agreed to-Purchase of Commissions in the Army-Sir De Lacy Evans

moves a Resolution for giving effect to the Report of the Royal Commis-

sion-Sir G. C. Lewis opposes the Motion-Speeches of General Peel, Lord

Stanley and Lord Palmerston-The Resolution is negatived by 247 to 62.

The Naval Estimates are moved by Lord Clarence Paget-Much discussion

takes place with reference to the construction of iron-cased vessels and

on the relative strength of our Navy and that of France-Mr. Lindsay

and Mr. Baxter contend that the growth of the French Navy in strength

and numbers has been over-stated by the Government-Lord Clarence

Paget justifies his own representations on this subject, and enters at

length into a statement of the operations of our Dockyards, and the plans

of the Government for increasing our naval strength-Further debates

on Naval Armaments-Impression produced in this country by the

engagement in America between the Merrimac and the Monitor -The

question of Fortifications of the Coast is discussed in connection with

that of iron-sheathed vessels-Important Debate in the House of Lords,

and statement of the Duke of Somerset, as to the condition of the Navy

and intentions of the Government-The relative efficiency of Iron and

Wooden Ships of war is again discussed in the same House, with reference

to the action between the American vessels-Speeches of Earl de Grey,

the Duke of Cambridge, Lord Ellenborough, the Duke of Somerset, and

other Peers-The same subject is mooted in the House of Commons by

Sir Frederick Smith-Remarks of Mr. Laird, Mr. Gregory, Sir J. Hay,

Capt. Jervis, Mr. Osborne, Mr. Bright, Sir G. C. Lewis, and Lord Clarence

Paget. FORTIFICATION OF THE DOCKYARDS AND ARSENALS-Sir G. C.

Lewis proposes, on the part of the Government, a Resolution authorizing

a grant of 1,200,000l. for these works-His speech-Mr. Bernal Osborne

opposes the proposition, objecting to the scheme, as ineffectual and extra-

vagant-He moves an Amendment, to give effect to his views-Speeches

of Sir F. Smith, Mr. H. A. Bruce, Mr. Vivian, Sir J. Northcote, Mr. Ben-

tinck, Sir M. Peto, Mr. Monsell, Lord Palmerston, and Mr. Disraeli-Mr.

Osborne's Amendment is withdrawn-On a further stage of the Bill, the

opposition is renewed by Mr. Lindsay, who renews the controversy as to

the relative strength of the French Navy-He is answered by Lord Cla-

rence Paget-Mr. Cobden impugns the policy of Lord Palmerston, whom

he charges with over-stating the preparations of France Reply of Lord

Palmerston-Mr. Lindsay's Resolution is withdrawn-Mr. B. Osborne

again moves the reduction of the proposed vote for the Fortifications—

Speeches of Mr. H. A. Bruce, Captain Jervis, Sir F. Smith, Sir G.!C. Lewis,

Lord Palmerston, Mr. Cobden, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer-

After some further debate, Mr. Osborne's Amendment is negatived by

110 to 62-Further Amendments are moved upon the Bill, but the pro-

positions of the Government, with slight modifications, are carried-The

Second Reading of the Bill is moved by Lord de Grey in the House of

Lords on the 25th of July-Speeches of the Earl of Ellenborough, the

Duke of Somerset, Duke of Cambridge, Earls Grey and Malmesbury, and

Earl Russell The Bill is passed .
[94

CHAPTER VI.

COLONIAL AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS-Military Expenditure for the Colonies-

Mr. Arthur Mills moves a Resolution in the House of Commons, affirming

the obligation of Colonies enjoying self-government to contribute to their

own defence-Mr. C. Fortescue, on behalf of the Government, assents to

the Resolution, with some modifications suggested by Mr. Baxter-The

Motion is agreed to-Mr. Adderley calls attention to the duty of Canada

to provide for her own security against invasion-Remarks of Mr. A. Mills

and Mr. Roebuck-Sir George Lewis states the views of the Government

with respect to the protection of Canada and the employment of the

British Force there-Speeches of Mr. T. Baring, Lord Bury, Mr. Disraeli,

and Lord Palmerston-The Earl of Carnarvon, in the House of Lords,

enters at large into the subject of Colonial Expenditure in General-

Observations of the Duke of Newcastle, the Earl of Ellenborough, Lord

Wodehouse, Lord Lyveden, and other Peers. Foreign Affairs-The State

of Poland The Earl of Carnarvon addresses the House of Lords upon

the condition in which that country is placed, and the policy pursued

towards it by Russia-Earl Russell's Speech in answer.
The New King-

dom of Italy-State of opinion in England upon Italian affairs-The

Marquis of Normanby takes a conspicuous part in denouncing the new

régime-He charges the King's Government with unconstitutional and

tyrannical conduct-Earl Russell controverts the facts alleged, and vin-

dicates the King of Italy's policy-The Earl of Malmesbury justifies the

policy pursued towards that country by the Government under which he

acted as Foreign Secretary-Lord Wodehouse arraigns the correctness of

Lord Normanby's representations-The Marquis of Normanby a second

time brings forward accusations against the Government of Italy-His

statements are controverted by the Earls of Russell, Ellenborough,

and Harrowby and by Lord Brougham-Sir George Bowyer makes a

vehement attack upon the policy of the English Government towards

Italy in the House of Commons-He is answered by Mr. Layard—Mr.

Pope Hennessy defends the Papal Government from the imputation

of misgovernment-The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in a very effective

speech, confutes Sir George Bowyer's arguments-Speeches of Mr. M.

Milnes, Mr. Stansfeld, Mr. Maguire, Lord Palmerston, and other Members.

Operations in China-Employment of the British forces against the

Rebels in that country-Earl Grey calls attention to the circumstances,

and impeaches the policy of interference pursued by the British Govern-

ment The Duke of Somerset explains the grounds upon which the

employment of a British Marine force has been sanctioned-Lord Strat-

ford de Redcliffe approves of the course adopted-Earl Russell justifies

the conduct of the Government-Mr_White raises the same question in

the House of Commons, and moves a Resolution adverse to interference-

Mr. Cobden disapproves of the action of the Government-It is defended

by Lord Palmerston and Mr. Layard-Mr. White's Resolution is rejected

by 197 to 88. Joint Expedition of France and England against Mexico-

Lord Robert Montagu impugns the Policy of our Government in joining

in the operations in that country--He is answered by Mr. Layard, who

enters into a statement of the circumstances that had called for interfer-

ence-The debate is brought to a premature close, the House being

counted out. Indian Finance- Sir Charles Wood, Secretary of State for

India, makes his Annual Statement on this subject-Differences between

Sir C. Wood and Mr. Laing, late finance minister in Calcutta-Remarks

of Mr. H. Seymour, Mr. Smollett, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Kinnaird, and other

Members The Resolutions proposed by the Minister are agreed to.

Treaty between Great Britain and the United States of America for the

Suppression of the Slave Trade-It is laid on the Table of the House of

Lords by Earl Russell-Congratulatory remarks of Lord Brougham and

other Peers.
[115

CHAPTER VII.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES.-SETTLEMENT UPON THE MARRIAGE OF H.R.H.

THE PRINCESS ALICE The Provision recommended by the Government

is unanimously and cordially voted by the House of Commons-A scheme

for erecting new Law Courts in the neighbourhood of Lincoln's Inn is

proposed by the Government-Mr. Selwyn and Mr. Walpole oppose the

proposition-The Chancellor of the Exchequer supports it-It is rejected

on the division by 83 to 81-Debate in the House of Commons upon the

System of Competitive Examinations for the Civil Service-Mr. P. Hen-

nessy, Mr. Cochrane, Mr. Bentinck, and other Members object to the

system-Lord Stanley and Sir George Lewis defend it-The House sets

aside the Motion by negativing the previous question. LAW OF HIGH-

WAYS-Sir George Grey re-introduces the Bill for the Amendment of

Highway Law, which had been in former years proposed and withdrawn-

The Second Reading is carried, after some debate, by a majority of 111-

The Bill, with some modifications, passes through both Houses. TRANS-

FER OF LAND AND SECURITY OF TITLE TO PURCHASERS-Bills for effect-

ing these objects are brought in by the Lord Chancellor, and other Bills,

with similar objects, by Lord Cranworth, Lord St. Leonard's, and Lord

Chelmsford-Statement of the Lord Chancellor, on introducing his mea-
sures-Observations of several of the Law Lords-The several Bills are

referred to a Select Committee-Those of the Lord Chancellor pass

through the House of Lords, and are introduced in the House of Commons

by Sir Roundell Palmer, Solicitor-General-His able Speech on moving

the Second Reading of the Land Transfer Bill-Speeches of Sir H. Cairns

Sir F. Kelly, Mr. Malins, and the Attorney-General-The Government

Bills pass a Second Reading-Sir H. Cairns moves to refer them to a

Select Committee, which is opposed by the Law Officers of the Crown-

The Bills go through a Committee of the whole House and become law.

AMENDMENT OF THE LAW OF LUNACY-The Lord Chancellor brings in a

Bill, which is carried through Parliament, to simplify and abridge the

inquiries under Commissions of Lunacy. GAME LAWS-A Bill introduced

by Lord Berners for the repression of Night Poaching, meets with

much opposition in both Houses-It is passed in the Lords, but strenuously

resisted by the Government and by Liberal Members in the House of

Commons-Sir Baldwin Leighton takes charge of the Bill, which is

strongly supported by many of the Conservative party-aftermuch con-

troversy and many divisions in favour of the Bill, it is passed into a law.

EMBANKMENT OF THE THAMES-A Measure to carry out this object is

brought in by Mr. W. Cowper on behalf of the Government-It is referred

to a Select Committee, which recommends an important alteration in the

Scheme-Imputations made against the Committee of having given too

much weight to private interests-Their report occasions much contro-

versy-Mr. Doulton moves the re-committal of the Bill, with a view to

the restoration of the original plan-A warm discussion ensues, in which

Mr. K. Seymer, Lord H. Vane, Sir J. Shelley, Mr. Horsman, Mr. Cowper,

and Lord Palmerston take part-Mr. Doulton's Amendment being con-

sidered premature is withdrawn-Mr. Locke proposes a Motion with the

same object at a later stage, which is carried by 149 to 109, and the

scheme of the Bill as introduced by the Government is adopted-The

Bill goes up to the House of Lords, where the Duke of Buccleugh makes

a statement in vindication of the course pursued by him-Earl Granville

the Earl of Derby, and other Peers, acquit the noble Duke of all imputa-
tions, and the Bill is passed-End of the Session-Mr. Cobden gives notice

that he shall offer observations upon the policy of Lord Palmerston's
Administration-His Speech-He arraigns the aggressive spirit of the
Government as shown on many occasions-He compares the Premier's

conduct with that of the opposition Leader, unfavourably to the former
-Speech of Lord Palmerston in vindication of the Measures of his

Government, and of their conduct towards Foreign States-Speech of Mr.

Disraeli, who seconds many of Mr. Cobden's charges-Observations of Mr.

Lindsay, Sir M. Peto, Lord Clarence Paget, and other Members-Proro-

gation of Parliament on the 7th of August by Commission-The Royal

Speech, as delivered by the Lord Chancellor-Results of the Session-

State of Parties and additions to the Statute Book

CHAPTER VIII.

[135

FRANCE-Speech of the Emperor at the opening of the Chambers-Address

of Count de Morny to the Corps Législatif-Reception of the Papal

Nuncio-Diplomatic Correspondence on the Roman Question-Debate in

the Senate Speeches of M. de Boissy, M. Baroche, M. Billault, and Prince

Napoleon-Answer of the Emperor to the Address of the Senate-Debate

in the Corps Législatif-Speeches of M. Picard, M. Baroche, M. Jules

Favre, and M. Billault-Opposition to the Bill for granting a majorat to

General Montauban-Letter from the Emperor to the President of the

Corps Législatif on the subject-Conversion of the Four-and-a-Half per

Cent. Rentes-Report of M. Achille Fould on the state of the Finances-

Altercation in the Chamber between M. Picard and the President-Letter

of the Emperor on the Roman Question-Interview between the French

Ambassador at Rome and Cardinal Antonelli on the subject-Resignation

of M. Thouvenel, Minister of Foreign Affairs-M. Drouyn de Lhuys ap-

pointed his successor-His Circular to Diplomatic Agents-Second Report

of M. Achille Fould on the state of the Finances

CHAPTER IX.

[155

ITALY-Resignation of the Ricasoli Ministry-Signor Ratazzi forms a new

Cabinet-Programme of the Policy of the Ministry-Speech of Baron

Ricasoli-Foolish enterprise of Garibaldi-His Revolutionary Address to

the Hungarians-Answer of Klapka-Garibaldi in Sicily-Proclamation

by the King-Garibaldi crosses over to the Mainland-Affair of Aspro-

monte-Letter of Garibaldi giving his version of the Encounter-Decree

of Amnesty-Change of Ministry-Signor Farini forms a new Cabinet

-His Speech in the Chambers.

GREECE Insurrection at Nauplia-Address of the King to the Army-

Argos surrendered to the Royal Troops-Nauplia invested and blockaded

-Proclamations of the King-Manifesto of the Insurgents-Surrender of

Nauplia, and End of the Insurrection-Outbreak of a General Revolution

in October-Proclamation by the Provincial Government of Athens-

The King and Queen leave Greece-Decree calling upon the People to

Elect a King by Universal Suffrage-Prince Alfred of England chosen

King of Greece-The British Government refuses its sanction to the

Election-Question of the Cession of the Ionian Islands.

PORTUGAL-Dom Luis I., proclaimed King of Portugal-His Speech to

the Chambers

CHAPTER X.

[188

PRUSSIA-Opening of the Session of the Prussian Chambers-Royal Speech

-Question of the Constitution of Hesse Cassel-Dissolution of the

Chambers-Change of Ministry-The Military Budget-Meeting of the

New Chambers-Speech of the President of the Council of Ministers-

Reply of the King to an Address from the Chamber of Deputies-Change

in the Cabinet-Adverse Vote of the Chamber on the Military Budget—

Collisions between the Two Houses-Dissolution of the Chambers-Royal

Message-Answer of the King to an Address from the Provinces.

MEXICO-Proclamation of Commissioners of the Allied Powers-The British

and Spanish Governments refuse to co-operate with France in the Expe-

dition against Mexico-Earl Russell's Despatch on the Subject-Pro-

clamation of the French Commissioners-Failure of the French to take

Puebla-Reinforcements [sent from France-Letter from the French

Emperor to General Lorencez

[205

CHAPTER XI:

AMERICA-Position of the hostile Armies at the Commencement of the

Year-Federal Successes in the West-Capture of New Orleans-Battle

of Pittsburg Landing-Exploits of the Confederate iron-clad Steamer

Virginia-The Army of the Potomac-Description of the Theatre of

War-Account of the Campaign in Virginia-Successes of the Confederates

-Retreat of General McClellan's Army upon Washington-A permanent

Government established by the Confederates-Inaugural Address of Pre-

sident Davis-Tax Bill passed by the Confederate Congress-Issue of

Paper Money-General Hunter's Order abolishing Slavery declared null

and void by President Lincoln-Call of 600,000 fresh Troops-Ferocity

with which the War is carried on-Bill for Compensation to States that

should abolish Slavery-Views of President Lincoln as to the Object of

the Struggle-His Plan for Emigration of the Blacks-He announces his

intention to propose the Abolition of Slavery-Message of President

Davis to the Confederate Congress-Proposal by France of Mediation-

Despatches of M. Drouyn de Lhuys and Earl Russell on the Subject-

Address of the State Governors to President Lincoln-Symptoms of

Change of Feeling in the North-President Lincoln's Message to Con-

gress

[219