But not to dwell upon disputable questions, I think it may be justly
concluded, that the measures of our ministry have been ill concerted,
because it is undoubtedly wrong to squander the publick money without
effect, and to pay armies only to be a show to our friends, and a jest
to our enemies.
The troops of Hanover, whom we are now expected to pay, marched into
the Low Countries, indeed, and still remain in the same place; they
marched to the place most distant from enemies, least in danger of an
attack, and most strongly fortified, if any attack had been designed;
nor have any claim to be paid, but that they left their own country
for a place of greater security.
It is always reasonable to judge of the future by the past; and,
therefore, it is reasonable to conclude, that the services of these
troops will not, next year, be of equal importance with that for which
they are now to be paid; and I shall not be surprised, though the
opponents of the ministry should be challenged, after such another
glorious campaign, to propose better men, and should be told, that the
money of this nation cannot be more properly employed than in hiring
Hanoverians to eat and sleep.
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