CHAPTER XV

ON THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III.

Declaration of Rights -- Bill of Rights -- Military Force without Consent declared illegal -- Discontent with the new Government -- its Causes -- Incompatibility of the Revolution with received Principles -- Character and Errors of William -- Jealousy of the Whigs -- Bill of Indemnity -- Bill for Restoring Corporations -- Settlement of the Revenue -- Appropriation of Supplies -- Dissatisfaction of the King -- No Republican Party in Existence -- William employs Tories in Ministry -- Intrigues with the late King -- Schemes for his Restoration -- Attainder of Sir John Fenwick -- Ill Success of the War -- Its Expenses -- Treaty of Ryswick -- Jealousy of the Commons -- Army reduced -- Irish Forfeitures resumed -- Parliamentary Enquiries -- Treaties of Partition -- Improvements in Constitution under William -- Bill for Triennial Parliaments -- Law of Treason -- Statute of Edward III. -- Its constructive Interpretation -- Statute of William III. -- Liberty of the Press -- Law of Libel -- Religious Toleration -- Attempt at Comprehension -- Schism of the Non-jurors -- Laws against Roman Catholics -- Act of Settlement -- Limitations of Prerogative contained in it -- Privy Council superseded by a Cabinet -- Exclusion of Placemen and Pensioners from Parliament -- Independence of Judges -- Oath of Abjuration Page 90