Sir William Coriton do carry the Bill to the Lords, and acquaint them that this House hath agreed thereunto, without any Amendments.

Lord Tonbridge's, &c. Nat.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill to naturalize William Viscount Tonbridge, and other Children of the Earl of Rochfort: And that Sir Rowland Gwyn do prepare, and bring in, the Bill.

Elections— Irregularities of returning Officers.

Sir Richard Onslow reported from the Committee, to whom the Bill to prevent irregular Proceedings of Sheriffs, and other Officers, in the electing and returning Members to serve in Parliament, was committed, That they had made several Amendments to the Bill; which they had directed him to report to the House; and which he read in his Place; and afterwards delivered in to the Clerk's Table: Where the same were once read throughout; and then a Second time, one by one; and, upon the Question, severally put thereupon, some of them were disagreed, and the Residue agreed, unto by the House: And other Amendments were made to the Bill at the Table.

A Clause was offered, to be added to the Bill, That the Sheriff of Wiltshire may adjourn the Poll from Wilton to the Devizes, at the Request of a Candidate, and not elsewhere:

. . . . . .

And the Question being put, That the Clause be made Part of the Bill:

It passed in the Negative.

Another Clause was offered, to be added to the Bill, That the County-Court for the County of York shall be called upon a Wednesday, which used to be called upon a Monday.

And the same was twice read; and, upon the Question put thereupon, agreed unto by the House, to be made Part of the Bill.

Ordered, That the Bill, with the Amendments, be ingrossed.

Taking off Obligation to coin Guineas.

An ingrossed Bill for taking off the Obligation and Encouragement for coining Guineas, for a certain time therein mentioned, was read the Third time.

Resolved, That the Bill do pass: And that the Title be, An Act for taking off the Obligation and Encouragement for coining Guineas, for a certain time therein mentioned.

Ordered, That Mr. Godolphin do carry the Bill to the Lords, and desire their Concurrence thereunto.

Carts applying for Hire.

Ordered, That Mr. Morgan and Mr. Cox be added to the Committee, to whom the Consideration of the Carmens Petition is referred.

Hackney Coachmen.

A Bill for the Relief of several Hackney Coachmen was read a Second time.

Resolved, That the Bill be committed to Lord Cornbury, Mr. Sandford, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Palmer, Colonel Perry, Sir John Bucknall, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Gwyn, Mr. Monstevens, Mr. Conyers, Serjeant Wogan, Mr. Culliford, Mr. Henly, Sir Lewson Gower, Mr. Palmes, Mr. Lewis, Sir Tho. Roberts, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Fleming, Sir Tho. Dyke, Mr. Hammond, Mr. Fownes, Mr. Waller, Sir Eliab Harvey, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Lowther, Sir Jo. Wolstenholme, Sir Wm. Strickland, Mr. White, Mr. Sherrard, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Tilney, Mr. Machell, Mr. Hoblyn, Mr. Brewer, Sir Ra. Dutton, Sir John Bolles, Mr. Frewen, Sir Fra. Windham, Mr. Moncton, Mr. Elwill, Sir Rowland Gwyn, Mr. Burdet, Mr. Blofeild, Mr. Clark, Mr. Gardner, Mr. Harvey, Sir Walter Young, Mr. Farrar, Mr. Foley, Mr. Blake, Sir Tho. Day, Mr. Yates: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Five a Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Arnold's, &c. Petition.

A Petition of George Arnold and Robert Beatham, in behalf of themselves, and several others, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That * * * *

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Mr. Henry Yates have Leave to go into the Country for a Fortnight, upon extraordinary Occasions.

Oaths of Supremacy in Ireland.

Sir John Bolles reported from the Committee, to whom the ingrossed Bill, from the Lords, intituled, An Act for altering Part of an Act, made in the Third Year of his Majesty and the late Queen Mary, intituled, An Act for the abrogating the Oath of Supremacy in Ireland, and appointing other Oaths, was committed, That they had examined and considered the same, and the several Petitions referred to the Consideration of the said Committee; and had made several Amendments to the Bill; which they had directed him to report to the House; and which he read in his Place; and afterwards delivered in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were once read throughout; and then a Second time, one by one; and, upon the Question severally put thereupon, agreed unto by the House; and are as follow; viz.

Press 2. L. 23, after "Court," leave out "of the General Quarter-Sessions held for the County of Middlesex;" and instead thereof, insert "before the Justices of Assize, and Nisi prius, in the respective Counties where such Peer shall reside."

L. 36, after "or," leave out "the Clerk of the Peace of the County of Middlesex for the Time being, or his Deputy;" and insert "the said Justices of Assize for the Time being, in the said Counties."

Pr. 3d, L. 7, after "or," leave out "in the said Court of General Quarter-Sessions for the County of Middlesex;" and insert "before the said Justices of Assize, and Nisi prius."

Harwich Roads.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir John Franklyn and Sir John Hoskins:

Mr. Speaker,

The Lords have agreed to the Bill, intituled, An Act for Repair of the Highways between the City of London, and the Town of Harwich, in the County of Essex, with some Amendments: To which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

And then the Messengers withdrew.

Ditto.

The House proceeded to take into Consideration the said Amendments:

And the same were once read throughout; and then a Second time, one by one; and, upon the Question severally put thereupon, agreed unto by the House; and are as follow; viz.

3 Skin, 20 L. After "Deer," add "Avenues, and planted Walks."

36 Line, after "aforesaid," add "or desired by the Party owning such Ground."

Ordered, That Sir Eliab Harvey do carry the Bill to the Lords, and acquaint them, That this House hath agreed to the said Amendments.

Supply Bill; Duties on Wines, &c.

The House, according to the Order of the Day, resumed the Consideration of the Report from the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill for continuing several Duties, granted by former Acts, upon Wine and Vinegar, and upon Tobacco, East-India Goods, and other Merchandize, imported, for carrying on the War against France, was committed:

And the Amendments, made by the Committee, to the said Bill, were once read throughout.

Ordered, That the further Consideration of the said Report be adjourned till Wednesday Morning next.

Debtors Relief.

The House proceeded to take into Consideration the Amendments, made by the Lords, to the Bill for Relief of poor Prisoners for Debt or Damages:

And the same were once read throughout; and then a Second time, one by one; and, upon the Question severally put thereupon, agreed unto by the House; and are as follow; viz.

3 Press, 27 L. for "on," read "an."

L. 41. for "Sheriffs" read "Sheriff."

4 Pr. 6 L. after "administred," add "to them respectively."

5 Pr. 13 L. leave out "A."

Ordered, That Sir John Lowther do carry the Bill to the Lords, and acquaint them, That this House hath agreed to the said Amendments.

Royal Assent to Bills.

A Message from his Majesty, by Sir Fleetwood Shepherd, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod:

Mr. Speaker,

The King commands this Honourable House to attend his Majesty, in the House of Peers, immediately.

Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, with the House, went up to attend his Majesty.

And, being returned;

Mr. Speaker reported, That his Majesty had been pleased to give the Royal Assent to the several publick and private Bills following; viz.

An Act for taking, examining, and stating, the publick Accounts:

An Act for repairing the Highways between the City of London, and the Town of Harwich, in the County of Essex:

An Act for Naturalizing of Henry de Nassau, and other Children of Henry de Nassau, Seignior D' Auverquerk:

An Act to enable John Fownes Esquire to sell certain Lands in the County of Devon, which were settled on his Marriage; and to settle other Lands, of an equal Value, to the same Uses.

The King's Speech—Conspiracy to assassinate him.

And that afterwards his Majesty was pleased to make a gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament; which, to prevent any Mistake therein, he had desired and obtained a Copy of: And he read the same to the House; and is as followeth; viz.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

I AM come hither this Day upon an extraordinary Occasion, which might have proved fatal, if it had not been disappointed by the singular Mercy and Goodness of God; and may now, by a Continuance of the same Providence, and out own prudent Endeavours, be so improved, as to become a sufficient Warning to us, to provide for our Security against the pernicious Practices and Attempts of our Enemies.

I have received several concurring Informations of a Design to assassinate me; and that our Enemies, at the same time, are very forward in their Preparations for a sudden Invasion of this Kingdom: And have therefore thought it necessary to lose no Time in acquainting my Parliament with these Things; in which the Safety of the Kingdom, and the publick Welfare, are so nearly concerned, that, I assure myself, nothing will be omitted, on your Part, which may be thought proper for our present or future Security.

I have not been wanting to give the necessary Orders for the Fleet; and I hope we have such a Strength of Ships, and in such a Readiness, as will be sufficient to disappoint the Intentions of our Enemies.

I have also dispatched Orders for bringing home such a Number of our Troops, as may secure us from any Attempt.

Some of the Conspirators against my Person are already in Custody; and Care is taken to apprehend so many of the rest as are discovered; and such other Orders are given, as the present Exigency of Affairs does absolutely require at this Time, for the publick Safety.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

Having now acquainted you with the Danger which had threatened us, I cannot doubt of your Readiness and Zeal to do every thing which you shall judge proper for our common Safety: And, I persuade myself, we must be all sensible, how necessary it is, in our present Circumstances, that all possible Dispatch should be given to the Business before you.

Address on the King's Speech.

Resolved, Nemine contradicente, That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, congratulating the happy Deliverance and Safety of his Royal Person; and giving him the Thanks of this House, for imparting to this House the horrid Design of assassinating his Majesty, by Papists, and other disaffected Persons; and of the intended Invasion from France: And humbly to desire, That his Majesty will please to take more than ordinary Care of his Royal Person, at this Time: And to assure his Majesty, That this House will stand by, assist, and defend, his Majesty with their Lives and Fortunes, against the late King James, and all other his Majesty's Enemies, both at home and abroad; and that, in case his Majesty shall come to any violent Death (which God forbid), this House will revenge the same upon all his Enemies, and their Adherents: And humbly desire his Majesty to give speedy Order for securing such Persons, with their Horses and Arms, as he shall have just Reason to suspect are Enemies to his Person and Government: And to assure his Majesty, That this House will give all possible Dispatch to all the publick Business now depending before them.

Conference with Lords.

A Message from the Lords, by Mr. Baron Turton and Mr. Baron Powis:

Mr. Speaker,

The Lords do desire a present Conference with this House, in the Painted Chamber, upon the Subject-matter of the King's Speech.

And then the Messengers withdrew.

Resolved, That this House doth agree to a present Conference with the Lords, as their Lordships do desire.

And the Messengers being gone;

Ordered, That a Message be sent to the Lords to acquaint them, That this House doth agree to the said Conference.

Ordered, That Mr. Mordaunt do carry the said Message.

The Messengers being returned; they were called in; and Mr. Speaker acquainted them, That the House doth agree to a present Conference, as the Lords do desire.

Ordered, That Mr. Secretary Trumball, Mr. Chancellor of Exchequer, Sir Edward Seymour, Colonel Granville, Mr. Smith, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Norres, Sir Harry Hobart, Mr. Moyle, Lord Coningsby, Sir Jo. Lowther, Lord Cornbury, Sir Ri. Onslow, Sir Ro. Cotton, Sir Chr. Musgrove, Mr. Bromley, Sir Row. Gwyn, Mr. Poultney, Mr. Palmes, Sir Phi. Boteler, Sir Tho. Littleton, Sir Hen. Goodrick, Mr. Clark, Lord Ranelagh, Mr. Chadwick, Colonel Kendall, Sir Ro. Rich, Mr. Gwyn, Mr. Mordaunt, Mr. Bickerstaff, Sir John Key, Mr. Wharton, Mr. Attorney-General, do manage the said Conference.

And the Managers went to the Conference.

And, being returned;

Mr. Secretary Trumball reported, That they had met the Lords at the Conference: And that the Lords acquainted them, That they had unanimously agreed upon an Address to his Majesty; which they thought fit to communicate to this House, and to desire the Concurrence of this House therein: And he read the said Address in his Place; and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same was read; and is as followeth; viz.

W E, your Majesty's most loyal and dutiful Subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and L.3. in this present Parliament assembled, having taken into our sorious Consideration what your Majesty hath been pleased to communicate to us this Day, think it our Duty, in the First Place, to give your Majesty most humble Thanks, for having acquainted your Parliament with the great Dangers your Sacred Person hath been so nearly exposed to; and the Design of an Invasion from our Enemies abroad: We heartily congratulate your Majesty's happy Preservation, and thankfully acknowlege the signal Providence of God in it; and, at the same time, declare our Detestation and Abhorrence of so 15. villainous and barbarous a Design: And we take this Occasion to assure your Majesty of our utmost Assistance to defend your Person, and support your Government, 18. against all Attempts both at home and abroad: And, as an 19. Instance of our Zeal for your Majesty's Service, we make it our Desire to your Majesty to seize and secure all Persons, Horses, and Arms, that your Majesty may think sit to apprehend upon this Occasion.

And several Amendments being proposed to be made to the same;

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to withdraw into the Speaker's Chamber, and consider of such Amendments as they conceive proper to be made to the said Address, with reference to the said Resolution of this House:

And it is referred to those who managed the said Conference.

And they withdrew accordingly.

Ordered, That a Message be sent to the Lords, to desire that they will continue sitting for some time.

Ordered, That Sir Roger Puleston do carry the said Message to the Lords.

Sir Roger Puleston reported, That he having according to Order, been at the Lords, they do agree to sit for some time longer.

Mr. Secretary Trumball reported from the Committee appointed to withdraw into the Speaker's Chamber, That they had made several Amendments to the Address sent down by the Lords; which they had directed him to report to the House; and which he read in his Place; and afterwards delivered in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were once read; and then a Second time, one by one; and, upon the Question severally put thereupon, agreed unto by the House; and are as follow; viz.

L. 3d, fill the Blank with "Commons."

L. 15. after "Design," add, "And, since the Safety and Welfare of your Majesty's Dominions do so entirely depend upon your Life, we most humbly beseech your Majesty, to take more than ordinary Care of your Royal Person."

L. 18. after "against," insert "the late King James, and all other your Enemies;" and leave out "all Attempts;" and, after "abroad," insert "hereby declaring to all the World, That in case your Majesty shall come to any violent Death (which God forbid), we will revenge the same upon all your Enemies, and their Adherents."

L. 19. after "Service," add "we will give all possible Dispatch to the publick Business: And."

Resolved, That a Conference be desired with the Lords, upon the Subject-matter of the last Conference.

Ordered, That Mr. Bridges do carry the said Message to the Lords.

Mr. Bridges reported, That he having, according to Order, been at the Lords, to desire a Conference, they do agree to a Conference presently in the Painted Chamber.

Ordered, That the Managers who managed the last Conference, do manage this Conference.

And the Managers went to the Conference.

And, being returned;

Mr. Secretary Trumball reported, That they had met the Lords at a Conference, and acquainted the Lords with the Amendments, made by this House, to the said Address; and left the Address, and Amendments, with their Lordships.

Habeas Corpus Suspension.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill to impower his Majesty to secure, and detain, such Persons as his Majesty shall suspect are conspiring against his Person, or Government: And that Mr. Poultney do prepare, and bring in, the Bill.

Raising Militia.

Ordered, That it be an Instruction to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill for raising the Militia for the Year 1696, although the Month's Pay, formerly advanced, be not repaid; and for punishing false Musters; and paying of Quarters; is committed; That they be impowered to receive a Clause, to enforce such as contribute to Horse to pay their Contributions.

Ordered, That it be an Instruction also to the said Committee, That they be impowered to receive a Clause, to enforce Papists and Non-jurors to contribute, instead of their finding Horse to the Militia.

Lords have agreed to Address.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir John Franklyn and Sir John Hoskins:

Mr. Speaker,

The Lords have agreed to the Amendments, made by this House, to the Address; and have sent to his Majesty to know what time his Majesty will be attended by both Houses with the said Address; and have adjourned till Six a Clock, in order to receive his Majesty's Answer.

. . . . . . .

Association for desending the King, &c.

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to draw up an Association, to lie upon the Table, in order to be signed by the Members of this House; wherein it shall be expressed, That his Majesty King William is rightful and lawful King of these Realms; and that we will defend his Majesty, and his Government, against the late King James, and all his Adherents; and in case his Majesty shall come to any violent Death (which God forbid), we will revenge the same, as far as we are able, upon all his Enemies, and their Adherents.

Ordered, That the Members who managed the Conferenced o withdraw into the Speaker's Chamber, and prepare the said Association; and report the same to the House.

And they withdrew accordingly.

Sitting of Parliament on Demise of the Crown.

Resolved, Nemine contradicente, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, That whenever it shall please God to afflict these Realms by the Death of his present Majesty, the Parliament then in being shall not be dissolved thereby; but shall continue until the next Heir to the Crown in Succession, according to the late Act of Settlement, shall dissolve the same: And that Mr. Pelham and Mr. Attorney-General do prepare, and bring in, the Bill.

Address for removing Papists;

Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, by such Members of this House as are of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy-Council, That he will please to issue his Royal Proclamation to banish all Papists from the Cities of London and Westminster, and Ten Miles from the same, according to the Laws made for that Purpose.

and for putting Laws in force against them.

Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, by such Members of this House as are of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy-Council, That he will please to give Instructions to the Judges going the Circuits, to put the Laws in Execution against Papists and Non-jurors.

Candles.

Ordered, That Candles be brought in.

And they were brought in accordingly.

Association for defending the King, &c.

Mr. Secretary Trumball reported from the Committee appointed to withdraw, and prepare the Association, to be signed by the Members of the House, That they had prepared the same accordingly; and had directed him to report the same to the House; which he read in him Place; and afterwards delivered in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same was twice read; and, upon the Question put thereupon, agreed unto by the House to be subscribed by the Members To-morrow Morning, as they shall appear upon the Call of the House; and is as followeth; viz.

WHEREAS there has been a horrid and detestable Conspiracy formed, and carried on, by Papists, and other wicked and traiterous Persons, for assassinating his Majesty's Royal Person, in order to encourage an Invasion from France, to subvert our Religion, Laws, and Liberty: We, whose Names are hereunto subscribed, do, heartily, sincerely, and solemnly, profess, testify, and declare, That his present Majesty, King William, is rightful and lawful King of these Realms: And we do mutually promise and engage to stand by and assist each other, to the utmost of our Power, in the Support and Defence of his Majesty's most Sacred Person, and Government, against the late King James, and all his Adherents: And in case his Majesty come to any violent or untimely Death, (which God forbid) we do hereby, further, freely and unanimously, oblige ourselves to unite, associate, and stand by each other, in revenging the same upon his Enemies, and their Adherents; and in supporting and defending the Succession of the Crown, according to an Act, made in the First Year of the Reign of King William and Queen Mary, intituled, An Act declaring the Rights and Liberties of the Subject, and settling the Succession of the Crown.

Ordered, That the said Association be ingrossed, against To-morrow Morning, in a Roll of Parchment; with Distinction for the Counties and Places therein, according to the Roll for subscribing the Test.

Committees.

Ordered, That all Committees be adjourned.

King appoints to be attended.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir John Franklyn and Sir John Hoskins:

Mr. Speaker,

The Lords have received an Answer from his Majesty, That he will be attended by both Houses at Kensington, this Evening, between the Hours of Seven and Eight: And that the Lords are now ready to go.

. . . . . .

And then the House adjourned till To-morrow Morning, Nine a Clock.