And Character._ {WILLIAM, 1688--1701.} WHEN the king opened the session of parliament on the third day of December, he told them the war was brought to the end they all proposed, namely, an honourable peace.

He gave them to understand there was a considerable debt on account of the fleet and army; that the revenues of the crown had been anticipated.

He expressed his hope that they would provide for him during his life, in such a manner as would conduce to his own honour and that of the government.

He recommended the maintenance of a considerable navy; and gave it as his opinion, that for the present England could not be safe without a standing army.

He promised to rectify such corruptions and abuses as might have crept into any part of the administration during the war; and effectually to discourage profaneness and immorality.