merce. When Parliament met, they found their table crowded with petitions; and even the supporters of Mr Hume's act began to repent their own rashness, when they discovered the extent of the mischief it had occasioned, and that they had now to examine fresh evidence, and return to the work of legislation. It has been said, in extenuation of the proceedings of the workmen, that combinations involve a principle of self-correction, capable of ultimately working out a cure; and that they must at length dissolve of their own accord. But though this might, to a certain extent, be true, it was never theless evident, that these associations might be rendered extremely dangerous, were the manufacturing population to imbibe, as was the case not long ago, a spirit of discontent; while, in the meantime, their immediate effect was to cripple the trade and commerce of the country, which might be irretrievably injured before the principle of self-correction above alluded to should begin its operation. Some new measure seemed therefore to be imperiously called for ; first, to protect the workmen from the consequences of their own misconduct; secondly, to give a check to the riotous and disorderly proceedings by which these strikes had, in many cases, been attended; and, lastly, to defend the trade and commerce of the country from the ruin with which they were threatened by the pernicious tendency of these associations.

Upon the same principle, the extraordinary proceedings of the Catholic Association, though that body was ostensibly instituted for the furtherance of a legitimate object, seemed imperiously to call for the prompt enactment of some strong repressive measure. Under the fostering care of Mr O'Connell, it had become a sort of Irish Rump Parliament, filled with political agitators; and it was the more dan

gerous, from being the acknowledged organ of so powerful a body as the Irish Catholics, and from the rapid accumulation of pecuniary means at its disposal, arising from the rent, or tax, it had imposed. Intimidation and corruption were avowedly the principal means by which it proposed to operate. The Catholics, it was said, would never be listened to, till, like the volunteers in 1782, they were in a condition rather to dictate their own terms, than to receive reluctant concessions; and of the large sums collected in name of rent, a portion was boldly appropriated for buying the advocacy of the venal press all over the empire. These, with maintaining a vigorous surveillance over the conduct of magistrates under the insurrection act, the Orange lodges, and all persons employed in offices, or engaged in pursuits, in any way inimical to the Catholic body, were the declared objects of the association. It is evident, therefore, that an institution so anomalous-an imperium in imperio, like this, whose immediate tendency was to envenom and perpetuate those political and religious animosities which have so long been the curse of Ireland, and from whose tribune the most inflammatory harangues were weekly delivered, and circulated over the whole empire, through the medium of the press,-could not fail to attract the most serious consideration of his Majesty's Government; for the toleration of a self-constituted body, which, by its own authority, and for purposes not known to be lawful, could lay a whole kingdom under contribution, would have been tantamount to legitimizing the principle of rebellion, and establishing a precedent which might afterwards be employed for effecting a repeal of the Union, or any other object equally mischievous and dangerous. It will be seen directly what course Ministers resolved to pursue in regard to this and every similar association.

At the commencement of the year, undisturbed tranquillity reigned among the nations of Europe. Our relations with foreign powers were of the most friendly character, each evincing a sincere disposition to maintain that universal peace which is the sure harbin ger of prosperity and happiness to mankind. But while this general harmony prevailed among the nations of the West, the tranquillity of India, as stated in our last volume, was interrupted by the war with the Burmese, whose unprovoked aggressions, it is said, rendered hostile operations unavoidable. How far this may be correct, yet remains to be seen. It is certain, however, that the Burmese war came upon the public by surprise; for the prevalent opinion was, that, by the able, enlightened, skilful, and judicious administration of the Marquis of Hastings, the pacification of India had been rendered so complete, as to justify us in looking forward to many years of uninterrupted tranquillity. Nor from all that was at first known to the public, was it easy to discover what object the authors of this war had in view, or how they expected to improve the condition of our Indian possessions, by engaging in a contest with an enemy confined within natural boundaries, which he could never pass in any force, and protected by one of the most pestilential climates in the world. However, it is some consolation to think, that this war had not only made no additions to the public burdens, but had not even interrupted that progressive reduction of taxation which the skilful financial measures of administration have enabled them to carry into effect.

In these circumstances, Parliament met on Thursday the 3d of February. His Majesty being prevented by indisposition from opening the session in person, this was done by commission; and, after the usual ceremonies, the

"There never was a period in the history of this country when all the great interests of the nation were, at the same time, in so thriving a condition, or when a feeling of content and satisfaction was more widely diffused through all classes of the British people.

"It is no small addition to the gratification of his Majesty, that Ireland is participating in the general prosperity.

The outrages, for the suppression of which extraordinary powers were confided to his Majesty, have so far ceased, as to warrant the suspension of the exercise of those powers in most of the districts heretofore disturbed.

Industry and commercial enterprise are extending themselves in that part of the United Kingdom. It is therefore the more to be regretted that associations should exist in Ireland, which have adopted proceedings irreconcilable with the spirit of the constitution, and calculated, by exciting alarm, and by exasperating animosities, to endanger the peace of society, and to retard the course of national improvement.

"His Majesty relies upon your wisdom to consider, without delay, the means of applying a remedy to this evil.

"His Majesty further recommends the renewal of the inquiries instituted last session into the state of Ireland.

"His Majesty has seen with regret the interruption of tranquillity in India by the unprovoked aggression and extravagant pretensions of the Burmese government, which rendered hostile operations against that state unavoidable.

"It is, however, satisfactory to find that none of the other native powers have manifested any unfriendly disposition, and that the bravery and conduct displayed by the forces already employed against the enemy, afford the most favourable prospect of a successful termination of the contest. "Gentlemen of the House of Commons, "His Majesty has directed us to inform you, that the estimates of the year will be forthwith laid before you.

"The state of India, and circumstances connected with other parts of his Majesty's foreign possessions, will render some augmentation in his military establishments indispensable.

His Majesty has, however, the sincere gratification of believing, that notwithstanding the increase of expense arising out of this augmentation, such is the flourishing condition and progressive improvement of the revenue, that it will still be in your power, without affecting public credit, to give additional facilities to the national industry, and to make a further reduction of the burdens of the people.

"My Lords and Gentlemen, "His Majesty commands us to inform you, that his Majesty continues to receive from his allies, and generally from all princes and states, assurances of their unabated desire to maintain and cultivate the relations of peace with his Majesty, and with each other; and that it is his Majesty's constant endeavour to preserve the general tranquillity.

"The negotiations which have been so long carried on through his Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople, between the Emperor of Russia and

the Ottoman Porte, have been brought to an amicable issue.

"His Majesty has directed to be laid before you, copies of arrangements which have been entered into with the kingdoms of Denmark and Hanover, for improving the commercial intercourse between those states and the United Kingdom.

"A treaty, having for its object the more effectual suppression of the slave trade, has been concluded between his Majesty and the King of Sweden; a copy of which treaty (as soon as the ratifications thereof shall have been exchanged) his Majesty has directed to be laid before you.

"Some difficulties have arisen with respect to the ratification of the treaty for the same object, which was negotiated last year between his Majesty and the United States of America.

"These difficulties, however, his Majesty trusts, will not finally impede the conclusion of so beneficial an arrangement.

"In conformity with the declarations which have been repeatedly made by his Majesty, his Majesty has taken measures for confirming by treaties the commercial relations already subsisting between this kingdom and those countries of America which appear to have established their separation from Spain.

"So soon as these treaties shall be completed, his Majesty will direct copies of them to be laid before you.

"His Majesty commands us not to conclude without congratulating you upon the continued improvement in the state of the agricultural interest, the solid foundation of our national prosperity, nor without informing you that evident advantage has been derived from the relief which you have recently given to commerce by the removal of inconvenient restrictions.

"His Majesty recommends to you

to persevere, as circumstances may allow, in the removal of similar restrictions, and his Majesty directs us to assure you, that you may rely upon his Majesty's cordial co-operation, in fostering and extending that commerce, which, whilst it is, under the blessing of Providence, a main source of strength and power to this country, contributes in no less a degree to the happiness and civilization of mankind."

From the state of parties, the condition of Ireland, and, particularly, the aspect assumed by the Catholic Asso-ciation, it was natural to expect that the part of the speech which referred to associations existing in Ireland, which had "adopted proceedings irreconcilable with the spirit of the constitution," and which recommended to Parliament the speedy application of a remedy, would lead to immediate and keen discussion. In the Upper House, the address was moved by Lord Dudley and Ward, and seconded by Lord Gort. The former of these noblemen drew a very favourable picture of the state of the country, and pointed out the various interests which had been rendered eminently prosperous in consequence of the joint exertions of the people and the legislature. With regard to Ireland, his Lordship noticed the improvements which had taken place in the administration of justice, and declared his conviction, that the final settling of the troubles in that country depended upon the question of Catholic Emancipation, "which, sooner or later, must be conceded." He described the transactions of the societies in Ireland as having been of "such a nature as trode upon the utmost verge of the law;" and he contended, that there was only one way by which Catholics could obtain their object, viz. "by humbly appealing to the justice of Parliament." Adverting to our foreign relations, the Noble Vis

count took a view of the state of parties abroad, and observed, that it could not be disguised, that a spirit hostile to the interests and institutions of this country, prevailed to a certain extent on the continent. There was a party in France which evidently had for its object to bring back an ancient order of things; not that order of things which existed before the Revolution, but an unqualified system of despotism. The men who composed that party, which was not confined entirely to France, but extended into other countries of the continent, regarded our constitution with no good-will. They considered it as existing by prescription; but they held it to be anomalous, and its example dangerous. They were the enemies of all the principles of national liberty or national independence; and the institutions of this country, they above all things abhorred. His Lordship defended the manner in which the independence of the States in South America had been recognised, from the charge of tardiness and hesitation which had sometimes been brought against it; and argued, that by this slow and temperate proceeding, the government of this country had been enabled to stand equally well with both parties.

Lord Gort animadverted with great severity on the Catholic Association. He declared, that though its proposed object was emancipation, its real tendency was to overthrow the constitution; that, in this Catholic Parliament, the most inflammatory speeches were uttered, and Catholics taught to believe, that they were objects of hostility to government; that this association was in opposition to the constituted authorities of the land; that the Catholic and the legitimate Parliament could not co-exist; that, by means of the rent system, the former had levied taxes in every parish in Ireland; and that by means of its proclamations, and the co-operation of the priests, it

had extended its authority, and exercised a striking influence from one end of the island to the other. Notwithstanding the strength of these expressions, however, his lordship declared, that he had no wish to prevent Catholics from uniting to express their grievances, and to obtain redress by constitutional means.

The Marquis of Lansdown concur red in the favourable view which had been given of the internal prosperity of the country, and eulogized the wisdom of our foreign policy in the recognition of the independent States in South America. He liked this recognition, because of the broad principle by which it was supported-the principle that every nation had a right to choose its own government, without foreign interference. This, his Lordship argued, sufficiently distinguished our policy from that pursued on the continent. It showed that we had no community of feeling with those governments which claimed this right of interference; and it embraced a wider space than could have been done in any particular instance, without exciting resentment, or pla cing our system in opposition to theirs. But while his Lordship gave his full concurrence to those parts of the address, he complained that the House and the country were not in the possession of sufficient evidence, with regard to the causes, the nature, and the conducting of the Burmese war, for enabling them to judge whether so large a force as ten thousand or fifteen thousand men should be raised by this country on account of that war. With respect to that part which pointed at the putting down of the Catholic Association, the noble Marquis neither defended nor blamed the proceedings of that body; but he thought that there might be some danger in attempting to remove merely the outward and visible signs," while the dis

ease with which Ireland was afflicted, would still continue in full force. He was aware, that, in any country circumstanced like Ireland, there must always exist a large fund of discontent, ready to be drawn upon for evil purposes; and that, this being the case, it was far better that public opinion should be collected and communicated by open than by secret channels.

Lord Liverpool argued at some length to prove both the expediency and the justice of the caution that had been observed, and the delay that had taken place in recognising the South American States; and he complained of the conduct of those who regarded every interference with, and invasion of, one independent state by another, as an enormity; and yet thought that, whenever a colony attempted to throw off its dependence upon the parent state, it should be acknowledged and supported as a friend. With regard to the Catholic Association, his Lordship thought that there was nothing to prevent any measure which might be in contemplation, from being discussed on its own merits, and without any reference to the Catholic claims. There might, said his Lordship, be those who would say generally that they disliked the effect of restrictive laws operating upon Ireland, and that they would do nothing to strengthen or to extend them; but whenever those persons looked at the conduct of the party which called itself the Catholic Association, and saw it actually levying a duty, unauthorized, upon the Catholic population of Ireland-would they say that the existence of such a body was con sistent with the constitution of this country, or that it was compatible with its peace? He protested that if he himself stood before the House as the advocate of Catholic claims, the first act he would vote for, should be the putting down of that convention, the Catholic