Lord Lyndhurst condemned the course pursued by the Canadian government, and declared the ordinance to be illegal.-Lord Melbourne admitted the illegality as regarded Bermuda; but after the support extended to the act giving extraordinary powers to Lord Durham, he was not prepared to hear censure applied for the exercise of such powers.-The Duke of Wellington complained of the charge thus conveyed; though he had been willing to strengthen the Government as regarded Canada, he denied that either he or his friends had any part in the responsibility of the proceedings done under the act. He denounced the idea of this country permitting banishments without trial. Their lordships then divided on the question. The numbers were, for the bill 54; against it 36; majority in favour of the bill 18.

The House then proceeded with the consideration of the TITHES (IRELAND) Bill, which was eventually passed.

The second reading of the POSTOFFICE Bill was opposed by the Duke of Richmond, and negatived:-The ayes were

25; the noes 32; majority against it 7. Aug. 10. Lord Brougham moved the third reading of the COURT OF SESSION Bill of SCOTLAND.-Lord Haddington moved the omission of the words which enabled either house of Parliament to rescind the acts of sederunt of the Court of Session. On a division, there appearedFor the amendment, 20; against it, 13; majority 7.—The bill then passed.

On the motion of the Earl of Haddington, the Commons' amendments to the SHERIFF'S COURT (Scotland) Bill were rejected, and the bill afterwards passed both houses.

The PRISONS (Scotland) Bill was read a third time, and on the question that it do pass, the Earl of Mansfield opposed the bill altogether. The House divided, and the numbers were-Non-contents, 15; Contents, 11; majority against the passing of the bill, 4.

Aug. 14. The TRADING COMPANIES Bill was rejected, on the motion of Lord Brougham, after a division of 10 for, and 12 against the third reading.

In the HOUSE OF COMMONS, on the same day, Lord J. Russell said it was the intention of Government to acquiesce in the CANADA INDEMNITY Bill sent down from the Lords, reciting, as it does, the illegality of the ordinance, but indemnifying those who have advised or acted under it, on the score of their presumed good intentions. The noble lord contended that the only illegal portion of the ordinance was that which related to the

deportation of eight prisoners to the Bermudas. The more startling passage, which denounced the penalties of high treason against each of 15 fugitive Canadians in the event of their returning to their country, was not, in his opinion, unlawful.-Lord Stanley gave full credit to Lord Durham's motives, but could not approve his measures. The conduct of Sir J. Colborne presented a favourable contrast, both as to the appointment of his council and as to the character of his ordinances. After animadverting on Lord J. Russell's extraordinary assumption of credit to Lord Durham for having abstained from tampering with juries, he argued that the ordinance was the less necessary, because juries would have done their duty; as, indeed, the culprits must have apprehended, or they would not have pleaded guilty.-Mr. Leader thought a censure would have been fitter than an indemnity. He denied that the men deported to Bermuda had even pleaded guilty. They had confessed themselves to have rebelled, but it was against the bad government of the colony, not against the person or government of her Majesty, and they had no wish for a separation from England.-Sir W. Follett insisted that, large as Lord Durham's powers had been, he had exceeded their scope. He had not been intrusted with power to decide on the guilt of accused men, without jury, witness, or defence; and on his own finding, to banish, to imprison, to execute, Those powers were greater than Parliament would have intrusted to any man's temper or discretion; and if that had been understood to be the meaning of the bill, it never would have passed. The intention had been merely to substitute a temporary legislative power during the suspension of, and in substitution for, the ordinary legislature; and if the ordinary legislature would not have had power to pass such an ordinance (which he argued they would not), then neither could this power belong to the substituted authority.-The Attorney General said, in giving up the Bermudean part of the ordinance, he insisted on the legality of the remainder.-Sir E. Sugden contended that the whole of the ordinance was alike illegal.-Sir R. Inglis proposed a special clause for the disposal of the persons denounced in the ordinance; and was followed by the Solicitor General, who cited as a material precedent, the attainders by statute 13 and 14 William III. of the Pretender.-Lord J. Russell declined to adopt Sir R. Inglis's clause, and expressed himself satisfied, after reflection, that the safest course was to pass the bill in the state in which it was. In that opi

nion he said he was confirmed by the contrariety of the legal opinions which had been delivered. The bill then went into committee, and having passed through that stage without amendments, was reported immediately, and ordered for a third reading.

Aug. 15. After some discussion, the CANADA INDEMNITY Bill was read a third time and passed.

On the motion of the Attorney General, the further consideration of the Lords' amendments on the REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS Bill, was postponed till that day three months.

In the HOUSE OF LORDS, Viscount Melbourne moved the third reading of the CORNWALL TIN DUTIES Bill. Lord Lyndhurst said that their lordships were aware of the nature of this property as regarded the interests of the unborn Duke of Cornwall, and Parliament had always been extremely cautious of interfering at all with the management of property so circumstanced; and their late Majesties, George IV. and William IV., actually refused to assent to any bill of this sort; he must, therefore, move that this bill be read a third time that day three months. -Viscount Melbourne said that he was perfectly aware of the nature of this property, and he should certainly not have advised the introduction of any such bill unless the rights, not only of the Crown, but of any future Duke of Cornwall, had been well secured and guarded; at the same time that ample compensation was given to the Crown, the bill would operate to do away with the present inconvenient and vexatious system of collecting that revenue. The Duke of Wellington opposed, and the Marquis of Lansdowne supported the measure. Their lordships then divided, when there appeared-Contents, 27; Non-contents, 26; majority 1. The bill was then read a third time and passed.

Aug. 16. The Parliament was this day prorogued, when her Majesty in person delivered the following Speech :

"My Lords and Gentlemen,

"The state of public business enables me to close this protracted and laborious session.

"I have to lament that the civil war in Spain forms an exception to the general tranquillity. I continue to receive from all foreign powers the strongest assurances of their desire to maintain with me the most amicable relations.

"The disturbances and insurrections which had, unfortunately, broken out in Upper and Lower Canada have been GENT. MAG. VOL. X.

promptly suppressed, and I entertain a confident hope that firm and judicious measures will empower you to restore a constitutional form of government, which unhappy events have compelled you for a time to suspend.

"I rejoice at the progress which has been made in my colonial possessions towards the entire abolition of negro apprenticeship.

I

"I have observed with much satisfaction the attention which you have bestowed upon the amendment of the domestic institutions of the country. trust that the mitigation of the law of imprisonment for debt will prove at once favourable to the liberty of my subjects, and safe for commercial credit; and that the Established Church will derive increased strength and efficiency from the restriction of the granting of benefices in plurality.

"I have great pleasure in giving my assent to the Bill for the Relief of the Destitute Poor in Ireland. I cherish the expectation that its provisions have been so cautiously framed, and will be so prudently executed, that whilst they contribute to relieve distress, they will tend to preserve order, and to encourage habits of industry and exertion.

"I trust likewise that the act which you have passed relating to the composition for tithe in Ireland will increase the security of that property, and promote internal peace.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons, "I cannot sufficiently thank you for your dispatch and liberality in providing for the expenses of my household and the maintenance of the honour and dignity of the crown. I owe you my warmest acknowledgments for the addition which you have made to the income of my beloved mother.

"I thank you for the supplies which you have voted for the ordinary public service, as well as for the readiness with which you have provided means to meet the extraordinary expenses rendered necessary by the state of my Canadian possessions.

"My Lords and Gentlemen,

"The many useful measures which you have been able to consider, while the settlement of the Civil List and the state of Canada demanded so much of your attention, are a satisfactory proof of your zeal for the public good. You are so well acquainted with the duties which now devolve upon you in your respective counties, that it is unnecessary to remind you of them. In the discharge of them you may surely rely upon my firm support, and it only remains to express a humble

2 S

hope that Divine Providence may watch over us all, and prosper our united efforts for the welfare of our country."

FRANCE.

The Lord Chancellor announced that the Parliament stood prorogued till Thursday, 11th of October.

In a speech addressed to the notables assembled to elect the judges of the Tribunal of Commerce for the ensuing year, the prefect of the Seine gives a flattering account of the progress and prosperity of the French capital. All people with shops, or in business, pay a certain tax or patent. The number of patent-payers in Paris in 1831 was nearly 45,000; it had increased to 70,000 in 1836, and to 75,000 in 1837. The highest notables or patentpayers had increased in the same proportions. The octroi, in consequence, having proportionably increased, had allowed the diminution of certain duties, especially that on coals. Schools and asylums for children had been founded in great numbers; and Paris in 1837, compared with Paris in 1830, leaves certainly no occasion of regret for the revolution of 1830.

PORTUGAL.

The power of the reigning Sovereign has been materially strengthened by the defeat of the Miguelist rebel banditti, who have so long ravaged several provinces of Portugal, and the capture and execution of the noted chief Remechido. He was encountered at Portella, where he lay in ambush with 248 men, most of whom were deserters from the army. They lost

56 killed, and their chief was taken prisoner, tried by a court-martial, and shot at Faro on the 2nd August.

HOLLAND.

On the 3rd Aug. the church at Hoorn, one of the largest and handsomest in the kingdom, was accidentally burnt down, from the carelessness of some plumbers. Some papers and the communion plate were saved, but of the masterpieces of art, the steeple, with the bells, the organ, &c. nothing remains. This church, which was dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. Cyprian, was in the form of a cross, 300 feet long, 120 broad, and 67 high. The steeple was 179 feet, had remarkably heavy bells and a fine carillon. The organ, which was very fine, was built in the years 1744-1777. The damage is estimated at about 400,000 florins.

CIRCASSIA.

On the 11th June the Russian fleet in the Black Sea experienced a most dreadful hurricane. Three ships of the line, two corvettes, five brigs, two steamers, and two smaller craft, were completely wrecked on the coast, and eleven ships of

war stranded, and supposed to be irrecoverable. It was believed that not fewer than thirty Russian ships were put hors de combat. The garrison of the fort of Sootcha, having made two sorties to protect the wrecks of the two corvettes, was attacked by the natives, and compelled to retreat with the loss of 1000 men out of the 1100 of which the party had consisted. The Circassians, after plundering the corvettes, set fire to them, and burnt four other vessels, under the very guns of the fort.

EGYPT.

Egypt is fast becoming of moment in the opinion of other nations. Five years ago there was not a single steam-vessel of any nation plying from her ports; now, those of England, France, Austria, and Egypt, number 18 regular opportunities to and fro every month from Alexandria. When will our government build the direct (both ways) between Plymouth and "Great Eastern," of 1500 tons, to go Alexandria in 15 days, with India mails and passengers, and thus keep the French and Austrian lines from our Indian correspondence?

broke out in Cairo, which lasted until the On the evening of the 21st June a fire morning of the 25th. The fire originated in the Catholic chapel, and the houses of two entire streets were consumed.

Some

of the Egyptian soldiers were seen kindling the fire, and on the 22nd, in the even

ing, when it was hoped that the conflagration was at an end, the people crowded to enjoy the spectacle of the desolation, which they considered a vengeance from heaven. On the 24th Kabbib Effendi, fearing that the fire might communicate itself to the entire city, called out all the troops, repaired in person to the scene of devastation, and, by sacrificing a number of houses, succeeded in extinguishing the flames.-Mehemet Ali, on hearing of the catastrophe, and of the excesses committed by the Arabs and soldiers, despatched Hussein Bey to Cairo with discretionary powers. It was believed that 600 houses had been consumed, and the fire had occasioned great loss to at least 1000 individuals, and to 100 of the first commercial houses in Europe and the Levant. It is stated, however, that trade would not be much affected by this deplorable event, and that all the goods and merchandise in the warehouses had been fortunately saved,

CANADA.

On the 28th June the Earl of Durham issued an ordinance, setting forth that Wolfred Nelson, R. S. M. Bouchette, and others, now in Montreal gaol, having acknowledged their treasons and submitted themselves to the will and pleasure of her Majesty, shall be transported to the Islands of Bermuda, not to return on pain

of death; and the same penalty is to be incurred by Papineau and others who have absconded, if found at large in the province. The murderers of Lieutenant Weir and Joseph Chartrand are excluded from the favourable provisions of this ordinance. (For the reception of this ordinance in England, see the Proceedings in Parliament).

May 29. The Chapel at the Catholic College, at Oscott, in Staffordshire, was consecrated. The service commenced at 10 o'clock in the morning by a pontifical high mass, which was celebrated by the Right Rev. Dr. Walsh, bishop of the midland district. Dr. Weedall, president of the college, officiated as assistant priest; and the Revds. J. Moore and J. Nickolds officiated as deacon and subdeacon; the Revds. G. Jeffries and J. Moore as assistant deacons, and the Rev. J. Browne as master of the ceremonies. There were present, in pontificalibus, Dr. Baines, bishop of the western district; Dr. Briggs, bishop of the northern; and a body of Catholic clergy, above seventy in number, from different parts of the kingdom. They entered the chapel, preceded by a thurifer, who was followed by two acolytes, a subdean with the cross, six torch-bearers, sixty-eight clergymen robed, the master of the ceremonies, the book-bearer, subdean and deacons, assistant priest, assistant dean and subdean, Dr. Baines, in his pontificals, with attendants, Dr. Briggs, with the same, then the officiating bishop, with crosier-bearer, and his attendants. The music was all from Mozart and Haydn. Mr. Sharman, of Birmingham, presided at the organ, a very fine instrument, built expressly for the chapel by Parsons, of London. The sermon was preached by Dr. Weedall, extempore, from Ezra vi.

The church or chapel is exceedingly beautiful. It was built by Mr. Potter, of Lichfield, the architect too of the immense pile of the College. The interior decorations are by Mr. Pugin, well known for his skill in church architecture. The form is a parallelogram. The altar-end is, as usual, raised a step or two, and the immediate space above groined in stone, terminating in a fine arch. The windows about the altar are beautifully executed in coloured glass, by Warrington, of London (and were described in our last number, p. 171). The altar is covered with a profusion of gilding, and there are some finely executed paintings in its panellings. In front of the sanctuary are

stalls for the clergy on either hand, and, midway between, an eagle carved in wood, with expanded wings, for supporting the book of the official. The walls of the church are in imitation of Portland stone. The roof of the body is of wood, the ends of the beams turning the arches, resting upon figure brackets of cherubim busts, and a species of scroll cornice surmounting the walls where the arches spring; the roof itself is panelled; the borders are designed to be gilt. The organ-gallery is at the lower end of the chapel, as is customary. The pulpit is in an angle of the building formed by the arch in front of the altar; it is of white stone, panelled, and the cornices in pale gold, with carved work and scrolls very chastely touched with the gilding, and the whole supported by the bust of a winged figure, partly gilt, which stands out from the wall. The entrance to the pulpit is from a small door, the stairs to which are without the body of the chapel. There is much beautiful carved work in oak, particularly the railings before the high altar. Over asmall chapel on the south side is a large rucifix in a similar style of workmanship, and again, facing a door entering the college from the chapel, is a statue of the Virgin and Child. The organ gallery rail is of massy brass work, supporting candelabra.

July 26. The first stone of a new wing to Bethlehem Hospital was laid by the President Sir Peter Laurie, and governors. It bore the following inscription :"The extent of the present building, erected Anno Domini 1812, for the accommodation of One Hundred and Ninetysix Lunatic Patients, being inadequate for the reception of the numerous applicants for relief from all parts of the United Kingdom, the Governors of the royal hospital of Bethlehem, desirous of supplying this deficiency, and being enabled to do so by a careful administration of the funds confided to their trust, by royal bounty and private beneficence, resolved to erect buildings for the admission of One Hundred and Sixty-six additional Patients, in order to extend those benefits which, under Providence, have hitherto attended the

endeavours made to alleviate the calamities of their fellow-creatures." The outlay is calculated at about 22,000l. Amongst the company present were, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Marquis of Dalmatia (son of Marshal Soult), Earl of Shaftesbury, Lord John Russell, Capt. Alsager, M. P., Mr. Kemble, M.P., Sir David Wilkie, Col. Clitherow, several distinguished foreigners, the sheriffs, and many of the aldermen.

July 30. Pursuant to a notice issued from Guildhall, the fruit and vegetable trade hitherto carried on in Newgatemarket was removed to Farringdon-market, it being intended to increase the accommodations for the butchers in the former.

Aug. 9. At the Assizes at Maidstone William Price, aged 30, and Thomas Mears, alias Tyler, were indicted, charged with the wilful murder of Nicholas Mears, at Ville Dunkirk, on the 31st of May last. (See p. 88.) The indictment charged John Thoms, alías Courtenay, as principal in the first degree, and the prisoners at the bar as principals in the second degree, by aiding and abetting the deceased Courtenay to commit the murder. In a second count the parties were all charged as principals in the said murder. The Hon. C. E. Law, Mr. Sergeant Andrews, Mr. Channell, and Mr. Bodkin, appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Shee and Mr. Deedes for the prisoners. The jury, after an absence of half an hour, returned with a verdict of Not Guilty on the first count, but of Guilty on the second, with a strong recommendation to mercy in consequence of the infatuation under which they laboured and were led astray by the madman Courtenay. Lord Denman then proceeded to pass sentence of death immediately, in order to take the opportunity of saying that it would not be carried into effect. On the next day, the trial of several other persons, followers of the mock Sir William Courtenay, was proceeded with, viz. : -W. Wills, T. Mears or Tyler, E. Wraight, A. Foad, E. Curling, T. Griggs, R. Forman, C. Hills, and W. Foad. On being arraigned, the prisoners pleaded "guilty," and after their counsel had addressed the court, witnesses were called as to the characters of the convicts. Lord Denman then passed sentence of death against the whole of them, but immediately added that their lives would be spared. The following sentences have since been passed: Thomas Mears, otherwise Tyler, and Wm. Wills, to be transported for life; Wm. Price, for ten years; and Edw. Wraight, Alexander Foad, Edw. Curling, Thomas Griggs, Richard Foreman, and Charles Hills, to

be imprisoned for one year and kept to hard labour in the House of Correction, one month in solitary confinement.

The fine old church of St. Mary, Wotton Underedge, is undergoing considerable repairs. There are four additional arches in progress of erection at the east end of the nave. It will also be re-pewed, by which the number of sittings will be very materially increased. This church possesses the splendid organ given by his Majesty, King George I., to the church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, on its erection. The original cost of this fine instrument was 1000 guineas. It is in. scribed on the front of the case:-" The gift of his Most Sacred Majesty, King George, 1726.”

The Winchester New Corn-Exchange occupies, with its appurtenances, about an acre and a quarter of ground. The principal front towards the street presents a façade of about 128 feet in extent, and is flanked on either side by a handsome iron gate, with stone piers, &c. forming the two principal entrances to the area intended for the Cattle Market. In the design of this front, the architect (Mr. O. B. Carter, of Winchester) endeavoured to avoid the flimsy effect of the modern Grecian school, and to keep in view the more legitimate style of design inculcated by Palladio in Italy, and at home by our own countrymen, Jones and Wren. The principal entrance to the Corn Market is in the centre of the façade, under a handsome portico of the Tuscan order, as described by Vitruvius, and practised by Inigo Jones, in the far-famed church of St. Paul, Covent-garden. The columns, pilasters, steps, and landing, are all of Portland stone, as are also the dressings of the doorway and windows under the portico, which is surmounted by a handsome bell turret, about 50 feet high. On either side of the portico are three circularheaded windows, of good proportions, and the front is terminated at each end by a pavilion, 22 feet square, with bold rusticated angles, door and architraves, &c. of Portland stone, and in a style corresponding with the portico. The whole of this front is built of white Exbury brick and Portland stone, with the exception of the plinth, which is of Purbeck stone, and about four feet high. The interior accommodations are of the best description, admirably calculated to supply the deficiency long complained of by farmers, dealers, and others, frequenting Winchester market, the place of meeting hereto. fore being very inconvenient, and exposed to the weather at all seasons. The tolls are on so moderate a scale, that they may be considered merely nominal.”