ous and more important questions were brought under the consideration of Parliament than during any former period of similar duration.
"Of the measures which have in consequence received the sanction of the Legislature, one of the most difficult and important was the Bill for the Abolition of Slavery. The manner in which that beneficent measure has been received throughout the British colonies, and the progress already made in carrying it into execution by the legislature of the island of Jamaica, afford just grounds for anticipating the happiest results.
"Many other important subjects will still call for your attentive consideration.
"The Reports which I will order to be laid before you, from the Commissions appointed to inquire into the state of the municipal corporations, into the administration and effect of the Poor Laws, and into ecclesiastical revenues and patronage in England and Wales, cannot fail to afford you much useful information, by which you will be enabled to judge of the nature and extent of any existing defects and abuses, and in what manner the necessary corrections may, in due season, be safely and beneficially applied.
"It has been the constant aim of my policy to secure to my people the uninterrupted enjoy ment of the blessings of peace. In this I have been much assisted by the good understanding which has been so happily established between my government and that of France; and the assurances which I receive of the friendly disposition of the other powers of the continent give me confidence in the continued success of my endeavours.
"I have, however, to regret, that a final settlement between Holland and Belgium has not yet been effected, and that the civil war in Portugal still continues.
"You may be assured that I shall be careful and anxious to avail myself of any opportunities which may afford me the means of assisting the establishment of a state of security and peace in countries, the interests of which are so intimately connected with those of my dominions.
"Upon the death of the late king of Spain I did not hesitate to recognise the succession of his infant daughter; and I shall watch with the greatest solicitude the progress of events which may affect a
government, the peaceable settlement of which is of the first importance to this country, as well as to the general tranquillity of Europe.
"The peace of Turkey, since the settlement that was made with Mehemet Ali, has not been interrupted; and will not, I trust, be threatened with any new danger.
"It will be my object to prevent any change in the relations of that empire with other Powers which might affect its future stability and independence.
"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
"I have directed the estimates for the ensuing year to be laid before you. They have been framed with the view to the strictest economy and to such reductions as may not be injurious to the public service.
"I am confident that I may rely on your enlightened patriotism, and on the cheerful acquiescence of my people for supplying the means which may be required