Chapter 258: From Father To Son
September, 1739
Parliament was in session, and therefore James had reluctantly moved from Hampton Court to Whitehall, this time accompanied by his eldest son and heir, George, alongside George’s family. Caroline had said she didn’t want to move to Whitehall just yet, something about waiting for something or the other, and so she would come later. James looked at his eldest son and heir and smiled, he raised his cup.
“Firstly, we wanted to say congratulations on the birth of another son.” George’s wife Anne had given birth to a boy who the parents had named Edward, an unusual name for their family and one not used since the time of Edward VI.
“Thank you, Father.” George replied. They were in private, with only the servants for company, therefore, James had relaxed the restrictions of etiquette for now.
“Why the name Edward?” James asked.
George smiled. “Anne had mentioned that she had been fascinated by the story of St Edward the Confessor as a child, and it would make a change from the usual names.”
James laughed. “A fair point, though let us hope that he does not end up like his famous ancestor.”
His son grinned. “Indeed, though from the way he cries, I do not think he will be weak.”
James snorted. “Very true.” There was a pause then as they both had a drink from their wine cups, then, George spoke.
“There was one thing I wished to ask you, Father.”
“Go on.” James said.
“How long do you think the Tories will be able to dominate Parliament?” George replied.
James thought on this, it was something he’d been quite surprised about as well, given the history of elections within the Kingdom. “We do not know. The Tories have dominated Parliament since our Mother became Queen, fifty-two years ago. The Whigs have suffered from some seriously poor management and from the fact that many of their leading adherents were actually opportunists who defected to the Tories when it became clear that our Mother favoured the Tories.”
“Like Walpole?” George asked.
James grinned. “Like Walpole.”
“How do you know someone like Walpole actually believes in the principles he talks about?” George asked.
James considered the question, he had known Walpole almost his entire life. The man was a favourite of Caroline’s, and he had done a lot to prove himself over the years. “We think that Walpole is a man who believes in serving his country over any party. He has often shown that he considers the monarchy and the Kingdom to be one and the same. He is a valued man, and has benefitted from his office.”
“So, you think he is someone who needs a guiding hand? Or someone who needs a reward for continued service?” George asked.
James shook his head. “Neither, he is a man who would do the work because he believes in it, or not at all. But why do you ask?” As far as James could remember his son had never asked him such a question before. Only questions about the constitution and the prerogative.
“I ask because I wonder what the fate of this Kingdom would be if the Whigs managed to win a majority in the Commons. Would you then need to appoint a Whig dominated ministry or not?” George replied.
James pondered this question, it was one he had never truly given much thought to, given the domination of the Tories, but he supposed it was a valid one. Eventually the electorate’s mood would change he supposed, once Walpole and Bolingbroke were gone. “We would consider the circumstances. We have enough power to hold a mixed administration. Personally, we would prefer a complete Tory administration as that is our preference, but we cannot ignore the Commons.”
“So, you would allow some Whigs to come into power?” George asked.
“Yes, some Whigs.” James replied. “Why do you think the Whigs have a chance at the next election?” He asked then, curious as to his son’s views.
George shook his head. “I do not think so. Spencer Compton was the last hope they had I think. Though there are some like George Grenville who are interesting speakers, but otherwise there aren’t many I think could be useful. I am simply surprised that the Tories have not split themselves yet.”
James laughed. “They’re too used to power now. We think if a Whig emerges who challenges them, then they might divide. Or if you embark on a different policy than we have, then they might.”
“Why?” George asked.
“Because a Tory’s greatest enemy is himself. Nobody else can undermine a Tory like a Tory can.” James said.
“So, how have they remained in power for so long?” George asked.
James looked at his son and said. “Our favour.”