Parliament-continued.

speech; his foreign policy, commer-
cial policy; refers the question of
free trade or protection to the well-
understood and clearly expressed
opinion of the intelligent portion of
the community, and deprecates party
opposition previous to the dissolu-
tion, [34]; a short discussion follows,
requiring an early statement of the
commercial policy of the Cabinet,
and Lord Aberdeen, on the part of
the Peel party, declares their adhe-
rence to the policy of that states-
man, [36]; in the House of Com-
mons, business is suspended pending
the re-election of the new Ministers,
[37].

Proceedings of the Earl of Derby's
Government; attempts to compel the
Ministry to an avowal of their com-
mercial policy; the Government refer
it to the result of a general election,
[38]; they are then attacked on the
point of an immediate dissolution;
the Chancellor of the Exchequer
states measures to be proposed before
dissolution; long debate on Mr. Vil-
liers' motion, [41]; Sir J. Graham re-
asserts the principles of the Peel party,
[43]; the Ministers in both Houses
declare their intention of advising a
dissolution so soon as they shall have
passed the measures "necessary for
the public good," [45]; measures in-
troduced by the new Government;
the Militia Bill, on a general organi-
zation, proposed by Mr. Walpole; his
able speech, [51]; plan approved of
by Lord Palmerston, [54]; armaments
objected to by Mr. Cobden, Mr. Bright,
and others, and the Bill is criticised
by other members of the new Oppo-
sition; leave given, [56]; two nights'
debate on the second reading; Sir
De L. Evans, Mr. Rich, Mr. F. Peel,
and Lord John Russell oppose the
measure as "illusory," [56]; Lord
Palmerston ably supports the mea-
sure, with an amusing attack on his
former colleagues, [58]; the Peel
party support the measure, [60]; Mr.
Roebuck opposes it; Mr. Walpole
answers the objection to the Bill,
which is carried by a large majority,
[62]; the opposition to the Govern-
ment measure being thought fac-
tious, this large majority greatly
strengthens the Administration, [56];
the Bill passes the Commons after
much opposition, [64]; Bill moved in

Parliament-continued.

the Lords; speech of the Earl of
Derby on the second reading, [64];
the Marquess of Lansdowne assents
to the measure; remarkable and em-
phatic speech of the Duke of Wel-
lington, recommending the adoption
of the measure, [65]; Earl Grey op-
poses the Bill, [67]; Lord Ellesmere
strongly urges the necessity and value
of such a measure, [68]; and the Bill
passes without a division, [69].

Parliamentary Reform - Various
discussions on this subject: Mr. Hume
proposes a Bill for extending the
franchise, his speech, [71]; Sir J.
Walmsley seconds it ; amusing speech
of Mr. Drummond, [72]; Sir W. P.
Wood generally approves of the prin-
ciple of extension, [73]; the Chan-
cellor of Exchequer (Mr. Disraeli)
ably analyses the Bill in reference to
the alleged inequality in the repre-
sentation, the ballot, the necessity of
combining education with the fran-
chise, and declares the extension of
the franchise not necessarily synony-
mous with extension of democratic
power, [73]; Lord J. Russell's speech,
rejects the ballot, [75]; leave refused
by large majority, [75]; Mr. Locke
King renews his motion for assimila-
tion of borough and county franchise,
[75]; declaration of Mr. Disraeli that
the Government were ready to con-
sider any well-matured measure for
extending the franchise, [76]; the
Bill is rejected, [77]; Lord Brougham
carries a Bill for shortening the in-
terval between the dissolution and re-
assembling of Parliament to 35 days,
[77] Bribery at Elections-Great in-
crease in this offence; effectual result
of the St. Alban's Bribery Commis-
sion, the borough is disfranchised;
a Bill for appointing similar commis-
sion when required, passed, [78]; the
Government propose a measure for
the appropriation of the vacant seats
(viz. Sudbury, two, St. Albans, two);
Mr. Disraeli discusses the claims of
learned bodies and incorporated so-
cieties to return representatives, in
an elaborate speech, and the claims
of different existing constituencies,
and finally proposes to allocate two
seats to the West Riding and two to
South Lancashire, [78]; Mr. Glad-
stone opposes the motion, on the
ground that it did not lie with an
expiring Parliament to decide the

Parliament-continued.

question, [81]; and the measure is
rejected, [82]. New Zealand Consti-
tution-Measure introduced by the
Colonial Secretary (Sir J. Pakington),
[83]; the measure is strongly opposed
by Sir W. Molesworth, [85]; Mr. Ad-
derley supports, Mr. V. Smith op-
poses, the Bill, [85]; Mr. F. Peel, Mr.
Gladstone, and Sir J. Graham adopt
the general measure, [86]; in Com-
mittee, Government introduce alter-
ations in the Bill, [87]; Sir W. Moles-
worth moves extensive omissions and
substitutions; the clauses are seve-
rally discussed; the Bill passes the
Commons, [87]; discussion in the
Lords; Bill introduced by Lord De-
sart and opposed by the Duke of
Newcastle, but passed, [88]. The Co-
lonial Bishops Bill proposed by Mr.
Gladstone, embodies the principle of
self-management in ecclesiastical, as
in civil affairs, [89]; Sir J. Pakington
opposes the measure on the ground
that it will exalt the Church in the
colonies into dominance, that it would
split it up into separate churches, that
it would destroy the supremacy of
the Crown, and overrule all legisla-
tion, and moves the orders of the
day, [90]; after discussion, this pro-
posal adopted, [92]. Episcopal and
Capitular Revenues-Bill proposed
by the Marquess of Blandford for re-
forming the ecclesiastical establish-
ment, [92]; Government assent to the
introduction of the measure, which
is withdrawn in consequence of the
approaching termination of the ses-
sion, [93].

Maynooth College-Protracted and
irritating discussions on this subject:
Mr. Spooner's motion for inquiry,
[95]; Mr. Walpole expresses the views
of Government in favour of inquiry,
[96]; Mr. Gladstone supports the mo-
tion as far as inquiry into the in-
struction given at the College, [97];
Lord Palmerston opposes it, [98];
after irritating discussion, on majority
against an adjournment, the sup-
porters of the motion declare them-
selves 'satisfied; this gives rise to
angry recrimination, [102]. The Out-
rage on Mr. Mather-Mr. Mather cut
down by an Austrian officer in the
streets of Florence; discussions in
Parliament on the subject, and on
Lord Malmesbury's foreign adminis-
tration generally, [103]; Lord Stan-

Parliament-continued.

ley's defence of the Government,
[104]; Lord Palmerston's views, [105];
the Chancellor of the Exchequer's
reply, [106]; the question finally set-
tled, [107]. Financial Discussions-
Mr. Frewen's motion for repeal of the
hop duty, [107]; Mr. M. Gibson's reso-
lution on the paper and news-stamp
duties, [107]; the Chancellor of the
Exchequer deprecates premature dis-
cussions, [108]; opinions of Mr. Glad-
stone and others; the resolution ne-
gatived, [111]; the Chancellor of the
Exchequer makes his Financial State-
ment for the year; his able review of
the financial condition of the country,
[111]; estimated expenditure and re-
ceipt of the current year, [113]; and
proposes the continuance of the pro-
perty and income tax for one year,
[114]; the proposals are favourably
received, and the formal resolutions
are put and carried; the debate on
the Bill in the Lords elicits a discus-
sion on commercial policy and free
trade, [115]; the Duke of Newcastle
warns the Prime Minister against a
policy of reaction; speeches of Lord
Berners and Earl of Albemarle,
[116]; the Earl of Derby defends his
policy, and refers his course to the
decision of the country, [117]; large
number of useful measures passed by
the Government during the short
session; complimentary review of
the session by Lord Lyndhurst,
[117]; Lord Derby admits that his
success has been in part owing to the
absence of party spirit, [118]; the
Parliament is prorogued by Her Ma-
jesty in person; the Speech from the
Throne, [119]; the Parliament is dis-
solved the next day, [122].

The general election effects no
material change in the position of
parties on the question of commer-
cial policy; recent language of the
Chancellor of Exchequer points to
a re-adjustment of taxation rather
than a protective policy-great curio-
sity as to the financial policy of the
Government; the funeral of the Duke
of Wellington postpones business;
Mr. Lefevre re-chosen Speaker, [124];
the Queen's Speech on opening the
Parliament, [125]; on Address in the
Lords, the Marquess of Lansdowne
calls the attention of the House to
death of Duke of Wellington; and
the imperfect adoption of free trade

Parliament-continued.

in the Speech, [127]; speech of Lord
Brougham; noble speech of the Earl
of Derby on the death of Wellington,
[128]; declares the decision of the
country to be in favour of free trade,
and will carry out that policy frankly
and loyally, [129]; the Address in
the Commons leads to discussion on
the paragraph relating to commercial
policy, which the Opposition declare
illusory; speeches of Mr. C. Villiers,
[129]; Mr. Hume, Mr. Walpole, Lord
J. Russell, Chancellor of Exchequer,
[130]; Mr. Gladstone, [131]; Mr.
Christopher, Mr. Adderley, Mr. Cob-
den; Address agreed to, [132];
Queen's message regarding the pub-
lic funeral of the Duke of Wellington,
[132]; the Chancellor of Exchequer's
panegyric on the Duke; the funeral;
eloquent speech of the Earl of Derby,
[133]; the Parliamentary contest
commences; the free-traders resolve
to bring the question of commercial
policy to an issue, [135]; resolution of
Mr. C. Villiers that the Act of 1846
was a "wise, just, and beneficial"
measure; his speech, [136]; the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer opposes the
resolutions, and moves an amend-
ment affirming the principle of "un-
restricted competition," [138]; long
adjourned debates on this question,
the Ministerialists considering the en-
forcement of the former words as an
insult; at length Lord Palmerston
offers a resolution avoiding the offen-
sive expressions, the Chancellor of
Exchequer withdraws his amend-
ment, and Lord Palmerston's is
adopted by a very large majority,
[151]; in the Lords, Lord Clanri-
carde gives notice of similar resolu-
tions to those moved in the Com-
mons, but adopts others suggested by
the Earl of Derby, [152]; after de-
bate, Lord Harrowby suggests omis-
sion of the first part, and thereon
the House adopts them unanimously,
[155].

Irish Land Tenure-Mr. Napier
moves four Bills for settling this
question, [157]; Serjeant Shee intro-
duces another embodying the princi-
ple of "tenant right;" after debate,
the Bills are referred to a select
Committee, [162]. The Sugar Duties
-Mr. J. Wilson points out the bene-
fits of recent legislation, [162]; Sir J.
Pakington, in answer, points out its

Parliament-continued.

disastrous effects on West India pro-
perty, [163] Establishment of the
Empire in France-The fact commu-
nicated to the Lords by the Earl of
Malmesbury, Foreign Secretary, in
terms which give rise to comment,
[164]. National Defences-Increase
of navy estimates, [168]; for the Ord-
nance, [169]. Financial Projects of
the Chancellor of the Exchequer-In a
speech of five hours he developes his
views, [169]; concessions to the ship-
ping interest, the sugar colonies, [170];
the landed interest, [170]; recom-
mends the repeal of half the malt
tax, and a gradual reduction of the
tea duties, [172]; proposes to re-adjust
the schedules of the income tax, to
extend its range, and to apply it to
Ireland, [172]; the ways and means,
[174]; proposes to double the house
tax [175]; general unpopularity of the
proposal to double the house tax;
a general opposition to the scheme
arises, [176]; Mr. Gladstone de-
nounces the re-adjustment of the in-
come tax, [178]; Lord John Russell
doubts the effect on the financial
security of the country, [179]; gene-
ral discussion on the Ministerial pro-
positions-four nights' debate; sum-
mary of the arguments of the princi-
pal members, [180]; the Chancellor
of the Exchequer retorts on his op-
ponents in a speech replete with point
and sarcasm, [189]; Mr. Gladstone's
earnest and powerful reply, [191]; on
division, the Government are defeated,
and resign, [192]; the Queen sends
for the Marquess of Lansdowne and
Earl of Aberdeen, and the latter un-
dertakes to form a Government com-
bining the Whig and Peel parties,
[192]; the Earl of Derby explains
the reasons of the resignation of his
Government, attributing it to a con-
federacy of hostile parties, [193]; de-
nied by the Duke of Newcastle
[194]; Members of Lord Aberdeen's
Cabinet, [195]; the new Prime Minis-
ter states the circumstances of the
formation of his Administration, and
the principles by which it will be
guided, [195]; Lord Derby's oberva-
tions in reply, [196]; both Houses
adjourn to the 10th Feb., [197]).
PARLIAMENT Proclamation dissolving
the Parliament, 94; election of Scotch
Representative Peers, 108; list of
Members returned to Parliament at

-

Parliament-continued.

the General Elections of 1847 and 1852;
the names of the unsuccessful candi-
dates, and the numbers polled, 354.
PATENTS, 497.
POETRY, 502.

PORTUGAL Forcible conversion of the
Funds the only event of general in-
terest, [272].
PROMOTIONS, 341.

PUBLIC DOCUMENTS-Finance Accounts
for the year 1852, 408; list of Sta-
tutes 15 & 16 Vict. 426; State Pa-
pers and Treaties with Foreign Pow-
ers, 439.

QUEEN, THE Her Majesty's excursion

along the Devonshire coast, 111; vi-
sits King Leopold at Brussels, 124;
large legacy to, by Mr. Neild, 130;
autumnal residence of the Royal fa-
mily at Balmoral, 133.

Racing Meetings-Epsom, 79; Ascot,
85; Doncaster, 14.
Railway Accidents-At Kilburn Bridge,
London and North Western Railway,
40; at Bishopstoke, South Western
Railway, 40; on the Shropshire Union
Railway, 80; at Burnley, several per-
sons killed, 102; near Stockton-on-
Tees, Mr. Grainger killed, 103; at
the Ashford Station, South Eastern
Railway, 104; Hampton Station, Lon-
don and North Western Railway, 105;
at Crewe, 105; at Bolton Station,
Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway,
106; near Taunton, Bristol and Exeter
Railway, 151; near Sheffield, 151;
near Leighton, London and Birming-
ham Railway, 152; on Scotch Rail-
ways, 152; two on South Eastern Rail-
way, on Great Northern, and near
Broomsgrove, 157; at the Portobello
Station, North British Railway-dif-
ference of Scotch and English law on
the subject, 160; numerous railway
collisions at the Camden Town Sta-
tion; at the Redhill Station; at the
Heyford Station, 179; at the Harrow
station, North Western Railway, 207;
return of railway accidents by which
persons have been killed and wounded
in Great Britain and Ireland in 1851
and 1852, 214.
REMARKABLE OCCURRENCES-The burn-
ing of the Amazon, 462; the wreck
of the Birkenhead, 469; death by
famine of Capt. Allen Gardiner and
a band of Missionaries, 473; the
Holmfirth catastrophe, 477.

SHERIFFS for the Year 1852, 218.
Shipwrecks and Disasters at Sea
Fearful destruction of the Amazon
by fire in the Bay of Biscay, 5,
462; the Guide and Leeds steamers
wrecked, 9; the Germania, at Malta,
13; many persons drowned, 17;
collision of the Pickwick and Chi-
mæra, the Isabella, the Waterloo,
20; dreadful wreck of H.M.S. Birk-
enhead, 438 lives lost, 28, 469; the
Victory and Herald destroyed by
pirates, 32; of the Porto steamer on
the bar of Oporto, 52; collision of
the Propontis and Ann Rebecca; of
the Triton and Maria Johanna, 55;
of the Josephu, on Cape Cod, 70;
collision of the Duchess of Kent and
the Ravensbourne, off Gravesend, 95;
dreadful explosion of the St. James,
on Lake Pontchartrain, 39 persons
killed or wounded; the Atlantic
sunk on Lake Erie, 200 passengers
drowned, 101; the Henry Clay burnt
on the Hudson, 72 persons killed,
101; loss of the Smyrna, the Herald,
and Mobile, in a storm in September,
150; of the Napoleon, near Sunder-
land, 181; of the Enchantress, the
Helen, 182; of the Maise, by light-
ning, 183; collision of the Prince
Hendrick and the Ilma, 183; of the
Marie Elizabeth, and numerous fish-
ing boats, during a storm, in Novem-
ber, 199; of the Fairfield, Indiaman,
and the Successor, with great loss of
life, 200; of several vessels during
a hurricane on Christmas Day, 210;
wreck of the Lily, on the Calf of
Man, and subsequent terrible explo-
sion, 212.
SPAIN Attempt to assassinate the
Queen, by the priest Merino; the
assassin seized and executed, [271],
14; the Ministers, in an attempt to
revise the constitution, are defeated,
and resign, [271]; a new Ministry
formed under General Roncali; their
views as to the revision, [272].
STATE PAPERS-Domestic: A Proclama-
tion against Roman Catholic Proces-
sions, 439; International : Treaty re-
lative to the succession to the Crown
of Denmark, 440; Convention with
the French Republic for the establish-
ment of International Copyright, 442;
Treaty of Commerce and Navigation
with Belgium, 448.