‘HISTORY OF EUROPE, 87 
CPMACP. VAR; 
King’s message —Probability of immediate war.—His majesty's message 
taken into consideration in the lords,—Address moved by Lord Hobart. 
—Debate—Ear! Spencer—Lord Grenville—Earl of Moira.—Address 
of thanks carried.—And in the Commons same day,—Address moved by 
Mr. Addington.—Debate—Mr. For—Lord Hawkesbury—Mr. Wind- 
ham—Sheridan—Grenville—Dr. Lawrence,—Address carried —Mes- 
_ sage for the embodying the militia.—Motion for 10,000 additional sea- 
men.—Debate.—Mr.. Francis—Chancellor of the Excheguer—Mr, Dent 
—For—Burroughs — Lord Hawkesbury—Mr, Elliot — Canning — 
Trench.—Increase agreed to.— Remarks. 
N the eight of March, a 
message from his majesty,* 
was brought down to both houses of 
parliament; which was received all 
over Europe, as the signal of the 
approach of war between Great 
Britain and France, The sensa- 
tion with which it was received was 
great beyond description ; and from 
the moment it was delivered, every 
man of common sagacity or political 
experience knew a rupture to be in- 
evitable. In this message, it was 
stated, “‘ that considerable military 
preparations were carrying on, in 
the ports of France and Holland; 
and that it was therefore expedient 
to adoptadditional measures of pre- 
caution, for the security ofthe king’s 
dominions ; that discussions of great 
importance, were carrying on be- 
tween his majesty and the French 
government, the result of which 
was uncertain ; and therefore, rely- 
ing with confidence on parliament, 
to enable him to take such mea- 
sures, as circumstances might re- 
quire, for supporting the honor of 
his crown, and the essential interests 
of his people.” 
This message was the fore-runuer 
of the war; whether his majesty’s 
ministers of the day were, or were 
not justified, by existing circum- 
stances in sending it down, Is a mat- 
ter of the greatest importance for 
the historian of the times to consi- 
der ; but here as a parliamentary 
transaction we shall confine our- 
selves to speak of it, from the effects 
jt ‘produced on the legislation. 
The further discussion of the prince 
of Wales’s claims was abandoned 
indeed, at his own request; and 
every minor interest and lesser 
consideration, were absorbed in the 
great ‘question, ‘‘ shall we have 
peace or war with France ?” 
On Wednesday the 9th of 
March, the order of the day for 
* Vide State Papers, 
taking 
