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29,000 seamen being proposed, including 9,000 marines, Mr. Hume moved that 25,000 be substituted; he did not, how ever, press his amendment to a division. Mr. Goulburn proposed a bill for the residence of the Irish Clergy. On the 17th, Mr. S. Wortley moved for leave to bring in a bill to amend the laws for the preservation of game. Lord Nugent moved for copies of the instructions of ministers to Sir W. A'Court at Madrid, with a view to his conduct relative to the war between France and Spain. The Noble Lord en tered into the general question of the line of policy pursued by his Majesty's ministers. He attacked the conduct of Sir W. A'Court throughout the war, but chiefly for advising Alava to abandon his country's cause, and for having remained some time at Seville in the hands of the French after the removal of Ferdinand, in consequence of which he had been offered, by the mob and the priests, the government of that place, in the name of the absolute King, an offer which the Noble Lord admitted had been rejected with indignation. Another ground of complaint was, his having retired to Gibraltar when there was only a British Vice-Consul at Cadiz, and having remained there," the cold non-conducting medium between the last sighs of expiring Spain, and the sympathies of his country." After animadverting on the injurious policy pursued by England, the Noble Lord concluded by moving in the terms of his motion. Mr. Canning did not rise to go into the speech of the Noble Lord. He should confine himself to that part which related to Sir W. A'Court's conduct after the departure of the government from Seville. The Noble Lord asked whether Sir W. A'Court then acted upon his own discretion, or upon the instructions of Government? His answer was-partly on both. The Government had endeavoured to foresee all the cases that could arise, and to find measures to meet them. If any blame attached to Sir W. A'Court's going to Gibraltar instead of Cadiz, it belonged to himself and his colleagues, and he was perfectly ready to justify their conduct. Mr. S. Bourne opposed the motion, and concluded by moving as an amendment, "That all the words after the word that be left out, for the purpose of inserting the following:- That this house is duly sensible of the advantages derived by this country from that neutrality in the war between France and Spain which his Majesty, at its commencement, declared his determination to observe: and which appears to this house, under circumstances of peculiar difficulty, to have been scrupu

lously and inviolably maintained." No other Member présented himself to speak upon the question, and strangers were ordered to withdraw; when Lord Nugent made a few observations in reply, and intimated to the house, that if the amendment were carried, he should submit a resolution, upon which he neither intended to trouble them with any observations, nor to take a division. The gallery was then cleared, and the house divided--for the amendment, 171, against it, 30; majority against the motion, 141.While strangers were excluded, Lord Nugent moved the resolution he had mentioned.in his speech, which was intended merely to record his own opinion. It was put and negatived without a division. On the 18th, Lord Althorp obtained leave to bring in a bill for the recovery of small debts; and Mr. Courtenay rose to move a bill to consolidate the laws relative to bankrupts. Mr. Curwen moved for some documents relative to the criminal law of the Isle of Man, which Mr. Peel opposed, and the house divided; when there appeared 28 for, and 26 against the motion. On the 19th, Mr. Grenfell moved for the return of certain Bank balances. Mr. Peel gave notice of a bill to amend the Gaol Act, and of another to consolidate the law relative to Juries. Mr. Grattan moved for a return of names and professions of certain individuals following particular offices in Ireland, with a view to know whether religious faith was a ground for exclusion from office on which the house divided-for the motion 11, against it 27. On the 20th, several petitions were presented; one, relative to the repeal of the duty on foreign woul, occasioned some debate. Lord Palmerston, the house having resolved itself into a Committee of Supply, moved the army estimates, and an additional sum for 4,560 officers and men in augmentation. Mr. Hume moved a reduction of the military force from 73,000 to 63,000 men, which was negatived, and the original sums voted, there being for Mr. Hume's amendment 10, against it 102. Sir G. Clarke then moved the different items of the navy estimates, and the report was ordered to be printed.

The following was his Majesty's reply to the Address on the opening of Parliament.

"I thank you for this dutiful and affectionate Address.

"Nothing can be so gratifying to me as the expression of your cordial participation in my sentiments; and there is nothing so near to my heart as to maintain the greatness of the British name, and to promote the welfare and prosperity of my people."

The receipt of revenue for the past yearol demnation of the vessel, if captured at 1923, amounted to 57,672,9991 8s. 144d.do any time during that voyage

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the sum issued from the Exchequer for the u The planters and inerchants interested expenditure was 50,962,0147, 178. 114do in the slave trade, held a meeting in the The surplus paid in being 6,710,984 City of London last month, to draw up a 10s. 54d. _{\al* on of of belum petition to government on the state of the There have been no disturbances in slave-colonies. Mr. Ellis said, that the Ireland of any moment since our lastoa state of the negroes was misrepresented, but among the other extraordinary things and their masters calumniated. A Major, from that country, we learn that fourteen Dalby, who attempted to pass some resort policemen are to take thein trial at the lutions on the subject of the slaves, was next assizes for murder and other unjus hooted at as a friend of Mr. Wilberforce ; tifiable acts. Such are the occurrences and a petition of considerable length, asin a country where faction rules and the serting the rights of the planters to their reign of law is wholly a reign of terror. slaves and issue, noticing the sanction of By the additional articles to the cons the government formerly to the system, vention concluded between England and and stating that a fair compensation for Portugal for the suppression of the slave the value of the slaves is the due of the trade, it is settled, that if there shall be planters, and praying that no acts may clear proof that a single slave has been be sanctioned that may tend to impair in put on board any vessel for the purpose value their property, was carried by a man of illegal traffic, it shall justify the con- jority of the persons present.

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There are no fresh accounts from Demerara. Smith the missionary, who had beea sentenced to death by the courtmartial, but recommended to mercy, is pardoned, but is to leave the colony and enter into recognizances not to reside within any part of his Majesty's colonial possessions in the West Indies.

The commission of three officers, viz. Sir James Smyth (King's aide-de-camp), Sir John Oldfield, and Major Fanshawe, landed from the packet on the 26th November last, at Barbadoes. On the 6th December, they were about commencing their labours, by first visiting Jamaica. They will go through the West India islands, and probably the Bahamas, and Bermuda, and return to this country in April. The object of the commission is, to ascertain the state of the fortresses and barracks; but more particularly to report on the various annual estimates, recently laid before the Master-General of the Ordnance, for repairs and additional barracks, for which enormous sums are yearly voted by l'arliament.

A plot has been discovered in Jamaica which had for its object the destruction of the white inhabitants; and seven negroes have been arrested, tried, and condemned to death. The House of Assembly have made a report on Lord Bathurst's letter on the resolution of the House of Commons, as follows;

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That Your Committee observe with surprise and regret, that his Majesty's Ministers have, by the above resolutions, sanctioned the principles laid down by our enemies in the mother country, and pledged themselves to enforce such, measures as shall tend ultimately to the final extinction of

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slavery in the British colonies; and your Com mittee have also learnt from the agent, that"in !! bis conferences with Ministers, it has been reLA fused to acknowledge our claim to compensation

for the injuries the colonies must- sustain' in the...mere endeavour to carry the scheme of emanci-2

pation into effect; by which refusal the Ministers have shewn an inclination, not only to dispose of our property without our consent, but even to violate those common rules of honesty which ought to govern nations as well as private persons."

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"The Committee cannot forbear to express their decided opinion, that the proceedings of the House of Commons, and the conduct of his Majesty's Ministers, are a direct attempt to violate the Constitution of this colony; and they re-}] commend to the House to adopt the most firm strong, and constitutional measures to resist such attempt, and to preserve to the inhabitants of this colony those rights which have been transmitted to them froin their ancestors."

The following message to the Governor was afterwards agreed to:

"May it, please your Grace-We are ordered by the House to wait upon your Grace to acquaint you, that in compliance with their answer to the speech your Grace was pleased to make at the opening of the present Session, they have pro

ceeded to a deliberate and careful revision of the l Consolidated Slave Law, and find it as complete în✅ all its enactments as the nature of circumstances will admit, to render the slave population as happy” › and comfortable in every respect as the labouring class of any part of the world, This House most solemnly assures your Grace, that they will at all times be ready (if left to themselves), to watch and take advantage of every opportunity of promoting the religious and moral improvement of the slaves, and to make such ameliorating enactments as may be consistent with their happiness and the general safety of the colony ;! but under the critical circumstances in which

the colony is now placed, by reason of the late proceedings in the British Parliament, the House think the present moment peculiarly unfavourable for discussion, which may have a tendency to unsettle the minds of the Negro population, which the House have the greatest reason to believe is at present perfectly quiet and contented."

It is pleasing to turn from these colonies to our free ones in the East, and to observe their rapid progression in prosperity. The progress of improvement in the fine colony of Van Dieman's Land, appears to be extremely rapid; of which, perhaps, the most striking instance is afforded in the projected establishment of passage-vessels, constructed after the manner of the Leith and Berwick smacks, to sail regularly between Hobart-town and Sidney, for the conveyance of passen

FOREIGN

The opening of the French chambers is fixed for the 7th of April. Madame Chauvet, accused of being an accomplice in a plot against the government, by carrying letters from a party of refugees to their friends in Paris, has been acquitted. On this trial the venerable Marquis La Fayette was examined as a witness, when he protested against being addressed by the title of Marquis, which he had resigned at the bureau of the constituent assembly many years ago. It appears that the French have obtained an acknowledgement of a debt of 34,000,000f. from Spain, and have secured the salt factories of Arragon, and the customs of Miranda, as guarantees for the payment.

Overtures had been made to Spain for the recognition of the independence of her colonies, from England. In order to make it appear that he is generous, Ferdinand has given all the world liberty to trade freely with what he calls his colonies; in fact, with the independent states of South America. This is announced with great boasting, as if it did not exist already, and Spain had the ability to prevent it! Ferdinand gives what he does not possess, in order, perhaps, to make a merit of the boon when the independence of these states comes to be debated. This is reported to have been effected by the influence of France, that probably supposes, if free trade be allowed (which cannot be prevented), England will gain her end, and be less anxious to declare herself on a question which the French monarch and the fraternity of the Holy Alliance look upon as sanctioning an unnatural rebellion. If this be not the case, there is something yet to come to light respecting the motive of it, which it is difficult to guess; at present

gers. A company had been formed for this purpose at Hobart-town, to which the sum of 2,5004 had been subscribed, the whole amount required for the undertaking being 60001. The Berwick, passage-vessel for Van Dieman's Land, had brought out a supply of merinos, the greater part of which arrived safe; but of twenty-four head of horned cattle, shipped on board the same vessel, the whole unfortunately perished. Proper protection is given to the passengers on their voyage to the colony, by giving them damages in the law courts in cases of neglect or illtreatment of the captain. Three actions for such conduct were_brought in the Lieutenant Governor's Court against the captain of the Berwick, in all of which verdicts were given for the plaintiffs.

STATES.

it can only, then, be regarded as an artful effort to prevent the acknowledgment of South American independence by Great Britain. Ferdinand, amusingly enough, has established a sinking fund of 80,000,000 a year, to liquidate the national debt; this is the very quintessence of farce in a nation without treasury or revenue. The Restaurador, a paper published by the clergy of Madrid, has been suppressed on the suggestion of the Holy Allies, as too violent even for them! Ferdinand has announced to the island of Cuba, that he has been "restored to the plenitude of his sovereign rights;" that he has annulled every thing done in virtue of the constitution;" that "the first care of his paternal heart has been to destroy that odious system; that on re-establishing the wise and ancient laws of Spain, his royal mind cannot rest without making the immense provinces of America partakers of the same benefits; and that, while he meditates upon the means of doing so, he has resolved that his royal and legitimate authority shall be immediately re-established in all his ultramarine dominions, in the same state, and with the same prerogatives, as before the month of March 1820."

Intelligence from the United States, by way of Charlestown, gives as the chief topic of interest in Carolina and the other southern states, the approaching election to the Presidental chair, which must be vacated by Mr. Monroe in the year 1825. General Jackson and Mr. Crawford are represented to be the canditates, on one of whom the choice is likely to fall; and both have their partisans among the public journals, which occasionally insert articles setting forth their claims to the high distinction.

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MUSIC.

KING'S THEATRE, MR. BENELLI having, as we stated in our concluding Opera report of last year, become the director, ostensibly at least, of the establishment at the King's Theatre, numerous new engagements have taken place, the house has undergone some indispensable repairs, and the interior has been newly decorated,

The bills announce a variety of new performers in expectation, among whom Madame Pasta stands prominent. This Indy's first débat on the stage in the character of Cherubino in "Figaro," at the King's Theatre, about eight years ago, held out hopes which have since been realized beyond the most sanguine expectations. She has for some years been the idol of the Parisian connoisseurs; and unless her engagement for London be well secured, there is reason to fear that her admirers aux Italiens will not easily part with such a treasure. Of the rest of the engagements we shall forbear speaking until the appearance of the parties gives us an opportunity of so doing.

Rossini himself, with his wife, Madame Colbran Rossini, has been brought from Italy to compose new operas; and both have already appeared before a British public.

Owing to an accident, the opening of the season was delayed until the 24th Jan. when the opera of " Zelmira" was, for the first time, produced on our boards; Rossini, the author, presiding at the pianoforte.

The embellishments of the interior, although not in the best possible taste, are of a light and cheerful kind; and, considering time and circumstances, they do credit to the spirit and liberality of the management.

In the orchestra, M. Spagnoletti conducts the opera, and Mr. Lacy the ballet. Our high opinion of the former gentleman in this department has been often stated; and Mr. L.'s qualifications must be acknowledged by all who have witnessed the precision and steadiness with which he marshals the numerous instrumentalists under his bow. We observed considerable changes in the location and the personnel of the band. Mr Mackintosh, the bassoon, we looked for in vain: the foreign gentleman who fills his place, however famed he may be, is not an equivalent. A celebrated oboe from abroad is also a new acquisition, and his skill admits of no doubt; but he is not equal to our Griesbach; his tones are frequently harsh and forced, his upper passages too staccato and piercing; and instead of blend

ing and mellowing his instrument into the general harmony, he seems to strive to be noticed. Mr. Wilman's fascinating cla rionet, too, we could not hear. Lindley, Mariotti, and Dragonetti, those colossal and unique artists, are with us; and Signor Coccia presides worthily at the pianoforte.

"Zelmira" was composed for San Carlo at Naples, in 1822. We do not know the reception it met with there; but this we may safely aver, if the Neapolitans were fascinated by the music of this opera, their taste must have wonderfully changed since our residence among them. As for the poem-a minor consideration in an opera, we know it is below criticism.

The scene is in Lesbos-the time the Lord knows when; but no doubt anteriore dell'istoria, (previous to all history,) as our Cicerone used to say when he found himself in a nonplus as to dates. Polidoro (Placci), driven from his throne by the usurper Antenore (Curioni), is believed by the latter to have perished in the conflagration of the temple of Ceres, set on fire with that intent by Antenor, at the instigation of Zelmira, Polidoro's daughter, (Madame Colbran). But in revealing to Antenor this supposed retreat of Polidoro, Zelmira was the means of saving her father's life, whom she kept concealed and cherished in a family tomb. In the mean while, her husband, Ilo, (Garcia) returns from the wars, and hears and believes both the supposed parricide of his spouse, and the report of her secret attachment to the murderer of her father. By some chance, however, Ilo meets Polidoro near the tomb which so long had concealed him, learns the true state of things, and determines on revenge. The usurper Antenor is attacked by Ilo's troops, vanquished and dethroned, and the son-in-law is proclaimed heir to the crown.

The music of this opera, taken as a whole, is rather remarkable for a display of some very scientific harmonic combinations, than any fascinating graces of melody. It sometimes even presents dccentricities which one would rather have looked for in the German School. Another very striking, and we will add, deplorable feature, is the stunning noise of the accompaniments. Trombone, trumpets, kettle-drums, drum, &c. are seldom at rest. Mozart has been blamed for an abuse of the wind instruments; but his operas are subdued pastoral strams, in comparison with "Zelmira." In the latter, moreover, the combined efforts of the orchestra were not deemed sufficient by Rossini. He has of late shown a par

tiality to military bands on the stage, and in "Zeimira" that musical auxiliary is seldom off the boards. It is almost a waste of words to declaim against the absurdity of such a practice, except it were resorted to as an expedient to make up by quantity for the want of quality to cloak imperfections and defects by musical uproar. In Zelmira" most of the chorusses, although sung by between thirty and forty voices, are thus completely overwhelmed. A composer, moreover, ought to consider the limited proficiency in the individuals of such a regimental band, and the slight chance he has of making them play in tune with the orchestra. Some of them are sure to be out of pitch, and this was often the case here.

This opera also, like the later works of Rossini, is replete with reminiscences from prior compositions, and full of his mannerisms. These repetitions are the more palpable, after having heard so much of the same author. The endless triplets, the augmenting climax upon a bass of cg,cg; bg, bg-have become our daily bread of late. In the same manner we have heard so constantly the progress from the tonic (major) to the minor chord of the second, that nine times out of ten we make sure of what is coming.

We are far from offering these remarks with any view to depreciate the merits of the favourite of the day. It is not the first time we have felt called upon to state our sentiments on this matter; nor do we stand single, among our musical fellowcritics, in harbouring such opinions; and the presence of Rossini amidst us, instead of silencing our pen, acts as a stronger inducement to speak with candour and im partiality. No one can entertain a higher opinion of the great talents and the real genius of this gentleman; some of his writings have excited our delight and admiration. But with all the requisites for rendering his name immortal, and once entered upon the high road of immortality, why stray into by-paths, in which he may be lost sight of, and chance to lose his way altogether?

As Rossini is to write for us in London, we trust he will spare no exertions to produce works deserving of his name. He may be assured-and perhaps he may by this time have convinced himself that the audiences who are to judge of his labour, are fully capable of appreciating its merits and defects. Willing to admire him where admiration is due, they have heard too much of what is classic in music to be led away by the fashion of the day, and to be content with mannerism, mere Italianisms, and repetitions under varied forms. New and fas

cinating melodies, sound and well-combined harmony, will be the means of Rossini's success with a British public. Both are fully within his grasp. May his arrival on our shores form a redeeming epoch in his biography!

As we shall have to comment upon the representation of a second opera, our limits will not admit of a criticism of the execution of the respective characters in "Zelmira," excepting that of Zelmira her. self, which, as has already been stated, introduced Madame Colbran Rossini for the first time on our boards. This lady is past the prime of life and voice; and, whatever she may have been ten or fifteen years ago, can no longer be numbered among first-rate prime donne. · Viewed with this admission, we found in her singing much wherewith to be pleased. No trick, no affectation; her style is pure, correct, and graceful; her execution fluent and neat. Her compass of voice is evidently on the wane; the upper notes, from g, not being produced without effort. In her acting she also gave satisfaction. There was nothing to indicate strong conception or deep emotion, no superior scenic powers; but as far as her expressions and action went, they were sufficiently appropriate and correct, and occasionally rather impressive. Upon the whole,however, we question whether, without her conjugal passport, her reception would have been equally favourable.

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On the 14th of February Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" appeared for the first time these two years, for the purpose of introducing Signor Benetti, a new Buffo, in the part of Figaro. Most of the other characters were also in new hands Gar

cia played the Count; De Begnis, Don Bartolo; Porto, Basilio; and Madame Vestris, Rosina. This opera we consider to be one of the best compositions of Rus sini; and the poem, also, has the attraction of some excellent comic scenes, besides the merit of clearness and simplicity, which is not the case with its sequel, “ Le Nozze di Figaro."

The part of Figaro, chosen by Signor Benetti for his debut, and we understand the most difficult on the operatic stage; never before performed by him, is one of it requires an inexhaustible fund of comic sprightliness, and great vocal abilities. Although in neither of these respects Signor Benetti reached the beau idént of the character, we were upon the whole well satisfied with his exertions, and the impression he made upon the audience seemed to be very favourable. His countenance presented no striking features indicative of comic humour, but he was throughout

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