The bill met with a warm opposition from the tories, and did not pass the upper house without a protest.

It was still further obstructed in the house of commons even by some of the whig party, who were given to understand that the princess Sophia had expressed an inclination to reside in England.

Exceptions were likewise taken to that clause in the bill, enacting, that the last parliament should be reassembled.

They affirmed, that this was inconsistent with part of the act by which the succession was at first settled; for among other limitations, the parliament had provided, that when the crown should devolve to the house of Hanover, no man who had either place or pension should be capable of sitting in the house of commons.

After tedious disputes and zealous altercations, they agreed that a certain number of offices should be specified as disqualifying places.