to evade the duties on import, which were then to be common
to both countries, a law was proposed in the lower house to
prevent the expected abuse. On the third reading of the
bill, Harley introduced a clause, tending to render the provi-
sions more complete by a retrospective effect. This regula-
tion greatly offended the Scots in general, who regarded it
as an infraction of the Union, and was no less obnoxious to
the Whigs, either from national or personal motives. By the
interest of the whole Tory party it was, however, carried
through the House of Commons, but thrown out by the
Whigs in the Lords. Harley still persisted in his design, and
to give time for digesting a new regulation, the queen was
induced to adopt a proposal for a temporary recess. Ac-
cordingly she repaired to the house on the 8th of April and
announced a prorogation till the 14th. On the resumption
of business, the measure was again brought forward, and a
new law passed the Commons; but as it created great dis-
putes and difference of opinion, it was quietly withdrawn.

Marlborough received notice of this transaction from Har-
ley, St. John, Godolphin, and Sunderland. The two former
merely announced the fact, without a comment. Godolphin,
though briefly, assigned it to the true cause. "The close,"
he observes, "of the best session of parliament that England
ever saw, has been unhappily hindered by a broil between
the two houses, which is not yet ended. It would be tedious
to trouble you with all the particulars, but it is chiefly im-
putable, as most other ill accidents, to private animosities."
But Sunderland bitterly inveighed against the duplicity of
the secretary, in a tone which shows the incurable jealousy
reigning between the two parties. "I believe," he says,
"you will be surprised at this short prorogation. It is
entirely occasioned by him who is the author of all the
tricks ^* played here. I need not name him, having done it
in my last letter to you. I will only say, no man in the
service of a government ever did act such a part. I wish
those for whom he has acted it were ever capable of think-
ing him in the wrong, for I fear it may be, some time or
other, too late. I don't write so full of professions to you
as some do, but I am sure my heart is more sincere."

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