POLITICAL EVENTS.

Great Britain

The Colonies
Foreign States

CRITICAL NOTICES.

Ste wart's Visit to the South Seas-Roby's Traditions of Lancashire-Letters on the State of Ireland-Considerations on a National Banking and Annuity SystemThe Chameleon-Elliott's Letters from the North of Europe-Sermon on the Unknown Tongues, by R. M. Beverly, Esq.-Essay on the Elective Right and the Rejected Bill-Geographical Annual -Gate to the Hebrew, Arabic, and Syriac unlocked-Introductory Lecture to the Study of the Civil Law-Catechism of Health-Bassola per lo Studio Pratico della Lingua Italiana-Hood's Comic Annual-Chaunt of the Cholera : Songs for Ireland-Selections from Southey's Poems-Divines of the Church of England -The Social System: On the Principle of Exchange--The Seventeenth Century a Beacon for the Nineteenth-Edinburgh

HOUSE OF LORDS.

Dec. 6. This day having been appointed for the reassemblingof Parliament, the House met soon after one, and at two the arrival of the Sovereign was announced by double salutes and flourishes of trumpets. His Majesty entered the House, surrounded by the Cabinet Ministers, and took his seat upon the Throne, when the Commons were summoned, and on their arrival the Lord Chancellor, kneeling, handed to his Majesty the written copy of the Speech. His Majesty read, as follows:

"MY LORDS, AND GENTLEMEN,

"I have called you together that you may resume, without further delay, the important duties to which the circumstances of the times require your immediate attention; and I sincerely regret the inconvenience which I am well aware you must experience from so early a renewal of your labours, after the short interval allowed you for repose from the fatigues of the last Session.

"I feel it to be my duty, in the first place, to recommend to your most careful consideration Jan.-vol. XXXVI. NO. CXXXIII.

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the measures which will be proposed to you for a Reform in the Commons House of Parliament. A speedy and satisfactory settlement of this ques. tion becomes daily of more pressing importance to the security of the State, and to the contentment and welfare of my People.

"I deeply lament the distress which still prevails in many parts of my dominions, and for which the preservation of peace, both at home and abroad, will, under the blessing of Divine Providence, afford the best and most effectual remedy; I feel assured of your disposition to adopt any practicable measures, which you will always find me ready and anxious to assist, both for removing the causes and mitigating the effects of the want of employment, which the embarrassments of commerce and the consequent interruption of the pursuits of industry have occasioned.

"It is with great concern that I have observed the existence of a disease at Sunderland, similar in its appearance and character to that which has existed in many parts of Europe. Whether it is indigenous, or has been imported from abroad, is a question involved in much uncertainty, but its progress has neither been so extensive nor so

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fatal as on the Continent. It is not, however, the less necessary to use every precaution against the further extension of this malady; and the measures recommended by those who have had the best opportunities of observing it, as most effectual for this purpose, have been adopted.

"In parts of Ireland a systematic opposition has been made to the payments of tithes, attended in some instances with afflicting results; and it will be one of your first duties to inquire whether it may not be possible to effect improvements in the laws respecting this subject which may afford the necessary protection to the Established Church, and at the same time remove the present causes of complaint. But in this, and every other question affecting Ireland, it is above all things necessary to look to the best means of securing internal peace and order, which alone seem want. ing to raise a country blessed by Providence with so many natural advantages to a State of the greatest prosperity.

"The conduct of the Portuguese Government, and the repeated injuries to which my subjects have been exposed, have prevented a renewal of my diplomatic relations with that kingdom. The state of a country so long united with this by the ties of the most intimate alliance must necessarily be to me an object of the deepest interest; and the return to Europe of the elder branch of the illustrious House of Braganza, and the dangers of a disputed snecession, will require my most vigilant attention to events by which not only the safety of Portugal, but the general interests of Europe may be affected.

"The arrangement which I announced to you at the close of the last Session, for the separation of the States of Holland and Belgium, has been followed by a treaty between the Five Powers and the King of the Belgians, which I have directed to be laid before you as soon as the ratifications shall have been exchanged. A similar treaty has

not yet been agreed to by the King of the Netherlands; but I trust the period is not distant when that Sovereign will see the necessity of acceding to an arrangement in which the Plenipotentiaries of the Five Powers have unanimously concurred, and which has been framed with the most careful and impartial attention to all the interests concerned. I have the satisfaction to inform you that I have concluded with the King of the French a convention, which I have directed to be laid before you, the object of which is the effectual suppression of the African slave-trade; this conven. tion, having for its basis the concession of reciprocal rights to be mutually exercised in specified latitudes and places, will, I trust, enable the naval forces of the two countries by their combined efforts to accomplish an object which is felt by both to be so important to the interests of humanity.

"Regarding the state of Europe generally, the friendly assurances which I receive from Foreign

Powers, and the union which subsists between me and my allies, inspire me with a confident hope that peace will not be interrupted.

"GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, "I have directed the estimates for the ensuing year to be prepared, and they will in due time be laid before you. I will take care that they shall be formed with the strictest regard to economy, and I trust to your wisdom and patriotism to make such provision as may be required for the public service.

"MY LORDS, AND GENTLEMEN, "The scenes of violence and outrage which have occurred in the city of Bristol and in some other places have caused me the deepest affliction. The authority of the laws must be vindicated by the punishment of offences which have produced so extensive a destruction of property, and so melancholy a loss of life; but I think it right to direct your attention to the best means of improving the municipal police of the kingdom for the more effectual protection of the public peace against the occur. rence of similar commotions.

"Sincerely attached to our free Constitution, I never can sanction any interference with the legitimate exercise of those rights which secure to my people the privileges of discussing and making known their grievances; but in respecting these rights it is also my duty to prevent combinations, under whatever pretext, which in their form and character are incompatible with all regular government, and are equally opposed to the spirit and to the provisions of the law; and I know that I shall not appeal in vain to my faithful subjects to second my determined resolution to repress all illegal proceedings by which the peace and security of my dominions may be endangered."

His Majesty then rose and retired, attended by several of the Ministers and the Great Officers of State. The Commons withdrew from the Bar, and their Lordships adjourned during pleasure. Shortly after five o'clock the House resumed. The Lord Chancellor having read his Majesty's Speech, which was also read by one of the Clerks of the House,

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Lord Camperdown rose to move the usual Address. In commenting on the several topics alluded to in the Speech, his Lordship highly eulogised the Noble Earl at the head of his Majesty's Government for having proposed a great measure of Reform, which had the merit of reconciling the conflicting opinions of various parties of reformers, and had received the almost universal sanction of the people of England. He desired not to enter into any discussion of the measures which it was intended shortly to introduce on this subject; but it was sufficient to know, that, although some modifications might be conceded in the minor details, the whole measure would be the same in principle, and equally efficient as the last, Ministers being convinced that nothing less would satisfy the just wishes of the country. -The Address having been read by the Lord Chancellor-Lord Lyttleton rose to the state of the public mind, urging that the second it. His Lordship strongly dwelt on events of the first French Revolution, or of Charles the First's reign, had not equalled the excitement and interest that now existed; and contending that such was the state of public opinion that nothing short of the Reform Bill which had been rejected would satisfy the country.-The Earl of Harrowby said, that when the Bill came up from the other House, he should hope it would be one they could adopt. Until that measure came

before them, he should say nothing. He would discuss it at the proper time, with a sincere desire for its adoption.-The Earl of Aberdeen offered some remarks on Portuguese affairs, observing that the injuries of which complaint had been preferred resulted from the state of public excitement, and adding that the Ministers of the Five Powers had no right to dictate to the King of the Netherlands, as it appeared they had done, in forcing him, under the bane of their high displeasure, to conform to the decision of the Conference.-The Duke of Buckingham declared that, though he was last Session vehemently opposed to the measure then introduced, he was, as well as the Government, most anxious for the speedy and satisfactory settlement of the question, on which depended the quiet of the country and the security of the State: he would, therefore, when it came before the House, consider it with a view to the feelings of the people with a view to that spread of education and knowledge among them which had rendered them both more alive to political matters, and more competent to understand them; but he would so consider it always subject to the principles of the Constitution. The Earl of Eldon, in a short speech, alluded to the infamous falsehoods propagated in a paper called "The Black List," a production which he deprecated as highly revolutionary; he considered that Ministers ought to institute a prosecution against the publishers of such a work. The Noble Earl, in allusion to the vote he had given last Session on the Reform Bill, candidly declared his willingness to revise that vote, and if he found that he had really taken a false step, to retrace it.-Earl Grey, in addressing the House, observed, in reference to the question of Reform, " any measure passed by me must be on the same principles, and equally efficient as the last." He hoped when Noble Lords came to discuss that question, they would come unfettered, and have a full latitude for the expression of their opinions, so as they might conscientiously do their duty; and he claimed the same advantages for himself, determined to do his duty, as was, in his opinion, most conducive to the best interests of the State and the permanent security of the country. His Lordship having briefly commented upon the several other topics introduced into his Majesty's Speech, the Address was agreed to.

Dec. 7.-The House met at one o'clock, for the purpose of proceeding to St. James's with the Address, and shortly afterwards the Lord Chancellor, the Mover and Seconder of the Address, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Shaftesbury, and other Peers, carried up the Address to the Sovereign.

Dec. 8. The Lord Chancellor read his Majesty's Answer to the Address, which

was ordered to be entered on the Journals of the House.-Lord Ellenborough, in moving for returns relative to the Charter and the affairs of the East India Company, expressed his surprise at the total silence of the King's Speech on that important subject, and stated that a leading point of inquiry would be to ascertain how far the Government of India could be conducted without reliance for its expenditure on any other quarter. Earl Grey said he could not object to the motion, and that he should be ready to discuss the question when it came regularly before the House; but, as the question of the revival of the Charter was not likely to be brought forward this Session, its mention was not introduced into the King's Speech.-The Marquis of Salisbury asked whether Government intended to bring forward any Bill relative to the Poor Laws?-The Lord Chancellor replied, that if no other Noble Lord did, he should propose a measure upon that subject.-The Earl of Aberdeen intimated, he should hereafter bring forward a motion respecting the arrangements between Holland and Belgium, if a Noble Duke (Wellington), who had taken great interest in the proceedings connected with those arrangements, declined to do so. Earl Grey said, that a copy of the Conference would have been laid on the table if it had been ratified.-The Earl of Winchelsea inquired whether it was the intention of his Majesty's Ministers to bring forward any specific measure for the purpose of putting down the Political Unions?Earl Grey said it was not; adding that Government was already armed with sufficient powers to stop any illegal associations.

Dec. 9. Lord Teynham, after alluding to the fires which had taken place in different parts of the country, and strongly urging the necessity of interference on the part of Government, gave notice that after the Christmas recess he should move for leave to bring in a Bill for the purpose of preventing incendiary fires.

Dec. 13. Lord Ellenborough moved for copies of all Correspondence relative to the recent differences between the Factory and the Local Authorities at Canton. His Lordship spoke at some length upon the importance and advantages of our trade with China. He lamented that the Select Committee and Merchants at Canton had acted in such a way as to give offence to the Chinese Government.-Earl Grey replied, that Government were aware of the importance of the subject-that no step would be taken rashly-that the business was more immediately under the control of the East India Company-and that no objection would be made to the production of the Papers when they were ready, and when Government and the Company had received all the necessary intelligence which they

fatal as on the Continent. It is not, however, the less necessary to use every precaution against the further extension of this malady; and the measures recommended by those who have had the best opportunities of observing it, as most effectual for this purpose, have been adopted.

"In parts of Ireland a systematic opposition has been made to the payments of tithes, attended in some instances with afflicting results; and it will be one of your first duties to inquire whether it may not be possible to effect improvements in the laws respecting this subject which may afford the necessary protection to the Established Church, and at the same time remove the present causes of complaint. But in this, and every other question affecting Ireland, it is above all things necessary to look to the best means of securing internal peace and order, which alone seem want ing to raise a country blessed by Providence with so many natural advantages to a State of the greatest prosperity.

"The conduct of the Portuguese Government, and the repeated injuries to which my subjects have been exposed, have prevented a renewal of my diplomatic relations with that kingdom. The state of a country so long united with this by the ties of the most intimate alliance must necessarily be to me an object of the deepest interest; and the return to Europe of the elder branch of the illustrious House of Braganza, and the dangers of a disputed suecession, will require my most vigilant attention to events by which not only the safety of Portugal, but the general interests of Europe may be affected.

"The arrangement which I announced to you at the close of the last Session, for the separation of the States of Holland and Belgium, has been followed by a treaty between the Five Powers and the King of the Belgians, which I have directed to be laid before you as soon as the ratifications shall have been exchanged. A similar treaty has not yet been agreed to by the King of the Netherlands; but I trust the period is not distant when that Sovereign will see the necessity of acceding to an arrangement in which the Plenipotentiaries of the Five Powers have unanimously concurred, and which has been framed with the most careful and impartial attention to all the interests concerned. I have the satisfaction to inform you that I have concluded with the King of the French a convention, which I have directed to be laid before you, the object of which is the effectual suppression of the African slave-trade; this convention, having for its basis the concession of reciprocal rights to be mutually exercised in specified latitudes and places, will, I trust, enable the naval forces of the two countries by their combined efforts to accomplish an object which is felt by both to be so important to the interests of humanity.

"Regarding the state of Europe generally, the friendly assurances which I receive from Foreign

Powers, and the union which subsists between me and my allies, inspire me with a confident hope that peace will not be interrupted.

laid before you.

“GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, "I have directed the estimates for the ensuing year to be prepared, and they will in due time be I will take care that they shall be formed with the strictest regard to economy, and I trust to your wisdom and patriotism to make such provision as may be required for the public service.

"MY LORDS, AND GENTLEMEN, "The scenes of violence and outrage which have occurred in the city of Bristol and in some other places have caused me the deepest affliction. The authority of the laws must be vindicated by the punishment of offences which have produced so extensive a destruction of property, and so melancholy a loss of life; but I think it right to direct your attention to the best means of improving the municipal police of the kingdom for the more effectual protection of the public peace against the occur. rence of similar commotions.

"Sincerely attached to our free Constitution, I never ean sanction any interference with the legitimate exercise of those rights which secure to my people the privileges of discussing and making known their grievances; but in respecting these rights it is also my duty to prevent combinations, under whatever pretext, which in their form and character are incompatible with all regular government, and are equally opposed to the spirit and to the provisions of the law; and I know that I shall not appeal in vain to my faithful subjects to second my determined resolution to repress all illegal proceedings by which the peace and security of my dominions may be endangered."

His Majesty then rose and retired, attended by several of the Ministers and the Great Officers of State. The Commons withdrew from the Bar, and their Lordships adjourned during pleasure. Shortly after five o'clock the House resumed. The Lord Chancellor having read his Majesty's Speech, which was also read by one of the Clerks of the House, -Lord Camperdown rose to move the usual Address. In commenting on the several topics alluded to in the Speech, his Lordship highly eulogised the Noble Earl at the head of his Majesty's Government for having proposed a great measure of Reform, which had the merit of reconciling the conflicting opinions of various parties of reformers, and had received the almost universal sanction of the people of England. He desired not to enter into any discussion of the measures which it was intended shortly to introduce on this subject; but it was sufficient to know, that, although some modifications might be conceded in the minor details, the whole measure would be the same in principle, and equally efficient as the last, Ministers being convinced that nothing less would satisfy the just wishes of the country. -The Address having been read by the Lord Chancellor-Lord Lyttleton rose to the state of the public mind, urging that the second it. His Lordship strongly dwelt on events of the first French Revolution, or of Charles the First's reign, had not equalled the excitement and interest that now existed; and contending that such was the state of public opinion that nothing short of the Reform Bill which had been rejected would satisfy the country.-The Earl of Harrowby said, that when the Bill came up from the other House, he should hope it would be one they could adopt. Until that measure came