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.