and, August 1st, 1714, takes away the unhappy Princess."[1]
The Whigs represented themselves as the only true friends of the Protestant succession: yet subsequent discoveries have proved, that they rather consulted their own interest, than the welfare of the country or of the Church. Whenever they were out of power, they used every means of annoyance towards their opponents: and the Pretender was a very convenient pretence for their purpose. Thus, some time after their removal from office consequent on Sacheverell's trial, they actually sanctioned the circulation of false statements in the newspapers, with a view to embarrass the Queen's ministry and excite the people against them. This was done by coining articles of foreign news and publishing them as true. The following is a specimen: "Paris, July 5, 1712. The Chevalier de St. George is at Chaillot, where he is to be retired some days, and lay aside the title of King. 'Tis not yet said what other title he will take; though it is not doubted, but that it will be that of Prince of Wales, and that all this is done in concert, because it would not be convenient for him to go to England with the title of King, but with that of the presumptive heir."[2] It is asserted, that had the Pretender renounced Popery, Queen Anne would have promoted his interests; and that efforts were used to induce him to comply, though without effect, as he protested against such a course. He promised, however, to engage a Protestant clergyman, in the event of his coming to England, to officiate to his Protestant servants.[3] This latter promise, it is said,
