[The History of England from the Accession of James II. by Thomas Babington Macaulay]@TWC D-Link bookThe History of England from the Accession of James II. CHAPTER XXIV 49/237
When they came to consider the military and naval establishments, they would remember that, unless England were secure from attack, she could not continue to hold the high place which she had won for herself among European powers; her trade would languish; her credit would fail; and even her internal tranquillity would be in danger.
He also expressed a hope that some progress would be made in the discharge of the debts contracted during the War.
"I think," he said, "an English Parliament can never make such a mistake as not to hold sacred all Parliamentary engagements." The speech appeared to be well received; and during a short time William flattered himself that the great fault, as he considered it, of the preceding session would be repaired, that the army would be augmented, and that he should be able, at the important conjuncture which was approaching, to speak to foreign powers in tones of authority, and especially to keep France steady to her engagements.
The Whigs of the junto, better acquainted with the temper of the country and of the new House of Commons, pronounced it impossible to carry a vote for a land force of more than ten thousand men.
Ten thousand men would probably be obtained if His Majesty would authorise his servants to ask in his name for that number, and to declare that with a smaller number he could not answer for the public safety.
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