Questions Speech of the Bishop on moving the Second Reading-The

Bill is opposed on the part of the Government by the Marquess of Lans-

downe, Lord Brougham, the Bishop of St. David's, Lord Campbell, the Earl

of Harrowby, and the Earl of Carlisle, and supported by the Duke of

Cambridge, Lord Lyttelton, and the Bishop of Oxford-The Second Reading

is negatived by 84 to 51. REFORM OF THE UNIVERSITIES-Mr. Heywood

moves an Address to the Crown, to issue a Commission of Inquiry into the

State of the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin-Sir R. H.

Inglis opposes the Motion on behalf of Oxford, and Mr. Napier on behalf of

Trinity College, Dublin-Lord John Russell surprises the House by inti-

mating the intention of Government to concede the Commission-Remarks

of Mr. Goulburn, Mr. Roundell Palmer, and other Members-The Debate

is adjourned-Incidental discussions on the subject in the House of Lords

-Declaration of the Duke of Wellington-Remarks of Lord Monteagle,

and assurance given by Lord Carlisle, as to the intended constitution of

the Commission-Resumption of the Debate on Mr. Heywood's Motion-

Speeches of Mr. Roundell Palmer, Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Law, and Lord John

Russell-A division takes place, which results in a majority of 22 in

favour of the Commission. ALTERATION OF THE LAW of MARRIAGE-

Mr. Stuart Wortley revives his Bill of the preceding Session for legalising

Marriages within certain degrees of affinity-The introduction of the Bill

is opposed, but without success-Debate on the Second Reading-Speeches

of Mr. A. B. Hope, Mr. Sidney Herbert, Mr. Roebuck, Mr. Roundell Palmer,

Lord Mahon, Mr. Cockburn, Mr. Sheil, Mr. Cobden, and Mr. Goulburn

The Second Reading is passed by a majority of 52-The committal of the

Bill is opposed by Mr. Divett, and carried by a majority of 2 only-Various

Amendments are proposed without success-The Bill is passed, but is

ultimately withdrawn in the House of Lords, at the End of the Session,

by Earl St. Germans. SUNDAY LABOUR IN THE POST OFFICE-Motion by

Lord Ashley, to discontinue the delivery of letters on Sunday, is carried

against the Government by 93 to 68-The alteration is soon after carried

into effect, but excites much controversy and dissatisfaction-After it has

been in operation a few weeks, Mr. Locke moves an Address to the Crown,

praying for a reconsideration of the Order-Mr. Roebuck seconds the

Motion-Lord Ashley strongly opposes it-After a Debate, the Motion, as

amended on the proposition of Lord John Russell, is carried by 195 to

112 The new regulations of the Post Office are shortly afterwards

rescinded. AMENDMENT OF THE FACTORY ACT-Circumstances which led

to further legislation on the subject-Lord Ashley moves for leave to

bring in a Bill to give effect to the objects of the Act of 1847-Various

discussions on this Measure-Sir George Grey, on the part of the Govern-

ment, proposes an arrangement by way of compromise between the Mill-

owners and Operatives-Lord Ashley accedes to the proposal with some

conditions-Amendments are moved during the progress of the Bill by

Lord Ashley, Lord John Manners, and other Members, for the purpose of

enforcing further limitations upon the hours of labour, but ultimately the

Bill is passed in the shape proposed by the Government-The Duke of
Richmond and Earl of Harrowby propose similar Amendments in the
House of Lords, but without success, and the Bill is passed

CHAPTER VII.

[140

DEATH OF SIR ROBERT PEEL-Occasion and circumstances of that melan-

choly event-Distinguished honours paid to his memory by the British

Parliament and by the National Assembly of France. On the House of

Commons meeting for the first time after Sir R. Peel's death, Mr. Hume

moves the adjournment of the House, paying a feeling tribute of regret

to the deceased Statesman.-Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Napier, Sir R. H. Inglis,

and Sir W. Somerville, in eloquent Speeches, concur in the proposed mark

of respect, and the Motion is carried nem. con.-In the House of Lords,

the Marquess of Lansdowne passes a touching encomium on the character

of Sir Robert Peel.-Lord Stanley, Lord Brougham, and the Duke of

Wellington, emphatically express their sense of his public and private

virtues-Lord John Russell, in the House of Commons, descants in an

impressive manner upon the great loss which the Country has sustained,

and offers the sanction of the Crown to a public funeral—Mr. Goulburn,

on the part of the deceased Baronet's family, respectfully declines the

proposed honour, as inconsistent with the expressed wish of the Deceased

-Lord John Russell, on the 12th July, proposes the erection of a Monu-

ment to Sir Robert Peel in Westminster Abbey, his family having declined

both a public funeral and a peerage-The Motion is carried nem. diss.—

Death of the Duke of Cambridge-His amiable and popular character―

Expressions of condolence and tributes to his memory paid in both Houses

of Parliament-Debates on proposed Annuity to his Successor Opposition

made to the amount proposed by Government-The Annuity of 12,0007. is

ultimately granted. CASE OF BARON ROTHSCHILD, AND ADMISSION OF JEWS

TO SIT IN PARLIAMENT The Baron comes to the Table of the House of

Commons on the 26th of July to take the Oath, desiring to be sworn on

the Old Testament-Sir R. H. Inglis opposes that attempt, and the Baron

withdraws-Sir R. H. Inglis then proposes a Resolution against altering

the form of the Oath, which is debated at much length; Sir F. Thesiger,

Mr. W. P. Wood, the Attorney-General, Mr. Stuart Wortley, and Lord

John Russell, being the most prominent Speakers-Mr. Hume moves an

Amendment in favour of administering the Oath to Baron Rothschild on

the Old Testament-The Motion of Sir R. Inglis is negatived, and that of

Mr. Hume is carried by a majority of 54.-The next day, the Oaths are

tendered to the Baron on the Old Testament-In taking the Oath of

Abjuration he omits the words "On the true faith of a Christian "-He is

thereupon ordered to withdraw-Sir F. Thesiger moves a Resolution, that

a new writ should issue in his room for the City of London-Mr. W. P.

Wood argues, with great ingenuity, that there has been a valid taking of

the Oath, and that the Seat is full-The Attorney-General opposes that

view of the law-After much discussion the matter is again adjourned-

The Attorney General gives notice of two Resolutions; one denying the

right of Baron Rothschild to sit without taking the Oath in the prescribed

form, the other pledging the House to a measure for the relief of the Jews

at the Commencement of the next Session-Mr. Hume proposes an Amend-

ment-After a debate, in which Mr. W. P. Wood, Mr. Roebuck, Mr.

Anstey, Mr. Bright, Mr. Disraeli, and other Members, take part, the

Attorney-General's two Resolutions are carried by majorities of 72 and 36

respectively. MINOR MEASURES OF THE SESSION-The Metropolitan Inter-

ment Act The County Court Extension Act-The Ecclesiastical Commis-

sion Amendment Act. TERMINATION OF THE SESSION-Parliament is

prorogued by the Queen in Person, on the 18th August-Address to Her

Majesty by the Speaker of the House of Commons, and the Royal Speech.

THE PAPAL AGGRESSION-Extraordinary excitement occasioned in the

Country by the appointment of a Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, and

suffragan Bishops with territorial Titles, by the Pope-Demonstrations of

Public Opinion in various quarters-Proceedings of the Clergy-Publica-

tion of Lord John Russell's famous Letter to the Bishop of Durham-

County Meetings-Popular Demonstrations on the 5th of November-Dr.

Wiseman addresses an Appeal to the English People-Style and character

of the Document, and its effects on the Public Mind

[173

CHAPTER VIII.

FRANCE.-State of Trade in Paris at the beginning of the Year-Debate in

the Assembly on the Policy of France in the River Plate-Amendment of

M. de Rancé carried-Government has a Majority of only One on the

Education Bill-Depraved Character of Schoolmasters in France-Debate

on the Education Bill-Speeches of MM. Victor Hugo, Poujoulat,

Lavergne, Fresneau, Soubier, Montalembert, and Thiers-Second Reading

carried by a large Majority-Circular addressed by the Minister of the

Interior to the Prefects--General Jerome Bonaparte created a Marshal

of France-Speeches of M. Piscatory and General la Hitte on the Affairs

of Greece-Bills for curtailing the Licence of the Press-Speeches of the

Minister of the Interior, MM. Molé and Thiers, General Cavaignac, and

M. de Lamartine-Proposition of M. Larochejaquelin for consulting the

Nation on a Change of the Form of Government-Election of Three

Socialist Deputies for Paris-Monies voted for Ecclesiastical Bodies-

Budget for 1851-Debate on the Bill for the Transportation of Criminals

-Speeches of MM. Victor Hugo, de Lamartine, and Others-Opinion of

M. de Lamartine on Socialism and Communism-Bill for modifying the

Electoral Law-Report of the Committee-Long Debate in the Assembly-

Masterly Speech of M. Thiers-The Minister of Foreign Affairs announces

the Recall of the French Ambassador from London-Bill for the Dotation

of the President-Report of the Committee-Amicable Termination of

the Dispute on the Greek Question between Great Britain and France-

Debate on the Dotation Bill-The Amendment proposed by the Minority

[202

of the Committee agreed to on the part of the Ministry

CHAPTER IX.

Eulogium pronounced by the President of the Assembly on the late Sir

Robert Peel-Disorderly scene in the Assembly during the Debate on the

Law relative to the Press-Speech of M. Victor Hugo-Repetition of

Disorder in the Assembly-The Bill relative to the Press carried-Ap-

pointment of Committee to sit in permanence during the Prorogation-

The numbers chosen hostile to the Ministry-Prorogation of the Assembly

-Foolish Manifesto of the Comte de Chambord (Duc de Bordeaux)—

Important Letter of M. de Larochejaquelin-Death of the ex-King, Louis

Philippe, at Claremont-Progress of the President through France-His

Speech at Lyons-General Hautpool succeeded as Minister of War by

General Schramm-Struggle between the Ministry and General Changar-

nier relative to the removal of General Neumayer from his post-New

Session of the Assembly-Message from the President. TOPICS-1. Inte-

rior; 2. Finances; 3. Public Works; 4. Agriculture and Commerce;

5. Justice; 6. Public Instruction and Religious Worship; 7. War; 8.

Marine; 9. Foreign Affairs; 10. Resumé-Bill to defray Expense of call-

ing out 40,000 additional Troops-Report of Committee on this Bill-

Discussion on the Report, and Speech of the Minister for Foreign Affairs

on the Foreign Policy of France-Speeches of MM. Arago, De la Drôme,

and Remusat-The Bill carried-Speech of M. de Montalembert on Ob-

servance of Sunday in France

CHAPTER X.

[250

SPAIN.-Accouchement of the Queen-Marriage of the Comte de Montemo-

lin-Renewal of Diplomatic Relations between Great Britain and Spain-

Dissolution of the Spanish Cortes-Circular of the Minister of the Inte-

rior-Result of the Elections-Opening of the New Cortes-Queen's

Speech.

PORTUGAL-Opening of the Portuguese Cortes-Royal Speech.

GREECE. Claims of the British Government upon Greece-Narrative of

Facts relating to these Claims-Exaggerated Demands of M. Pacifico-

His Claims not a subject for State interference according to the Law of

Nations-Dispute respecting the Islands of Cervi and Sapienza-Inter-

views and Correspondence between Mr. Wyse and M. Londos-Seizure of

Greek Vessels by Admiral Sir William Parker-Acceptance by Lord Pal-

merston of the good offices of France-Baron Gros sent to Athens as

Mediator-Result of his investigation of the Claims of M. Pacifico-

Abortive Attempts at Agreement between Mr. Wyse and Baron Gros-

Convention agreed to in London between Lord Palmerston and M. Drouyn

de Lhuys-Delay by Lord Palmerston in communicating this Convention

to Mr. Wyse-Unfortunate consequences of this delay-Mr. Wyse resumes

Coercive Measures, and the Greek Government yields-Letter from Mr.

Wyse containing a List of the Demands of the British Government-

Termination of the Dispute-Strong Remonstrance addressed by Russia

to the British Government

[277

CHAPTER XI.

PIEDMONT AND SARDINIA.-Address of the Senate in answer to Speech from

the Throne-Question of Exemption of Ecclesiastics from the jurisdiction

of Secular Tribunals-The Siccardi Laws-Contumacious conduct of the

Archbishop of Turin-He is arrested and sentenced to fine and imprison-

ment-Denial of the Sacraments to M. Santa Rosa-Consequences of this

-Second arrest of the Archbishop-He is tried and sentenced to banish-

ment-The Archbishop of Cagliari also banished.

DENMARK.-Renewal of hostilities between Denmark and the Duchies of

Schleswig and Holstein in 1849-Terms of Convention of 10th of July,

1849, between Denmark and Prussia-Opening of Session of Danish Cham-

bers-Question of renewal of Armistice between Denmark and the Duchies

of Schleswig and Holstein-Treaty of Peace between Denmark and the

Germanic Confederation concluded at Berlin-Manifesto of the King of

Denmark-Exchange of Ratifications of Treaty-Hostile attitude of the

Duchies-Proclamation by the Stadtholders-Letter from the Prussian

Foreign Secretary-Proclamation by the King of Denmark-The Danish

Army enters Schleswig-Renewal of hostilities-Battle of Idstedt, and

Victory of the Danes-Further operations of the Campaign-Failure of

Attack on Friederichstadt by General Willisen-Offer of mediation by

Prussia-The Federal States order a cessation of hostilities-General

Willisen resigns his command-Final termination of the War . [295

CHAPTER XII.

GERMANY.-Entanglements of German Politics-Meeting of the Prussian

Chambers-Royal Message on the subject of the New Constitution-

Modifications introduced by the Chambers-Discussion on the subject-

Final Revision of the Constitution-Speech of the King on taking the

Oath to observe the Constitution-Dissolution of the Chambers, and

Speech by Count Brandenburgh-Convocation of Erfurt Parliament by

Prussia-Opening Address of General Von Radowitz-Difficulties in

settling the Constitution of the new Confederation or Bund-The Parlia-

ment is adjourned-Able Speech on German Affairs by the KING of Wur-

TEMBERG at opening of his Diet-Offence taken by Prussia-Congress of

Princes at Berlin-Result of their Deliberations-Austria convokes the

Frankfort Diet-Ineffectual remonstrance by Prussia-Attempt to Assas-

sinate the King of Prussia. AFFAIRS OF HESSE CASSEL.-M. Hassenpflug

appointed Prime Minister by the Elector-His unpopularity-Dissolution

of the Diet-Arbitrary conduct of the Government-Martial Law de-

clared-The Elector quits Hesse Cassel-Removes seat of Government to

Wilhelmsbad-Remonstrances addressed to him by the Standing Commit-

tee of the States-The Frankfort Diet resolves to support the Elector-

Military Movement of Prussia-Conference at Warsaw-Treaty of Bre-

genz between the Emperor of Austria and Kings of Bavaria and

Wurtemberg. PRUSSIA.-Ministerial Crisis at Berlin-Resignation of Von

Radowitz-Letter to him from the King-Death of Count Brandenburgh

-Warlike demonstration by Prussia-Entry of Austrian and Bavarian

troops into Hesse Cassel on the south, and of Prussian troops on the

north-War averted by the Convention of Olmütz-Statement by the

Prussian Government of its views-Opening of the Prussian Chambers-

Royal Speech-Speech of Baron Von Manteuffel on the German Question

-Adjournment of the Prussian Chambers-Circulars of Austria and

Prussia announcing Ministerial Conference to be held at Dresden-Open-

ing of Dresden Conference-Speeches of Prince Schwarzenberg and Baron

Von Manteuffel

[307

CHAPTER XIII.

UNITED STATES.-Report of Mr. Meredith, the Secretary of the Treasury,

recommending moderate Protective Duties-Descent upon Cuba by Gene-

ral Lopez and a Band of Piratical Americans-Discomfiture of the Enter-

prise General Lopez arrested and tried-Negligence of the Government

Death of the President, General Taylor-He is succeeded by the Vice-

President, Mr. Millard Fillmore-Formation of a New Ministry-Bills

passed by Congress-Territorial Governments given to New Mexico and

Utah-California admitted as one of the States of the Union-Fugitive

Slave Bill-Message of the President: Topics-General Policy-Foreign

Relations Finances-Land Laws-Navy-Post Office-Creditors of Go-

vernment-Measures of the Session.

[333