Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

Charles, Second Earl of Middleton. 145
which was tantamount to a declaration against a
standing army. On the following day the contest
was renewed. As the king had mentioned his wish
for a standing army in his speech, before speaking of
the Test Act, Middleton suggested that they should
first consider the former, and dismiss the other for
the present from their minds ; but the Opposition
objected to this, that it had always been the reason-
able and constitutional practice to redress grievances
before granting money. Such a custom would fall
into disuse, should they be forced to follow the
precise order the king chose to adopt.
A division was taken on the question whether
or no Middleton's motion should be put, and the
Speaker ordered the Noes to go out into the lobby.
This injunction occasioned much murmuring. It
was thought at this time that the party which re-
mained in the House had an advantage over the
one which went out, and both considered that they
had a right to keep their seats. Another reason,
probably, had some influence upon the members.
The accommodation was then so deficient, that no
person who had secured a good seat cared to lose it.
In spite of all these inconveniences, however, many
persons now rose and moved towards the door,
amongst whom were some of whose votes the Court
party had felt sure.
L