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ance. After Sir Charles Clarke had made an examination, he returned with me to the sittingroom, and stated, as the result, that there could be no pregnancy; but at the same time he expressed a wish that I also should make an examination. This I at first declined, stating it to be unnecessary; but, on his earnestly urging me to do so, I felt that a further refusal might be construed into a desire to shrink from a share of the responsibility, and I accordingly yielded. After finally consulting, we gave the following certificate:-Buckingham Palace, 17th February, 1839.-We have examined with great care the state of Lady Flora Hastings, with a view to determine the existence or non-existence of pregnancy, and it is our opinion, although there is an enlargement of the stomach, that there are no grounds for suspicion that pregnancy does exist, or ever did exist.-(Signed) CHARLES M. CLARKE, M.D.; JAMES CLARK, M.D.'-Before parting with Lady Flora, both Sir Charles Clarke and myself pressed upon her Ladyship the expediency of her appearing on that day at table as usual."

3.-Kurrachee bombarded and taken by the

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5.-Parliament opened by the Queen in person. The attendance of Peers and Peeresses both in the body of the House and in the strangers' gallery was observed to be unusually numerous. Referring to the engagements with Affghanistan, " events,' ," said her Majesty in the Royal Speech, "have induced the GovernorGeneral of India to take measures for protecting British interests in that quarter of the world, and to enter into engagements the fulfilment of which may render military operations necessary.' Regarding Canada, it was with deep concern her Majesty acquainted "my Lords and Gentlemen" that "the province of Lower Canada has again been disturbed by insurrection, and hostile incursions have been made into Upper Canada by certain lawless inhabitants of the United States of America." The Speech contained the following allusion to the Chartist agitation "I have observed with pain the persevering efforts which have been made in some parts of the country to excite my subjects to disobedience and resistance to the law, and to recommend dangerous and illegal practices. For the counteraction of all such designs I depend upon the efficacy of the law, which it will be my duty to enforce, upon the good sense and right disposition of my people, upon their attachment to the principles of justice, and their abhorrence of violence and disorder." The measures promised to be brought forward related to Irish municipal corporations, the Ecclesiastical Commission, and law reform. In the debate on the Address in the Lords,

Lord Brougham made a bitter attack on O'Connell, for insinuating at a public meeting in Dublin that Lord Norbury had been assassinated by his own son.-The Member for Dublin retaliated in the Commons. He despised the malignity of the attack, and sought to demonstrate its falsehood. "I admit," he said, "I should ask myself what right I have to complain when even maiden modesty cannot protect her who holds the highest station in the empire from the obscene slanders of those who have dared to pollute her name by coupling it with an insinuation too base to mention. The sycophant of one monarch and the slanderer of another, I admit that a charge coming from so foul and polluted a source is best treated when it is despised. He may call himself the Friend of the People;' he may be the enemy of the Throne: I don't envy him the notoriety which he has acquired in either character."-An amendment on the Address in the Commons relating to the im. proved representation of the people, moved by Mr. Duncombe, was negatived by 426 to 86

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9.-Discovery of the Balleny Islands, a group of five, in lat. 66° 22' of the Antarctic circle.

11.-Lord Durham's report on the affairs of British North America, with accompanying correspondence, laid on the table of the House of Lords by Lord Melbourne. The late High Commissioner described at great length, and with admitted ability, the contest between the French and English races in Lower Canada, their utter incompatibility of character and implacable hatred of each other; noticed the struggle which had so long existed between the House of Assembly and the Executive Government, the complicated distraction of Upper Canada, and the evils still unremedied, grievances unredressed, and abuses unreformed at this hour. The concluding portion of the Report was occupied with the consideration and suggestion of remedial measures, the first of which was the early restoration of the Union of the Canadas-one Province with one Legislature.'

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12.-Lord John Russell announces the intention of Government to constitute a Board of Education, consisting of five Privy Councillors, and to place at its disposal from 20,000l. to 30,000l. per annum for aid to schools. This scheme was abandoned later in the session, and the National Society and British and Foreign Bible Society allowed to divide between them such grant as was given. (See June 3.)

14.-In the Court of Queen's Bench, Barnard Gregory, of the Satirist, was found guilty of a libel on Mrs. Hogg, the wife of the M.P. for

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Beverley, in so far as it stated that she had two husbands living, and had formed an improper intimacy with a friend of Lord Byron's. There did not appear to be the slightest foundation for the calumnies. Sentence, three months' imprisonment.

15.-Five of the Canadian rebels executed at Montreal.

18.-Lord Brougham proposes_that_the petitions in favour of the abolition of the Corn Laws be referred to a committee of the whole House, and that evidence be heard at the bar. The motion was negatived without a division.

Explosion of fire-damp in the William coal pit, Cumberland, and loss of twenty-three lives.

19. Mr. Villiers' motion that certain parties be heard at the bar of the House by witnesses, agents, or counsel, in support of the allegations of their petitions against the Corn Laws, rejected by 361 to 172 votes.

20. Sir Herbert Jenner Fust gives judgment in the long-pending case respecting the will and codicil of the late James Wood of Gloucester. The effect of the decision, which set aside both documents, was to make over the personal property, amounting to nearly one million sterling, to two second cousins as next of kin, while testator's real property, valued at 250,000/. passed to the heir-at-law, who was no party to the cause, and not even known. Notice of appeal was given.

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23. Mr. John Frost of Monmouth, not having disavowed the language attributed to him, that if Lord John Russell struck his name off the magistracy the people would put it on again," the Secretary of State for the Home Department recommends the Lord Chancellor to issue a new commission for the borough in which the name of Mr. Frost should not be included.

25. The Government Ecclesiastical Duties and Revenues Bill read a second time in the House of Commons. It was proposed to reduce cathedral establishments to one dean, four prebendaries, and four canons, and with the funds thus obtained to raise all livings in England and Wales to the annual value of 3001.

26.-The Chinese authorities at Canton execute a reputed smuggler in front of the British factories, avowedly with the view of terrifying the opium traders, but really, as explained by Captain Elliott, with the design of degrading foreign residents.

27. Mr. Serjeant Talfourd's Copyright Bill read a second time by 73 to 37 votes.

28.-Duel at Combe Wood, between Lord Powerscourt, M.P., and Mr. Roebuck, in consequence of the latter, in a speech at Bath, having charged the former with using his name "at some drunken exhibition," in "a way that no gentleman would have done." Mr.

Roebuck received his opponent's fire, and discharged his own pistol in the air. He then apologized to Lord Powerscourt, saying that he did not mean to imply anything personally offensive.

28.-Lord Lyndhurst draws the attention of the House of Lords to a speech made on the Irish Tithe Bill by Lord Ebrington, in which he was reported to have said, "Although I do not approve of the bill, I shall vote for it, as it will render the war now raging in Ireland against the Protestant Church more formidable. Lord Lyndhurst wished to know whether Lord Melbourne was aware of these observations when he appointed Lord Ebrington to the office of Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.-Lord Melbourne said he was aware of Lord Ebrington's general opinion on the Irish Church, but he knew nothing of any particular expression used which could disqualify him for the office to which he was appointed. An altercation then arose between the Marquis of Lansdowne and Lord Lyndhurst. Lord Lansdowne referred to Lord Lyndhurst's "alien" speech; remarking, that if any man was more interested than another in preventing a particular expression from being made a disqualification for office, that nobleman was Lord Lyndhurst.—To this taunt Lord Lyndhurst replied, that he was not ashamed of the expression, which had been explained over and over again; but with respect to Lord Ebrington's words, he would not allow it to be supposed that they might not have been used by him. They appeared in a corrected report; they were commented upon in the debate; they had been heard by persons whom he had consulted; and he was sure Lord Ebrington himself would not deny them.-Lord Holland maintained, that as it was one of the main principles of the Bill of Rights that freedom of speech should not be questioned out of Parliament, the attempt to make a speech delivered in the House of Commons a dis

qualification for office was unconstitutional. Lord Wicklow said that was not the question.— Lord Holland rose to order: there was no question.-Lord Brougham interrupted Lord Holland: he movedLord Holland: "You can't move, while I'm speaking to order."Lord Brougham: "Well, now I may move an adjournment. We have been out of order, no doubt; but not more disorderly than we have been every other night of the session." Lord Brougham proceeded to controvert Lord Holland's constitutional doctrines. It was, he argued, a most absurd mistake to suppose that the term " questioned" meant anything in the Bill of Rights except an indictment, impeachment, or prosecution. The words in the context, "any other court or place," proved that. In fact, this interpretation had never been questioned except in a factious vote of the House of Commons, by which a Mr. Jones was imprisoned for propounding a question relating to Members of the House. Both Mr. Canning and Mr. Huskisson agreed that

nothing so absurd had been done by the House of Commons.-Lord Holland still maintained, that before anything could be founded on the expressions attributed to Lord Ebrington, it would be necessary to ascertain that he really used them, and that would be a "questioning of the proceedings in the other House.-Lord Strangford reminded Ministers of the successful opposition to Lord Londonderry's appoint ment, founded on a speech delivered in Parliament.-Lord Brougham subsequently withdrew his motion, and the subject dropped.

March 4. An attempt made to injure Madame Vestris, by sending her a box filled with explosive matter. The design was frustrated by a carpenter at the theatre forcing the lid in instead of out.

5.-Three prisoners tried at Cavan for attempting to assassinate the Rev. M. P. Beresford, when proceeding to church on the 22d of July last. The principal of the gang was sentenced to transportation for life.

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With reference to the Palace scandal, Lady Tavistock writes to-day :-"When I went to Buckingham Palace, at the end of January, to attend upon the Queen, I found strong suspicions of an unpleasant nature existing there with respect to Lady Flora Hastings's state of health. It was considered necessary, for the honour of her Majesty and the character of the Household, that these suspicions should not be permitted to continue and spread without some step being taken to put a stop to them. Observing the opinion in question to be borne out by appearances, and conceiving that Lady Flora might have been privately married, I felt much desire to speak to her at once upon the subject; but circumstances occurred which prevented my carrying this wish into effect, and rendered it my painful duty to inform the Prime Minister of the opinion that had been unfortunately entertained. I hope I did so in the most delicate and cautious manner, and for this I consider myself responsible."

- The brothers Edward and Sydney Orford sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment for the abduction of Miss Boyd of Alton. Their father had been hired to guard the young lady and her two sisters from the importunities of the brothers Grey.

7-During a debate in the House of ComBons on the condition of Ireland, O'Connell denounces certain Irish members, who had Lamniated their country by supporting a motion for an inquiry as to the increase of crime there.

The Marchioness of Hastings writes to the Queen praying for further inquiry into the origin of the suspicions against her daughter, the Lady Flora. "It is my duty respectfully to call your Majesty's attention to its not being more important for my daughter than essentially consonant to your Majesty's

honour and justice, not to suffer the criminal inventor of such falsehoods to remain without discovery." The letter was entrusted for presentation to Lord Melbourne, who replied: "The allowance which her Majesty is anxious to make for the natural feelings of a mother upon such an occasion tended to diminish that surprise which could not but be otherwise than excited by the tone and substance of your Ladyship's letter. Her Majesty commands me to convey to your Ladyship the expression of her deep concern at the unfortunate circumstances which have recently taken place. Her Majesty hastened to seize the first opportunity of testifying to Lady Flora Hastings her conviction of the error of the impression which had prevailed and her Majesty is still most desirous to do everything in her power to soothe the feelings of Lady Flora and her family, which must have been painfully affected by the events which have occurred." The Marchioness then demanded the removal of Sir James Clark as physician to her Majesty : "A demand" (wrote Lord Melbourne) "so unprecedented and objectionable, that even the respect due to your Ladyship's sex, rank, family, and character would not justify me in more, if indeed it authorizes so much, than acknowledging that letter for the sole purpose of acquainting your Ladyship that I have received it."

8.-Lady Flora writes an account of the Palace conspiracy to her uncle, Hamilton Fitzgerald, at Brussels. "The Queen endeavoured to show her regret by her civility to me, and expressed it handsomely, with tears in her eyes.' A mother could not have been kinder than the Duchess of Kent. The affair had made her ill, but she was getting round, and hoped soon to be better.

9.-Francis Hastings Medhurst stabs a fellow-pupil, named Alsop, during a quarrel, at the house of their teacher, Mr. Sturmer, of Uxbridge. The coroner's jury found a verdict of wilful murder, but by the magistrates Medhurst was committed on the charge of manslaughter only.

Mexico concludes a peace with France at Vera Cruz.

16.-The Chartists meet at the "Crown and Anchor" to promote the cause of the National Petition. O'Connor said, if those in power were determined to oppose the claims of the petitioners by violence, the latter must resist by force; while Mr. Julian Harney was determined that before the close of the year "the people should have universal suffrage or death."

18.-The Imperial Commissioner Lin issues an edict, addressed to all foreigners, prohibiting the importation of opium into Chinese ports under severe penalties. "I am now about to command the Hong merchants to proceed to your factories, to instruct and admonish you. A term of three days is prescribed for an address to be sent in reply to me. And, at the same

time, let your duly attested and faithful bonds be given, waiting for me, in conjunction with the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, to appoint a time for the opium to be delivered up. Do not indulge in idle expectations, or seek to postpone matters, deferring to repent until its lateness render it ineffectual."

18.-The army of the Indus, under Sir John Keane, enters the Pass of the Bolan in their march against Dost Mahomed. They were harassed on their journey by Mehrat Khan, chief of Khelat.

- Mr. Villiers' motion "that the House immediately resolve itself into a committee to take into consideration the law regulating the importation of foreign corn," defeated after a debate extending over five sittings by 342 to 195 votes.

21. Mr. Hume's motion in favour of Household Suffrage rejected by 85 votes to 50.

The Earl of Roden's motion for a Select Committee to inquire into the state of Ireland since 1835, especially with reference to the prevalence of crime in that country, carried against Ministers by a majority of 5. His Lordship contended that sufficient evidence existed of a widely-spread Ribbon conspiracy, and that it had been encouraged by the mistaken policy of the Government.

22.-Superintendent Elliott, having urgent reasons for the withdrawal of confidence in the just and moderate dispositions of the provincial Government, requires that all the ships of her Majesty's subjects at the outer anchorages should proceed forthwith to Hong Kong, and, hoisting their national colours, be prepared to resist every act of aggression on the part of the Chinese Government. On the 25th the Superintendent claimed passports for the English ships and people within three days, and expressed his conviction that the peace between the two countries was in imminent jeopardy. On this the Prefect Choo remarked: "In regard to the style of the address, there is much that cannot be understood. Thus, for instance, the words the two countries,' I know not the meaning of. While our Celestial Court has in humble submission to it ten thousand (i.e. all) regions, and the heaven-like goodness of the great Emperor overshadows all, the nation aforesaid and the Americans have, by their trade at Canton during many years, enjoyed, of all those in subjection, the largest measure of favours. And I presume it must be England and America that are conjointly named 'the two countries.'

24. Progress of Russia in Central Asia. In order to carry on operations so as to excite the least degree of hostility on the part of foreign Powers, the Emperor to-day approves of the following measures, which had been recommended by a committee to consider and report on an expedition to Khiva : "1. To commence at once the organization of an expedition against Khiva, and to establish the

necessary depots and stations on the route without delay. 2. To conceal the real object of the expedition, which should be given out as a scientific expedition to the Ural Sea. 3. To postpone the departure of the expedition until after the settlement of English matters in Affghanistan in order that the influence and impression of the Russian proceedings might have more weight in Central Asia; and that England, in consequence of her own conquests, might no longer have any ground for calling on the Russian Government for explanations; on no account, however, to delay the expedition later than the spring of 1840. 4. In the event of the expedition terminating successfully, to replace the Khan of Khiva by a trustworthy Kazzák Sultan ; to establish order and security as far as possible; to release all the prisoners, and to give full freedom to the Russian trade, 5. To assign 425,000 silver roubles and 12,000 gold ducats for the expenses of the expedition,"

25.-Two boxes of gold-dust, valued at 5,000/., stolen from the St. Katherine's Docks.

In the course of the pleadings 10day before the Lord Chancellor and Lord Brougham, in the Auchterarder case, Sir Frederick Pollock, who appeared for the Presbytery, complained of interruption on the part of Sir John Campbell, retained on the other side. Lord Brougham said: "The Church of Scotland is founded on a rock: the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, much less the sneers of her Majesty's Attorney-General.'

26.-A committee of the Chartist Convention appointed to draw up a petition, praying that Mr. John Frost might be reinstated as magistrate.

Died, in Vauxhall-bridge-road, London, aged 67, Captain Johnson, who, in 1809, was taken out of prison, where he was confined for smuggling, in order to pilot the English fleet of the Walcheren expedition into Flushing harbour. For this service he received a pension of 100l. per annum, upon condition that he should refrain from smuggling.

27. In compliance with threatening re monstrances from the Governor of Canton, Superintendent Elliott, at present forcibly detained, issues an order for the surrender of all opium owned by merchants belonging to this country, and on behalf of his Government de clares himself responsible for the value of the cargoes. Half the quantity delivered up was given over to the Chinese, and destroyed at The remaining half, amounting to 20,283 chests, was given up in May. The total value was computed at 3,000,000/.

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The defeat of the Government on Irish affairs in the House of Lords tending to weaken the executive, Lord John Russell intimates his intention of submitting the question to the Commons on the earliest convenient day after the recess 15th April.

April 1.-Public meeting in Edinburgh to support the Ministry. The Chartists mustered in great force, and succeeded in ejecting the Lord Provost from the chair, after which they passed a series of resolutions opposed to those originally intended.

A riot at Devizes, arising out of a Chartist demonstration. Vincent and others entered the town at the head of about 1,000 men, armed with bludgeons, and attempted to address them in the market-place. The populace rose against the agitators, and but for the interference of the civil authorities serious results were likely to happen.

6. Great dinner to Mr. Macready by the Shakspeare Club.

9. Mr. Labouchere obtains leave to bring in a bill to make temporary provision for the government of Jamaica, the House of Assembly having refused to proceed to business until their right to legislate on the internal affairs of the colony was admitted by the British Government. It was now proposed to set aside the House of Assembly, and to empower the Government and Council, aided by three salaried Commissioners, to administer the affairs of the island for five years. This step gave rise to much opposition on the part of Jamaica proprietors in this country, and in a short time a strong party was formed in Parliament opposed to it.

11.-Died at Greenock, John Galt, novelist, aged 60.

13.-Larner, charged with unlawfully entering Stanfield Hall, convicted at the Norfolk Assizes, and sentenced to three months' imprisonment.

- Medhurst tried for the murder of Alsop, at Sturmer's school. Justice Coleridge, in sentencing Medhurst to three years' imprisonment, admitted the absence of malice or premeditation on the part of the prisoner, and commented severely on the master's conduct in leaving the pupils together when he knew they were quarrelling.

15.-Discussion on Lord John Russell's resolution: "That it is the opinion of this House, that it is expedient to persevere in those principles which have guided the Executive Government of Ireland of late years, and which have tended to the effectual administration of the law and the general improvement of that part of the kingdom." After a somewhat languid debate, protracted over five nights, the motion was affirmed in opposition to Sir R. Peel's amendment by 318 to 296 votes. On the last evening of the debate, Sir George Sinclair amused the House by a conversation alleged to have occurred between himself and a Conservative frondeur in a Richmond omnibus. "I daresay, sir," said his friend, "you remember as well as I do the exploits and the prowess of my eloquent and accomplished friend Croker during the two Reform Bill campaigns. His premature retirement from public life is a public misfor

tune. He is now become 'the recluse of West Moulsey,' and 'armis Herculis ad postem fixis, latet abditus agro.' Though never leader of the Opposition, he might well be called a 'thunderbolt of war,' and was, at all events, 'Lieutenant-General to the Earl of Mar.' İ used to think, sir, that he would never let them get through the letter A of schedule A. The rottenest borough had its Thermopyla. The ground was disputed street by street, where there were any streets, and inch by inch where there were none. I believe even Petersfield had its barricades and its glorious days. Methinks I see Croker now defending the bridge of Appleby with all the ardour of Horatius Cocles, against a whole battalion of Reformers, and now leading on the forlorn hope in a fierce and fruitless onslaught upon Gateshead. How different were such feats as those from the dull drills and pacific parades of modern times! If I had a say in the matter, sir, I'd bring the Government to their marrow-bones before the end of April." (Great laughter.) “Here," said Sir George, 66 our conversation was suddenly brought to an end by my communicative friend arriving at his destination. The omnibus stopped, my friend got out, and we never met again.' (Continued laughter.)

19. Treaty between Holland and Belgium signed at London; to the latter kingdom were assigned the limits she possessed in 1790, with the addition of Luxembourg.

20. The "London Equitable Loan Company, of Glasgow," having advertised the Duke of Wellington as one of their patrons, the Duke writes to Mr. P. Mackenzie that he thinks them a gang of swindlers.

22.-Died, aged 42, Thomas Haynes Bayly, a popular song writer.

23.-Numerous petitions presented to Parliament in favour of Mr. Rowland Hill's Penny Postage scheme.

24.-The Marquis of Lansdowne entertains her Majesty at Lansdowne House.

25.-The Bengal army march with Shah Soojah into Candahar, the western capital of Affghanistan, and are favourably received by the people. Major Todd was despatched from this place on a mission to Herat. The army recommenced its march on the 27th June, the two months' halt being mainly occupied in the task of provisioning the troops.

29.-Stirling Peerage Case. Commenced at Edinburgh, before the High Court of Justiciary, the trial of Alexander Humphreys, or Alexander Stirling, styling himself Earl of Stirling, charged with forging, using, and uttering documents. The first document was an extract from a pretended charter, by Charles I., in favour of William, first Earl of Stirling, conveying to him the whole of Nova Scotia, and a large portion of Canada, with powers to create baronets. Mr. Humphreys, as representing the above Earl of Stirling, raised two actions against private parties, which were dismissed. He was then

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