Ethatto and rurraings in Varliamtut.

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OP THE WEEK.

Horn or Leans. Balurday, June 28. Bills forwarded a stage. Monday, June 28. Petition against the removal of Smithfield Market to Copen- hagen Fields—Militia Pay Bill, passed through Committee—Patent Law Amend- ment Bill ; Amendments of the Commons assented to—New Zealand Government Bill, read a third time and passed—Suitors in Chancery. Bill, read a third time and passed—Improvement of the Jurisdiction of Equity Bill; an Amendment of the Com- mons rejected--Metropolitan Burials Bill, passed through Committee—Encumbered Estates Ireland Bill, read a third time and passed. Tuesday. June 29. County Court Jurisdiction, Ike.; Discussion raised on Petitions by Lord Brougham. Wednesday, June 50. Business of the Session reviewed by Lord Lyndhurst and other Peers—Royal Assent to many Bills—Improvement of Jurisdiction of Equity Bill; the refusal of the Commons to agree to an amendment submitted to.

Thursday, July 1. Prorogation of Parliament by the Queen in person.

Harms or Croutons. Tuesday, June 29. A morning sitting. Disputes with Tuscany settled ; Government Statement—Expulsion of Scotch Missionaries from Austria; Mr. Anstey's Resolution moved by Sir Harry Verney, debated, and with- drawn.

Wednesday, June 30. Improvement of Jurisdiction of Equity Bill; an amend- ment by the Lords rejected, on the motion of Mr. Walpole. Thursday, July 1. Last Acts of the House of Commons.

TITLE-TABLE.

Hour of Hour of Meeting. Adjournment.

Sittings this Week, 6 ; Time. 12h 30m Sittings this Week, 3; Time 71145m this Session. 69; — 168h 55rn — this Session. 92; — 69th ins

CASE OF THE SCOTCH MISSIONARIES IN AUSTRIA.

The resolution respecting the expulsion of Mr. Wingate, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Edward, from the Austrian dominions, which Mr. Chisholm Anstey lately attempted to bring before the House, but which was shelved for the time by a "count-out" " was brought forward on Tuesday by Sir HARRY VERNEY. The Srataraa interposed, to state that it was not competent for one Member to move a resolution put on the paper by another Member, with- out the'leave of every Member of the House. Sir HARRY VERNEY said, he did not believe that any one would object to his bringing forward the motion ; and no sign of objection appearing in any quarter, he proceeded very briefly to support the resolution.

He said that he traced the act of the Austrian Government in this and other similar cases to the influence now exercised by the Court of Rome at 'Vienna ; and he contended, that as Mr. Wingate, and the other reverend gentlemen who have suffered, had transgressed no law, and indeed had done nothing more than their duty, our Government is bound to demand compen- sation for the injustice and loss they have sustained. The resolution, as ori- ginally framed by Mr. Anstey, and as now moved by Sir Harry Verney, was in these words-

' That this House, recognizing the undoubted title of the Queen's subjects resi- dent in foreign countries to the continual protection of her Majesty, in respect of their liberty, property, and other personal rights,—and considering that in the case of the Reverend Messrs. Wingate, Smith, and Edward, arbitrarily expelled from the Austrian dominitins in the month of January last, with their wives and children, under circumstances involving much sacrifice of property and other hardships to the sufferers, those rights were violated, and that no redress has been hitherto obtained for the violation,—is of opinion that the vase is One calling for prompt and earnest Measures on the part of her Majesty's Government."

Mr. KINNAIRD seconded the motion.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, the motion had come on him by surprise, but he was ready to give full explanations. He regretted that Sir Harty 'Verney had not favoured the House with a motion of his own ; as such a motion would not 'have been couched in language so strong, or so little supported by facts, as that now again moved. He proceeded to explain separately the case of Messieurs Wingate and Smith and the case of Mr. Edward.

On the 17th of February, Earl Granville, then Foreign Secretary, wrote the first-despatch on this subject to the Earl of Westmoreland, our Ambassa- dor at Vienna. He informed the Earl of Westmoreland, that some religious deputations had just called his attention to the following facts. Messieurs Wingate and Smith were missionaries from the Free Church of Scotland for the conversion of the Jews, who had established themselves at Pesth in 1841 with the knowledge and approbation of the then Viceroy of Hungary, and who had continued there ever since except for a short time in 1848, when they -withdrew in order to avoid imputations that they meddled with the political troubles then rife in Hungary ; and that during the whole of that time they uniformly gave to the constituted authorities all information as to their pro- ceedings and objects, they transgressed no law, and they conducted themselves with such propriety that in the lifetime of the late Palatinate they always enjoyed his especial countenance and protection. Nevertheless, on the 15th of January 1851, they were summanly, and without cause assigned, dis- missed from Pesth, and were compelled within six days to dispose of their property, and, with their wives and families, to depart in the depth of winter from their homes. Lord Granville had followed up his information by the following instructions. "Although it is not for her Majesty's Government to suggest what amount of re- ligious toleration should be exercised in Austria, and although her Majesty's Govern- ment are aware that measures as rigorous as the above have at different times been applied both to Protestant Austrian subjects and to foreigners not subjects of her Majesty,—and although her Majesty's Government have therefore abstained from making a formal demand for redress,—yet her Majesty's Government cannot think it possible that the Austrian Government should have been acquainted with the parti- culars stated above when they ordered the hasty expulsion of these unoffending per- sons ; and I have therefore to instruct you, in bringing the matter under the notice of Prince Schwarxenberg, to leave it to the good feelings of the Austrian Government to decide whether they think fit to afford any compensation to those persons for the bodiltsufferings entailed on themselves and their families by their sudden removal at this inclement season, and for the loss of property inflicted on them by the forced sale, amounting almost to confiscation, of their effects."

" Thus, Lord Granville very wisely and very properly left it to the good feeling of the Austrian Government to decide whether they would give any and what compensation in this case." That having been the position in

The Lords. The Commons.

Hour of Hour of Meeting. Adjournment. Saturday 211 .... 3h On Monday 51t Sh 45m Tuesday 6h 6h 45m Tuesday Noon .... 4h Om Wednesday 12th 411 bin Wednesday Ith .... 411 Om

Thursday Noon ,... 2h mm Thursday lits 2b 46m

which the case was placed by Lord Granville, it fell to the duty of Lord Malmesbury to answer on the 20th of March a memorial transmitted from Glasgow by Mr. Guthrie. In doing so, through Mr. Addington, he informed the memorialists that it appeared as matter of fact ascertained, " that the measure in question was adopted in pursuance of the determination of the Austrian Government no longer to tolerate any interference on the part of foreign missionaries with the religious belief of Austrian Jews " ; and the letter written by Mr. Addington contained this addition-

" I am further to point out to you, that it is not for her Majesty's Government to dictate to the Austrian Government what amount of religious toleration should be exercised in Austria, and that consequently her Majesty's Government have ab- stained from making a formal demand for redress ; but I have to inform you that her Majesty's Minister at Vienna bas been instructed, in bringing this matter under the notice of the Austrian Government, to leave it to the good feelings of that Govern- ment to decide whether they think fit to afford any compensation to the missionaries in question for the bodily sufferings entailed on themselves and families, and for the loss of property inflicted on them by the forced sale of their effects. To this demand no reply has yet been returned by the Austrian Government, but the Prime Minister promised to give the subject his immediate attention."

When this letter was read by Mr. Anstey, he denounced it with loud scorn and indignation, as a change of the foreign policy of the Government made by the present Foreign Secretary : but the House would see that the letter was nothing more than a repetition of the despatch from Earl Granville. So much for Mr. Anstey's obstreperous charge. On the 19th of April, Count Buol, the present Austrian Prime Minister, informed our Ambassador, that inquiry had been made into the case; and he gave him the result in a me- morandum.

"From the reply of the Ministry of the Interior of the 17th of this month, the British Minister is informed, first, that Messrs. Wingate and Smith were from the first only tolerated in the exercise of their calling, and that therefore the withdrawal of this tacit toleration was always in the power of the Government; further, that their removal only took place in consequence of clear evidence of their having re- peatedly overstepped and transgressed the existing laws and regulations; and that the Imperial authorities only adopted this measure to avoid the necessity of adopting more stringent measures against them, namely, prosecuting them according to law."

Messieurs Wingate and Smith had complained of a loss of 4721. by the forced sale of their furniture. Their claim resembled that of Don Pacifico at Athens. Count Buol stated that it was most exaggerated, and could not be admitted for a moment ; indeed, there was great doubt whether the sale of the furni- ture had not been a very advantageous one : but he stated that the Austrian Government was willing to present to the missionaries a proportionate sum under the head of travelling expenses, if they would accept it. On the 17th of June, Lord Malmesbury forwarded an abstract of the evidence taken be- fore the authorities at Pesth, to the Reverend Moody Stuart, with a request that Messieurs Wingate and Smith would return to the Foreign Office any statement they might be able to make on the truth of that evidence. "Not one single line has been received by the Government in reply to that letter." The case of Mr. Edward, at Lemberg, in Austrian Poland, was described as even more hard and tyrannical than that of Messieurs Wingate and Smith : but it was in truth even less plausible. On the 17th of December 1851, Mr. Edward was ordered out of Lemberg ; but on the 23d of the same month, that order was rescinded by a note from General Lilienboni, and Mr. Edward was informed that he might remain at Lemberg till the matter had been referred to the Minister of Instruction and Religion in Vienna. When Mr. Edward received the rescinding order, he repaired to Vienna, and was there distinctly informed by Baron Bach, the Minister of the Interior, that it was no way desired he should leave Lemberg, but only refrain from hold- ing his religious meetings till the competent authorities bad decided on the case submitted to them. Lord Westmoreland also advised him, o remain at Vienna temporarily ; but afterwards, learning that he wished to go back to Lemberg, Lord Westmoreland applied to Prince Schwarzenberg for permis- sion ; and Prince Schwarzenberg said he would grant it the moment Mr. Edward should ask for it. Mr. Edward returned without asking, and with- out Prince Schwarzenberg's interference. When thus returned to Lemberg, "there was no reason," writes Lord Westmoreland, "for his departure from the Austrian states at the time he determined to undertake'his journey," [in mid-winter, with deep snow over the country]; but he chose to do so. Lord Westmoreland continues-

" Why he left that capital to undertake the arduous journey to Breslau, is what the authorities in Vienna have not been able to discover. They know of no order issued to him after the note of General Lilienborn ; and, if Mr. Edward received any subsequent one, they have requested to be furnished with a copy of it; and they are anxious to obtain it, because, as no decision was taken upon the application I had made on behalf of Mr. Edward, any order to leave the country before such decision had been come to, and which I had requested him to wait for, would be in direct contradiction of the note which had been transmitted to him on the 23d of December from General Lilienborn."

Mr. Edward had been permitted to perform divine service in his own chapel, and to convert those of the Jewish population who entered his chapel. Mr. Edward had acknowledged, however, that he had committed the indis- cretion of preaching to the Christian population of a village in the neigh- bourhood. The fact is, therefore, that Mr. Edward was treated with gen- tleness, that he left Lemberg without any necessity, and that to this moment no order has been received from him to quit the Austrian territory. Yet Mr. Edward bad been held up as a martyr, and his forcible expulsion as an evidence of the tyrannical conduct of the Austrian Government! Lord Stanley wrote on the 11th of June to the Reverend Moody Stuart, stating these facts ; stating the anxiety of the Austrian Government to be informed whether any order in contravention of that by General Lilienborn had ever been received by Mr. Edward, and asking whether Mr. Edward had any ob- servations to make as regards the accuracy of the statements. "To that letter no reply has been made, and the reverend gentleman and his friends have not challenged the accuracy of the statement of the Austrian Grovern- ment."

Mr. Disraeli called on the Rouse to acquit not only the existing Govern- ment, but the late Government, from the charge of having neglected their duty. He gave the motion his unqualified opposition i and expressed his hopes "that the House, while it would be ever ready to interfere where Bri- tish subjects are injured abroad, would not listen to unfounded complaints, but would be ready to admit that the present Government and their prede- cessors had done their duty, and that the Austrian Government had not been wanting in good feeling throughout these transactions." Lord PALMERSTON suggested that the House was not in a condition to judge of the matter in its present position. The answers of the missionaries to the offer made by Count Buol, with a feeling that did him honour, to pay the expenses of the missionaries on their return from Vienna, had not yet been received. The resolution recommended proceedings which could only be justified in a case where grievous injury had been established and no redressgiven : but here the extent of the injury

has not been agreed upon.„.. and the offer of redress has not yet been answered

by the parties injured. Yet the resolution contained statements indisputably true, which he would be sorry that the House should negative ; and he thought that both his friend Sir Harry Verney and his friend Mr. Anstey were entitled to the thanks of the House and the country for having brought the question under their consideration. He suggested, therefore, that the resolution should be, not negatived, but withdrawn. Having given this advice, he expressed his opinion on the negotiations. He was hound to say, that he thought a very unfitting tone had been adopted by the British Government throughout; for about one thing no one could

entertain any doubt—that Messieurs Wingate and Smith had been most cruelly and tyrannically treated. " What was their case? They had re- sided for tenyears in the Austrian dominions with the full knowledge and permission of the Austrian Government, and in personal communication with the highest authorities, pursuing their calling in open day without reserve, building a school, and teaching, if I mistake not, under the same roof in which one of the high authorities resided—in short, carrying on their labours without the slightest question or concealment whatever, and with the full permission and consent of the Austrian Government. All of a sudden they are ordered to quit the country, at the shortest notice and in the most incle- ment season of the year, when in those parts of Europe travelling is a matt( r of great difficulty even for men, and for women and children almost tanta- mount, if not to death, at all events to the infliction of severe suffering, They received this order without any cause assigned to them why it had been given ; though the justification afterwards made is, that they had been vio- lating an Austrian law. Now, it might have been expected that it would have been set forth in the communication made to these persons, whose con- duct in other respects was irreproachable, against whom no political charge was alleged, and who were thus summarily and rashly found fault with—it might have been expected that if they were unconsciously, as it must be as- sumed they were, violating any Austrian law, that violation would have been made known to them. It might have been expected from the courtesy of the Austrian Government that they would have been told, ' You are doing that which the law does not permit you to do ; you must abstain from it in future ; and if you do not abstain, we will exercise the power we possess of sending you out of the country.' If that communication had been nettle to them, no just complaint could have been urged. If they had been told that they were doing certain things that were against the law, and that if they persisted in doing them they would be expelled,—if, nevertheless, they had continued to violate the law, then, in such a case, neither her Majesty's Go- vernment, nor that House, nor the country, could have found fault with the Austrian Government. But what was the violation of the law ? In no part of these papers do I find any statement of the law that is alleged to have been violated." He felt sure that Lord Westmoreland must have been act- ing under some restraint imposed upon him. "I think that if my noble friend our Minister at Vienna had been left to act according to his own im- pulse, he would not have been content with conveying to the Austrian Go- vernment the request made to them, but would have said, 'Why are these missionaries expelled ? If they have not been obedient to the law, show rue the infringements of which they have been guilty.' That is the part which he ought to have taken ; and it is the duty of every British Minister abroad, when there is brought before him aprima facie case of injury sustained by a British subject from the hands of a foreign government." He did not blame the present Ministers, for they had found matters launched in a wrong groove, and it was very difficult if not impossible to set them right. or did he blame Lord Granville. "I do not blame my noble friend ; for, when his predecessor was removed from office, one of the reasons alleged in this House for that removal was that he had too much con- fidence in his own opinions, and was not sufficiently under the direc- tion and control of the then First Minister of the Crown. It was therefore very natural, that Lord Granville, succeeding in these circumstances to the Foreign Office, and being new to a certain degree to the business of the de- partment, should have yielded his own judgment very much to that of others ; and therefore, the despatch to which he put his name is probably to be re- garded as the despatch of the Cabinet rather than his own. But a despatch on such a subject—with a prima facie case of injury committed on one of her Majesty's subjects—more misadvised, more abject in its tone and substance, it never fell to my lot to read. Had it been a remonstrance from the hum- ble inhabitants of a Turkish village against some arbitrary tyrant—from men living in constant fear of the bastinado, or against some powerful he

having strong friends at Constantinople—it could not have been couched in language very different from that which characterised this despatch. I quite admit, that in making an application on a subject of this sort to the Austrian Government, especially when it was founded on the eix-perte state- ment of the sufferers, every degree of courtesy should have been observed in the language of the representation : but I humbly venture to think, that, without any discourtesy, or anything that would give offence to the Austrian Government, the case of these British subjects might have been stated in a manner more fitted to the dignity of the country, and more likely to accom- plish the object aimed at—redress to the persons who had suffered." It was quite evident from the despatches, that no law of Austria had really been transgressed ; if any breach of the law had been committed, they would no doubt have stated it strongly enough. The general internal policy of Austria in reference to religion is essentially tolerant—indeed, so tolerant as to have been in former discussions held up to this country as a laudable ex- ample in this respect. His own strong opinion was, that the real foundation of the " great oppression to these missionaries was not any Austrian law or breach of Austrian law, but political irritation and resentment arising at the course which this country had pursued on several questions in which Austria was concerned, and at the manifestation of public opinion in this country with regard to the Hungarian refugees. He was glad to say, he thought " there are good grounds for hoping that, now the foreign affairs of Austria are administered by Count Buol, more courtesy towards England, and a greater spirit of justice, may be expected from the Austrian Cabinet." " I think the course pursued by Count Buol in this case, as it has come under the attention of the House, is highly honourable to his feelings as a gentle- man and his enlightened spirit as a statesman."

The resentment of Austria was founded on a mistaken view of her own in- terests; and she would have been wiser to adopt the view of Lord Palmer- ston in regard to the affairs of Northern Italy. " It may be great presump- tion for an ,individual to sketch out changes in the map of Europe ; but I cannot help thinking, that if arrangements had been made by which the territories of the Northern kingdom of Italy had been extended from Genoa to Venice on the one hand, and if, on the other, arrangements had also been made by which the Tuscan states would have extended from Leghorn to Ancona, I am persuaded that such arrangements would have contributed to the peace of Europe, to the progress of civilization, and unquestionable to the peace, happiness, and prosperity of the people of Italy. Nor do I think that Austria would have been lowered in the scale of nations if she had con- fined her territories to the North of the Alps ; for then she would have been united to a degree that at present no one can say is the case." In returning to the subject of the motion, he repeated an opinion very emphatically advanced several times before in his speech, that great public advantage will arise from the knowledge which foreign governments thus obtain that questions concerning the interest and rights of British subjects will be brought under the consideration of the House of Commons if not checked; and he concluded with a limitation of the ground on which he thought these discussions were justified. "I wish it to be distinctly under- stood, that the ground on which I think the House is entitled to discuss this subject is not that the Austrian Government withdrew from these mission- aries any religious permission which had been given,—because I must admit that the Austrian Government has a right, if it chooses, to restrict any permission which the law of Austria entitles it to restrict ; but the ground on which I think the British Government is called upon to complain of the injury inflicted on these British subjects is, that they, residing in Austria by

the permission of the Austrian Government, and certainly not guilty of any offence against the public law of Austria—guilty of no revolutionary act, guilty of no political offence, and guilty of no crime against society—were ex- pelled arbitrarily and summarily in the most harsh and unfeeling manner, and thereby subjected to great and undeserved suffering."

Mr. FLOWDEN justified himself as the mover of the late " count-out.," by stating that he had felt the subject to be too important for discussion in a thin House ; and he admitted that., after the explanations given by Mr. Disraeli, the resolution was too strong. Mr. HUMS thought that the documents read completely set aside the exaggerated statement of Mr. Anstey, and made it a matter of regret that he had not been answered till now. He thought Lord Granville had done rightly to leave the case to the Austrian Government's sense ofjustice. Lord DUDLEY STUART thought it was quite clear, that since Lord Pal- merston's master-mind no longer presided over the management of our foreign affairs, other nations do not treat us with the same respect as before.

Sir HARRY VERNEY agreed to withdraw his motion ; but in doing so, he assured Mr. Hume, that instead of exaggeration, there had been under- statement in describing the sufferings of the missionaries.

The motion was withdrawn.

SETTLEMENT OF THE DISPUTE WITH TUSCANY.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER stated to the House of Commons on Tuesday, that the Government had just that moment received from Sir Henry Bulwer an announcement that the causes of misunderstanding between this country and Tuscany have been entirely removed. The Government of Tuscany had done all that the Government of this country could wish. They had made a full acknowledgment of regret at everything that had occurred with respect to Mr. Mather, and they had made an unequivocal acknowledgment of the responsibility of Tuscany as an independent state to provide for the safety and security of all Englishmen travelling in that country. It must be very satisfactory to this country that the very best feeling now exists between the two Governments ; and that instead of this acknowledgment on the part of Tuscany having been brought about under circumstances that might create a lingering ill-will on the part of the Government, the very best sentiment now exists between the Grand Duke of Tuscany and the Government of this country. For this result we are indebted to the eminent ability of, he must say, one of the most success- ful diplomatists of the age.

EQUITY JURISDICTION REFORM.

In Committee of the Lords on the Improvement of Equity Jurisdiction Bill, Lord BROUGHAM suggested that the omission of the power given to the Courts of Equity to send cases of law to the Courts of Common Law, which had been made by way of amendment in the House of Commons, should not be agreed to. He was supported by the other Law Lords ; and the amendment of the Commons effecting this omission was rejected.

But the House of Commons was firm. Mr. WALPOLE said, that with the greatest possible deference to the opinions of the noble and learned Lords who had disagreed to the amendment, he was most anxious that it should be persisted in. Much of the delay and expense of Chancery pro- ceedings took place through the sending of issues over and over again to courts of law. On his motion, seconded by Mr. BETHELL, the amend- ment omitted by the Lords was restored.

The House of Lords gave way ; and the bill was passed as the Com- mons had amended it—in a form depriving the Court of Chancery of the power to send issues to a court of Common Law.

Mirriaororsrare Bunime Bn.n.

In Committee on the Metropolitan Burials Bill, Lord CRANWORTH stated, that a deputation of Dissenters had represented to him that the bill would abridge the legal right which Dissenters now enjoy to have all the members of their families buried in their family-vaults in the parish- churchyard. The Earl of HARDWICXE, who had charge of the bill, stated that this was not the object nor would it be the effect of the measure. The bill retained to Dissenters the advantage of burying their dead in the cemetery or burying-ground of their parishes, either in the consecrated or the unconsecrated ground, according as they pleased ; but it refused them the privilege of performing their Dissenting rites in the consecrated ground. The bill passed through Committee.

SMITHFIELD MAE= uc Cora:meow FIELDS.

The Earl of SHAFTESBURY presented and supported a petition from oc- cupiers and owners of land near Copenhagen Fields against the proposed removal of Smithfield Market to Copenhagen Fields. It appeared to him that the site was very ill chosen. It was in the midst of a district already covered with streets and rows of new houses. There were many fine villa residences close to the site of the market. Building was rapidly proceeding in the whole locality, extending from Co pen Fields towards Kentish Town and Highgate. New streets were being laid out, and there was no doubt that within ten years Highgate would be joined by buildings with London. He could not speak too strongly of the mischief which would accrue from the setting up a cattle-market in the centre of such an extensive population. It had been declared in the Smithfield Bill that no new cattle-market was to be erected within seven miles of St. Paul's Churchyard ; but, if he was not misinformed, the site loforTerhagen Fields is within three miles. He therefore hoped that their *pa would give attention to the prayer of this petition. The petition was laid on the table.

LAW REFORM LEGISLATION.

At the end of last week, in a stage of the suitors in Chancery Re- lief Bill, Lord LYNDHURST made a statement on the detailed objects of the measure, in the course of which he dropped some observations that were thought to impute to the Master of the Rolls a carefulness in the preserva- tion and rewarding of minor offices about his court, which contrasted un- favourably with the vigorous suppression or retrenching of such offices by the Lord Chancellor in connexion with his court. Several other Peers emphatically joined in the praises of the Lord Chancellor for his im- mense industry and his good faith in carrying out the reforms recom- mended by the Commissions for the Reform of the Law. The presumed attack on the Master of the Rolls brought forward Sir JOHN ROMILLY in the House of Commons, with full explanations, showing that Lord Lynd- hurst had not quite accurately understood the effect of the changes made by the new legislation so far as they concerned the court of the Master of the Rolls, and also that Sir John Romilly had really nothing officially to do with the measure making the alterations, whatever those alterations were. In the House of Peers, on Monday, Lord LYNDHURST returned to the personal subject, in a speech whisk showed that both his remarks and the remarks of Sir John Romilly in reply to them had been imperfectly

heard and reported : he lucidly explained what had been the real nature of his strictures, and in language of elegant compliment to Sir John Romilly showed that he had never intended to say anything in the least hurtful to his feelings. The personal incident then pleasantly merged in a general conversation of a congratulatory tenour on the happy pro- gress which Law Reform had made in the present session.

This general topic was again taken up by Lord LYNDHURST on Wed- nesday, in a brief speech, which recalled to mind his review of important public business and of the vast amount of private business pending at the beginning of the session, and then congratulated them that every one of those measures had now become the law of the land, that the whole of the private business had been disposed of, and that the judicial arrears of the House had been wholly cleared off.

"Referring to what I formerly said, I thought it my duty to come down to the House for the purpose of making this statement, and congratulating the country on the course pursued by my noble friend at the head of the Go- vernment. I thank my noble friend for the firmness with which he resisted those repeated attacks which were made—those clamours which were raised on account of his resisting the cry for an immediate dissolution. It was of the greatest importance to the country that the proceedings to which I refer should have taken place. I may venture to say further, that during the four months that have elapsed since my noble friend came into office, bills of greater importance have passed your Lordships' House than have passed du- ring any session since the commencement of the present Parliament ; and I am sure my humble thanks and the thanks of the country are due to my noble friend for having resisted the clamours that were raised." This song of triumph provoked some detracting criticisms.

Lord BEAUMONT insisted, that if a Government in a minority had been successful, it was only by the help of a lenient majority.

Lord Bnononsie was sure Lord Lyndhurst would admit that the merit of the measures passed was originally with the Commission of the late Government, and he would add, with the late Government itself.

Little progress, perhaps, had been made by the late Government, but more progress was made than was supposed. To them were owing measures which by a very slight anticipation his noble and learned friend said were the law of the land. Whether in science, in arts, or in other departments, the progress of improvement appeared to be gradual ; for he could recollect that some ten or twelve years ago such a measure as had now been carried into effect with respect to Chancery had been shadowed out and very nearly specified. The Earl of DERBY admitted frankly, that his successes had been owing to the absence in the main of party-spirit from the discussions of the present session. He then passed again over the field of discussion, to glean some advantages for his party. " If the Government are entitled to any credit, it is for what my noble and learned friend has given us credit, namely, for having resisted importunity from various quarters, urging us in the most vehement manner to dissolve Parliament, at a time when it would have been extremely convenient for ua personally to have dissolved : but we refrained from advising that step, seeing that a dissolution of Parliament at that moment would have involved the country in great present inconvenience, and possibly, or even probably, would have led to the postponement, if not the loss, of many useful measures which we thought it our bounden duty to attempt to carry into law. Al- though I do not wish to draw any contrast between ourselves and our prede- cessors, or to deprive them of the credit of pressing these meaures upon the attention of Parliament, I must be permitted, in consequence of what has fallen from the noble Earl, [Lord GREY, who had put in a claim for Lord Truro,] to remind your Lordships, while he takes credit to the late Lord Chancellor for great prudence in abstaining from giving his opinion within forty-eight hours after receiving the report of the Commission, that, admit- ting the fact to be that the late Lord Chancellor had not at that moment made up his mind upon the subject, it involves a somewhat singular incon- sistency that there should be a declaration made in the Speech of her Majesty from the Throne, of the determination of the late Government to introduce measures founded upon the report of the Commissioners, if the Lord Chancel- lor had not made up his mind whether it would be in his power to support those measures ; and, while I frankly admit that the credit of those measures is due to the labours of the Commissioners, Imust repeat, that when we came into office there had not been a single step taken towards bringing them into practical effect, nor a single clause of the bill drawn up. " I stated at the commencement of the session, that we should endeavour to abstain, as far as possible, from all topics of a party or controversial cha- racter ; and, if we deserve credit for anything, it is for having formed a just estimate of that degree of public-spirit which we believed would prevail in this and the other House of Parliament, if they would permit us to act upon the principle we had announced, of not urging measures which might lead to controversy, and inviting them to join with us, forgetful and regardless of party considerations, in urging forward those measures which, apart from all party feeling, were imperatively demanded for the benefit of the country,— involving the promotion of the military defences of the country, a vast im- provement in the Courts of Law and Equity, and providing for the sanitary welfare of the Metropolis. My Lords, I am happy to say that this and the other House of Parliament have fully justified the estimate we formed in that respect ; and although the expectation that it would be possible to pass all these bills—nay, I might almost say to pars any of them—was treated in the first instance with a species of contemptuous ridicule, I have the satis- faction to say, at the close of one of the shortest sessions on record, that not one of these great objects remains unaccomplished ; and, if this Government, should cease to exist from the day on which I am speaking, it would be a source of unfeigned satisfaction and gratification to me, that the four months during which we have held office have been marked by the passing of as many important measures, and as beneficial to the public interest, as under any pre- vious Administration, however strong and powerful." As to what was said about the Government being notoriously in a minor- ity, he did not allow it. " With regard to these measures, that the success with which they have been attended has not been owing to the forbearance of the supposed majority in expressing their opinions upon the subject ; for most of these measures—some at all events—have been encountered by a most persevering and determined opposition—not carried beyond the fair con- stitutional limits, but at the same time a persevering opposition: and there is no proof with regard to any of these measures, or any measures we have thought it necessary to submit to the consideration of Parliament, that we have been, as a Government, in a minority in this or the other House. Upon one question my colleagues in the other House were in a minority,—a question on which it was thought (I think not justifiably) that we were de- parting from the understanding we had held out at the commencement of the session, of bringing forward none but urgent and necessary measures. The measure which we proposed was not objected to upon its merits ; it was objected to, and resisted, upon the ground of the period of the session at which it was brought forward. I have never concealed from your Lordships, that with regard to one class of questions, the Government, if they had urged them forward, would have been in a minority in the other House, and possibly in this ; but I say with regard to our general policy and the measures which we have thought it urgent to press upon the considera- tion of Parliament, that, for the prosecution of those measures, we have not been deprived of the confidence of this and the other branch of the Legislature. At the same time, I gratefully acknowledge, that, while we have acted to the best of our ability upon that plan which I took the liberty of sketching at the commencement of the session, we have been met with no factious opposition—we have encountered nothing but fair and legitimate opposition ; and to your Lordships my special thanks are due for the kindness with which you have dealt with the measures that we have brought forward. I must say, that if we had followed the course which was advised by some gentlemen, and which has been suggested now by the noble Lord [Lord Beaumont]—if we had dissolved Parliament at the commencement of the session, and resumed the consideration of these ques- tions at the opening of a new Parliament, which might have met somewhere about the time at which I am now addressing your Lordships, the result, I am perfectly confident, would have been, that time would have been abso- lutely wanting for carrying any of those great measures, and one session would have been absolutely lost, and probably at the commencement of a new Parliament public attention would have been addressed to them with much less consideration of the intrinsic merits of those questions, and much more reference to party feeling, than during this interregnum of parties, as I may call it, in which we have had an opportunity of submitting to the calm and dispassionate consideration of Parliament measures absolutely and entirely stripped of all party character. But I earnestly hope, that when Parliament shall meet again there will be the same forbearance and general disposition to treat with temper and moderation the subjects brought under consideration. I cannot expect but that party feeling will mingle with our discussions ; I do not desire but that it should. I will only say that, in any measures which we may think it our duty to bring forward in the next session, while, on the one hand, we shall not shrink from the endeavour to do justice to any class of the community whom we may think to be suffering under inequality of pressure and injus- tice of taxation, I can assure your Lordships at the same time, in all sin- cerity and with all truth, that our endeavours will be directed rather to re- concile than to exasperate the feelings of difference between classes, and that, so far from supporting the interests of one class as apart from the in- terests of the others, our object will be rather to obtain the confidence of the country at large, by doing to the best of our ability, and with thorough im- partiality, that which we believe to be called for by the claims of justice to all the various interests of the country." (Cheers.) Earl GREY said, no doubt Lord Derby was right in saying that many useful measures had passed because there had been a sort of interregnum of parties.

It was also a good deal owing to the circumstance that, fortunately, noble Lords on the Ministerial benches had not thought it inexpedient—let them have credit for the judgment they had shown—to adopt the principles and views of their predecessors on many points upon which, sitting on the Oppo- sition side of the House, they had strongly opposed those predecessors. To mention one example—Great credit had been taken for passing the new Zea- land Bill, and more especially for some of the clauses : one most important part of that bill, which reconciled to its passing a number of persons who would otherwise have been dissatisfied with it, was the clause by which the Legislature of New Zealand would be enabled to make future reforms in that constitution, if it should so think fit; now, two years ago, a similar clause in the same terms in the Australian Bill met with the determined re- sistance of the noble Earl opposite and the party by which he was supported ; it was condemned by the noble Earl as a departure from all propriety ; and the House was told that Parliament should reserve to itself and itself only the power of altering the constitution. Lord Grey was glad to find that now, with the responsibility placed upon him, Lord Derby adopted the view which he then opposed.

Lord BEAUMONT observed, that when he said the present Ministers were "in a minority," those were Lord Derby's own words. As to car- rying out his policy, he had rather carried out the policy of his prede- cessors.

Lord DBRBY—" I said we had carried our measures."

Lord BneursoNT--" Yes, true enough; because nearly all your measures were started by your predecessors. You never carried out your policy, for you never ventured to propose your policy, such as it was in Opposition."

This was the last debate of general interest in the late Parliament.

COUNTY COURTS or Eorrrrv.

Lord Bnouessm, on Tuesday, presented two petitions referring to the County Courts. One was from a corporate body in Scotland, expressing satisfaction at the amendments of the law recently made, and a hope that the local courts of judicature established with such good effect in Eng- land might be extended to Scotland. The other was from an old man, crippled, poor, and uneducated, who complained that he was unjustly kept out of the possession of a small tenement to which he is entitled as heir at law, and that he has no means of redress in a cheap and accessible court.

Having already presented many petitions praying for the extension of the jurisdiction of the County Courts to equitable matters and especially to bank- ruptcy, Lord Brougham now suggested that as sixty of these courts have been in operation for six years, and as it is scarcely possible that any one great error in the act which established them should not by this time have come to light, it is a good season for issuing a Commission to examine not only the different judges, but also the different practitionersin the courts, and accumulate information for putting the whole system on a complete, permanent, and satisfactory basis. The fee system is not on a good founda- tion : 163,0001. a year exclusive of the sums taken out of court from the parties on whom executions are levied to enforce the decisions of the judges, is levied from the suitors. Now, is that mode of levying fees a proper way to distribute justice ? In the causes varying from 201. to 501., the average fees are no less than 31. 118. 8d.—about ten per cent on the average amount of the debts. Is this an expense which the suitors should pay, or the Govern- ment ?

He also suggested the need of improving the Superior Courts. As the cases tried at Westminster have fallen off one half, where is the need of so many Judges as we now have ? Or if the present number be retained, why not give the country the inestimable benefit of sending them on circuit to deliver the gaols more frequently ? The Government would thus lessen the cost of criminal detention to the counties ; and besides that, would lessen the expense, the complications, and the delays, of procedure in the Superior Courts, and so far lighten them in the race, and put them on fairer terms with the local and inferior courts. While on such subjects, he once more urged the Government to renew the Commission on Criminal Law ; whose labours, after costing 40,0001., may be completed for only 20001. more.

The Earl of DERBY promised, that if Government have leisure during the recess, the last suggestion shall have the fullest consideration.

LAST ACTS OF THE COMMONS.

The Members of the House of Commons gathered in considerable num- bers at half-past one o'clock on Thursday ; did some little formal busi- ness ; and gossiped on the coming prorogation. Altogether, about 120 Members were present. The Ministerial benches were quite full. Questions were put about the Stockport riots, and about the ventilation of the House, the production of papers and returns, frz. ; and were duly answered.

Mr. Wer.roLE informed Mr. ANSTEY, that he had received a communi- cation from the Mayor of Stockport, which contained this statement- .. As far as is at present ascertained, the disturbance appears to have arisen out of a quarrel between the English and Irish, in which I fear religious animosity has been brought into play; but the whole matter was so sudden and unexpected, and the attention of myself and brother Magistrates has been so entirely required by the necessary measures for preserving the public peace, that the facts have not yet been accurately ascertained.',

Mr. Walpole said, that both in England and Ireland the Government had taken every possible precaution to discourage processions which could in any way lead to disturbances arising out of religious differences existing between different members of the community. He continued—" We have done so in Ireland with reference to the processions which usually take place at this time of the year, by communications between the Lord-Lieutenant and the Ma- gistrates, expressive of the desire of the Government to repress and check to the utmost extent processions which may lead to these disturbances. We have done so also in England ; and I can assure the House, that the present Government are anxious above all things, that any of those ostentatious pa- rades which may lead to religious disputes shall be discouraged and discoun- tenanced by the Government ; and I hope the country will support us in doing so." The ballot for precedence in accompanying the Speaker to the House

of Lords then took place; Clerk of the House, Sir Denis Le Mer- chant, drawing from the am urn the slips of paper containing the names of Members. The first name drawn was that of Mr. Brotherton, and third on the list was Mr. Hume ; the announcement of whose prominent position was received by the House with some cheering. Mr. Christopher was the first member of the Ministry whose name was drawn and about the thirtieth on the list was Lord Palmerston. When all those present had been duly " placed," Mr. HUME said, that, although the names of honourable Members had all been drawn equally, he should submit to the House that the precedent of last session should be adhered to, and that the chief members of the Ministry should follow the Speaker. The sug- gestion was adopted, and acted on when the procession was formed. Sir Wilmer& MOLBSWORTH having obtained some information about papers on New Zealand, it was two o'clock when Mr. Ehnen observed hastily, that he had just learned that no more Parliamentary Papers would be issued to Members after that day. The SPEAKER said, this was usual : his authority would cease in a very short time ; and if the prac- tice were departed from now, it could only be through the courtesy of the Government. After a few more words of conversation, Mr. Husea laid hold of a suggestion by the CHANCELLOR of the Excneeiren, bustled down to the table, and scribbled a resolution for an address, praying her Majesty to give directions that all papers already ordered by the House to be printed, and all reports not yet presented, should when ready be de- livered to Members of the present Parliament. The operations of writing the resolution and agreeing to it, were not got through till some minutes after two o'clock; but still Black Rod had not arrived with the expected summons to the Queen's presence. At twenty minutes past two o'clock, three smart strokes at the outer door announced the approach of one armed with authority. Mr. Paroles, Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod, entered the House, and, advancing to the table with the customary obeisances, delivered his message—" Mr. Speaker, the Queen commands this Honourable House to attend her Majesty immediately in the House of Peers."

The procession was then formed— The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Walpole, Sir John Pakington, and Lord John Manners, followed immediately after the SpeakerMr. Brother- ton, Mr. Corrie, and Mr. Hume formed the second rank ; and the remaining members of the Ministry, including the Attorney and Solicitor-General, Mr. Henley, and Mr. Christopher, proceeded modestly in the order of precedence in which the balloting had daced them. Although the process of reading over the names was performed by the Clerk with sufficient rapidity, there was naturally some delay attending it, and great anxiety was displayed by the Members (who stood ranged in lines extending from the table towards the door of exit) to obtain a fair start the instant their names were mentioned.

In about a quarter of an hour the Speaker returned, with some forty Members round him ; to whom, standing at the table, he ran over the Queen's Speech in a low tone. Shaking of hands and farewells were then transacted; and in a few minutes more the Commons bad left their hall and dispersed.

PROROGATION OF PARLIAMENT.

The House of Lords was thronged soon after it opened on Thursday at twelve o'clock, with a brilliant company to see the ceremony of pro- roguing Parliament. About sixty Peeresses, and four times as many more untitled dames of some distinction, crowded the side-galleries and the strangers galleries, and invaded even the space usually occupied solely by Members of the House of Commons. The Judges of the land were numerously represented, and the Diplomatic Corps was present in un- usually great force and brilliancy of costume.

"Several gentlemen from the East, rich in barbaric pearl and gold, were present in the Ambassadors' pen and the galleries ; and among the objects of great attraction was the young Princess Gauromma, daughter of the ex- Rajah of Coorg,—a bright-eyed, delicate-featured, copper-hued little girl, of seven or eight years of age, for whom her Majesty. stood as sponsor on Wed- nesday, when the Hindoo Princess was received into the Christian Church under the regal name ' Victoria.' Her father was said to be present ; but the lively actions, brilliant dress, and `fashion' of the neophyte, quite eclipsed his glories."

At about one o'clock the Peers had mustered in strength.

" Most of the members of the Government were present. The Earl of Derby moved with activity about the chamber, shaking hands with one Peer, and chatting for a moment with another, and now and then saying a few words to one of the ladies on the lock benches. His Lordship seemed in excellent health and spirits, and took a comprehensive view of the House from gallery to floor repeatedly through his glass. Lord Malmesbury was well received by several of the Diplomatic Corps, and spoke for some minutes with Chevalier Bunsen and Baron Brunow. The Duke,' of course, arrived early, and was regarded with the respectful interest to which he is so fully entitled. He was in uniform, over which were his robes ; and he looked, in the words which have been so often used on such occasions, 'remarkably well' ; but it was evident, subsequently, when he stood beside the Queen during the reading of her Majesty's rather lengthened address, with the great sword of state held upright in his aged hands, that he was rather dis- tressed, and probably the only time when the Duke of Wellington ever de-

sired to lower the point of his sword was just ere the last sentence of the Royal Speech was concluded."

An hour of expectant conversation having passed, at a quarter past two a sharp flourish of trumpets proclaimed the Queen's approach. The assemblage rose as her Majesty entered; but as soon as she had taken her place on the throne, a wave of her hand permitted all to be re- seated. Prince Albert, in high military boots and the uniform of a Field- Marshal, took his place on a chair to the left of the Queen outside the throne. Close beside her Majesty stood the Duke of Wellington ; on her left were Lord Winchester, Lord Derby, and the Lord Chancellor. The Queen looked well, and surveyed the House complacently.

The Commons were summonedand, after " an awkward pause"— longer than usual, occasioned by summoned; tediousness of the marshalling, to preierve a decorous order of entry—came hastening up the passages of the corridor.

" They advanced with large show of propriety, but great physical deter- mination : the tide rushed through the narrow portals and broke against the bar of the House, driving before it the Speaker, whose white wig came roll- ing on like a sea-horse over the dark stream of hats and coats."

The Commons having uncovered in the Queen's presence, their SrAsnEn made obeisance to her Majesty, and read to her the following address. "We your Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, approach your Majesty with feelin's of unfeigned respect and attachment. We acknowledge with grati- tude the uninterrupted tranquillity and prosperity which, by the blessing of Providence, this nation has been permitted to enjoy ; affording to us, as it has done, a fitting opportunity of directing our attention to questions of do- mestic policy, and of effecting various social and sanitary improvements which the interests of the public imperatively? required. The difficulty and cost of obtaining patents for inventions has long been the subject of com- plaint: for these evils we have endeavoured to provide a remedy, which, without imposing undue restrictions upon the public, will secure for inge- nuity and talent a just protection and reward. Availing ourselves of the valuable information furnished by the reports of Commissions appointed by your Majesty, we have made extensive and important changes in the proceedings of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity ; and we confidently hope, that by materially curtailing and simplifying those proceedings, which have caused so much harassing expense and delay, we have removed the reproach which has always attached to the ad- ministration of justice in this kingdom. In obedience to your Majesty's commands, we have framed a constitution for the colony of New Zealand; and we trust that the same love of freedom, the same loyalty to the Crown, which is so conspicuous in your Majesty's dominions at home, will be the guiding principles of your Majesty's subjects in that remote but important dependency of the empire. The military defence of the country has received from us the most serious and patient consideration. Fully alive to the ex- traordinary demand upon the services of the Army in your Majesty's posses- sions abroad, we deemed it advisable no longer to suspend the operation of the laws regulating the Militia of England and Wales, but so far to modify their provisions, by substituting voluntary for compulsory enlistment, as to make them less onerous to the working classes. This course has been dic- tated by no unworthy motives of jealousy and distrust : we felt it to be due to a peat and generous people to protect them from the possibility of a surprise ; and by adopting this measure of precaution, and by removing. all grounds for alarm exerting from a sense of insecurity, we believe that we have done much to insure the continuance of that peace which it has been our anxious desire to maintain with all the world. For this and other objects connected with the service of this extended empire, it has been the duty as well as the especial privilege of your Majesty's faithful Commons to makejust and ample provision ; and the bill which I have now to present to your Majesty completes the grants for the present year, to which we humbly invite your Majesty's Royal assent." After this address, -the Royal assent was given to the following public bills, and to some private bills,—Consolidated Fund Appropriation ; Metropolis Water Supply ; Bishopric of Chriatohuroh, New Zealand ; Improvement of Jurisdiction in Equity ; Patent Law Amendment ; Suitors in Chancery Relief.

THE Qtruntr then delivered the Prorogation Speech, which was pre- sented to her Majesty by the Lord Chancellor, in the usual manner.

"My Lords and Gentlemen—I am induced by considerations of public policy to release you at an earlier period than usual from your legislative duties.

"The zeal and diligence, howeverovith which you have applied yourselves to your Parliamentary labours, have enabled me, in this comparatively short session, to give my assent to many measures of high importance, and, I trust, of great and permanent advantage.

"I receive from all Foreign Powers assurances that they are animated by the most friendly dispositions towards this country; and I entertain a con- fident hope that the amicable relations happily subsisting between the princi- pal European states, may be so firmly established, as, under Divine Provi- dence, to secure to the world a long continuance of the blessings of peace. To this great end my attention will be unremittingly directed.

"I rejoice that the final settlement of the affairs of Holstein and Schleswig, by the general concurrence of the powers chiefly interested, has removed one cause of recent difference and of future anxiety. "The amicable termination of the discussions which have taken place be- tween the Sublime Porte and the Paola of Egypt afford a guarantee for the tranquillity of the East, and an encouragement to the extension of commer- cial enterprise.

"The refusal, on the part of the Kin; of Ave, of redress, justly demanded for insults and injuries offered to my subjects at Rangoon, has necessarily led to an interruption of friendly relations with that Sovereign. The prompti- tude and vigour with which the Governor-General of India has taken the mea- sures thus rendered unavoidable, have merited my entire approbation ; and I am confident that you will participate in the satisfaction with which I have ob- served the conduct of all the naval and military forces, European and Indian, by whose valour and discipline the important captures of Rangoon and Marta- ban have been accomplished, and in the hope which I entertained that these signal successes may lead to an early, and honourable peace. " Treaties have been concluded by my naval commanders with the King of Dahomey, and all the African chiefs whose rule extends along the Bight of Benin, for the total abolition of the Slave-trade, which is at present wholly suppressed upon that coast.

" I have had great satisfaction in giving my assent to the measure which you have wisely adopted for the better organization of the Militia; a consti- tutional force, which being limited to purposes of internal defence, can af- ford no just ground of jealousy to neighbouring powers, but which, in the event of any sudden and unforeseen disturbance of my foreign relations, would at all times contribute essentially to the protection and security of my dominions.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons—I thank you for the liberal pro- vision which you have made for the exigencies of the public service. The

expenditure which you have authorized shall be applied with a due regard to economy and efficiency. "The recent discoveries of extensive gold-fields in the Australian Colo- nies have produced a temporary disturbance of society, requiring prompt at- tention. I have taken such steps as appeared to me most urgently necessary

for the mitigation of this serious evil. I shall continue anxiously to watch the important results which must follow from these discoveries. I have willingly concurred with you in an act which, by rendering available to the service of those Colonies the portion arising within them, of the hereditary

revenue placed at the disposal of Parliament on my accession to the throne, may enable them to meet their necessarily increased expenditure. "My Lords and Gentlemen—I have gladly assented to the important bills which you have passed for effecting reforms, long and anxiously desired, in the practice and proceedings of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity, and generally for improving the administration of justice. Every measure which simplifies the forms and diminishes the delay and expense of legal proceed-

in'es, without introducing uncertainty of decision, impairing the authority of the courts, or lowering the high standard of the judicial bench, is a va- luable boon conferred upon the community, at large.

"I hope that the measures which you have adopted for promoting extra- mural interment of the dead, and for improving the supply of water, may be found effectual for the remedy of evils the existence of which has long been a reproach to this great metropolis, and may conduce to the health and comfort of its inhabitants.

" The extension of popular rights and legislative powers to my subjects resident in the Colonies, is always to me an object of deep interest ; and I trust that the representative institutions which, in concert with you, I have sanctioned for New Zealand, may promote the welfare and contentment of the population of that distant but most interesting colony, and confirm their loyalty. and attachment to my crown. "It is my intention without delay to dissolve this present Parliament ; and it is my earnest prayer, that in the exercise of the high functions which ac-

cording to our free constitution will devolve upon the several constituencies, they may be directed by an All-wise Providence to the selection of Repre- sentatives, whose wisdom and patriotism may aid me in my unceasing en- deavours to snstain the honour and dignity of my crown, to uphold the Pro- testant institutions of the country, and the civil and religious liberty which is their natural result; to extend and improve the national education ; to develop and encourage industry, art, and science ; and to elevate the moral and social condition, and thereby promote the welfare and happiness of my people."

The Lows Onaercum.on received back the copy of the Royal Speech ; and then, by the Queen's command, prorogued Parliament in the follow- ing terms—

'It is' er Majesty's Royal will and pleasure, that this Parliament be pro- rogued till Friday the 20th day of August ; and this Parliament is hereby prorogued till Friday the 20th day of August."

The Queen bowed and rose • the House rose also ; the Commons made their bow, and retired from the bar. The Royal procession left the House in the same order as it had entered, amid the blast of trumpets and the reverberations of cannon. The brilliant crowd burst into a shifting mass of colours as varied as the hues of the kaleidoscope, and poured out through doors and passages into the daylight ; and thus the session of 1852 was brought to a close.