CHAPTER XII

EARL OF DANBY'S ADMINISTRATION -- DEATH OF CHARLES II.

Earl of Danby's Administration -- Opposition in the Commons -- Frequently corrupt -- Character of Lord Danby -- Connection of the popular Party with France -- Its Motives on both Sides -- Doubt as to their Acceptance of Money -- Secret Treaties of the King with France -- Fall of Danby -- His Impeachment -- Questions arising on it -- His Commitment to the Tower -- Pardon pleaded in Bar -- Votes of Bishops -- Abatement of Impeachments by Dissolution -- Popish Plot -- Coleman's Letters -- Godfrey's Death -- Injustice of Judges on the Trials -- Parliament dissolved -- Exclusion of Duke of York proposed -- Schemes of Shaftesbury and Monmouth -- Unsteadiness of the King -- Expedients to avoid the Exclusion -- Names of Whig and Tory -- New Council formed by Sir William Temple -- Long Prorogation of Parliament -- Petitions and Addresses -- Violence of the Commons -- Oxford Parliament -- Impeachment of Commoners for Treason constitutional -- Fitzharris impeached -- Proceedings against Shaftesbury and his Colleagues -- Triumph of the Court -- Forfeiture of Charter of London -- And of other Places -- Projects of Lord Russell and Sidney -- Their Trials -- High Tory Principles of the Clergy -- Passive Obedience -- Some contend for absolute Power -- Filmer -- Sir George Mackenzie -- Decree of University of Oxford -- Connection with Louis broken off -- King's Death Page 361

CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND

FROM HENRY VII. TO GEORGE II.