§ The PRIME MINISTER(at the Bar) acquainted the House that he had a Message from the King to this House signed by His Majesty's own hand, and he presented the same to the House, and it having been read by Mr. Deputy-Speaker (all the Members of the House being uncovered) as f olloweth:—
§ The uncertainty of human life, and a deep sense of My duty to My people, render it incumbent upon Me to recommend to you to consider contingencies which may hereafter take place and to make such provision as will, in any event, secure the exercise of the Royal authority.
§ I shall he prepared to confer with you in those measures which may appear best calculated to maintain unimpaired the power and dignity of the Crown, and thereby to strengthen the securities which protect the rights and liberties of My people.
§ GEORGE R. I.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI beg to move,
"That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to return to His Majesty the thanks of this House for His Majesty's Most Gracious Message, and to assure His Majesty that, under the full conviction of His Majesty's beneficent intentions, this House will, with the least possible delay, apply itself to the discussion of the high and im- 1202 portant objects which His Majesty has been pleased to propose for its consideration, and will proceed to provide such measures as may appear best calculated to maintain unimpaired the power and dignity of the Crown, and thereby to strengthen the securities which protect the rights and liberties of the people."
§ Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by such Members of this House as are of His Majesty's most honourable Privy Council or of His Majesty's Household.
§ Question put, and agreed to.