I

CHAP.

IXXI.

i6by.

Free conferenccs be-twixt thehouses.

194 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN

already losing ground. The next question was.“ Whether king James had broken that original“ contract? ” and alter a flight opposition, theaffirmative prevailed. The lords proceeded totake into consideration the word abdicated } and.itwas carried, that deserted was more proper. Theconcluding question was, “ Whether king James" having broken the original contract , and" deserted the government, the throne was thereby“ vacant? " This question was debated withmore heat and contention than any of the former;and upon a division, the tories prevailed byeleven voices, and it was carried to omit the lastarticle, with regard to the vacancy of the throne.The vote was sent back to the commons withthese amendments.

The earl of Dauby had entertained the projectof bestowing the crown solely upon the princessof Orange , and of admitting her as hereditarylegal successor to king James : Pasting by theinfant prince as illegitimate or supposititious. Hischange of party in the last question gave thetories so considerable a majority in the numberof voices.

The commons still insisted on their own vote,and sent up reasons, why the lords should departfrom their amendments. st he lords were notconvinced; and it was necessary to have a freeconference, in order to fettle this controversy.Never surely was national debate more important,or managed by more able speakers ; yet is onesurprised to find the topics, insisted 011 by both