adjoining the audience chamber, and was received with deafening cheers. Her Majesty was observed to look fatigued and pale, but acknowledged the cheers with which she was greeted with ease and dignity. She was dressed in deep mourning, with white tippet, white cuffs, and a border of white lace under a small black bonnet, which was placed far back on her head, exhibiting her fair hair in front, parted over the forehead. Her Majesty was accompanied to the window by Lord Melbourne, Prime Minister, and Lord Lansdowne, President of the Council. In the courtyard beneath the window of the presence chamber was Garter King-at-arms, with heralds, pursuivants, and other officials in their robes of state. The proclamation read was in these words: "Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovereign Lord, King William the Fourth, of blessed memory, by whose decease the imperial crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland is solely and rightfully come to the High and Mighty Princess Alexandrina Victoria; We, therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm, being here assisted with those of his late Majesty's Privy Council, with numbers of other principal gentlemen of quality, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and citizens of London, do now hereby with one voice and consent of tongue proclaim that the High and Mighty Princess Alexandrina Victoria is now, by the death of our late Sovereign, King William the Fourth of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege Lady Alexandrina Victoria I. Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. to whom we acknowledge all faith and constant obedience with all humble and hearty affection, beseeching God, by whom kings and queens do reign, to bless the Royal Princess Alexandrina Victoria with long and happy years to reign. God save the Queen." When Garter King-at-arms had ceased reading, the band played the National Anthem, and the Park and Tower guns pealed out a jubilant chorus.

22.-A royal message laid on the table of both Houses of Parliament, stating that it was inexpedient, in the judgment of her Majesty, that any new measure should be recommended for their adoption beyond such as might be requisite for carrying on the public service from the close of the present session to the meeting of the new Parliament. The debate which ensued was characterised by an entire unanimity as to the excellences of the late King, though there was a wide difference of opinion touching the shortcomings of Ministers.

24. Mr. Montefiore (afterwards Sir Moses) chosen Sheriff of London; the first Jew chosen for that office in England.

27.-Ernest Augustus, duke of Cumberland, and since the death of William IV. King of Hanover, enters his kingdom.

30. The Budget introduced to the House of Commons by the Hon. Spring Rice, Chan

cellor of the Exchequer. The gross income for the ensuing year he estimated at 47,240,000/. and the expenditure at 45,786,000l. The Customs he considered likely to produce 21,100,000/., and the Excise 13,800,000/. The amount of tea cleared for home consumption in 1836 was 49,844,000 lbs. and the duty 3,886,000/.

July 4.-Grand Junction Railway, from Liverpool to Birmingham, opened.

5.-The King of Hanover issues a proclamation calling in question the Constitution of 1833. The Constitution (he affirmed) was neither in form or substance binding on him, and he was not satisfied that it gave any guarantee for the permanent prosperity of his subjects. Writing to the Duke of Buckingham, he says, "I had a most difficult card to play, and until I could see my way plainly I could not act true to my principles... Radicalism has been here all the order of the day, and all the lower class appointed to office were more or less imbued with these laudable principles... But I have cut the wings of this democracy."

8. The late King William IV. buried this night with great solemnity in the Royal Chapel of St. George, Windsor. Chief mourner, the Duke of Sussex. The Dowager-Queen Adelaide was present in the royal closet.

13. Her Majesty and the Duchess of Kent leave Kensington and take up their residence in Buckingham Palace.

"It will

17.-Parliament prorogued by the Queen in person. The royal speech for the occasion was prepared with unusual care, and delivered in a style which disarmed criticism. be my care (her Majesty said) to strengthen our institutions, civil and ecclesiastical, by discreet improvement wherever improvement is required, and to do all in my power to compose and allay animosity and discord." This being the first visit of the Queen to Parliament, an unusual amount of enthusiasm was shown. Every spot from which a view of the pageant could be obtained was densely crowded, and deafening cheers greeted the youthful sovereign at every step. In the Gazette of the same evening appeared a proclamation dissolving this parliament (the third of William IV.).

24. An extraordinary and fatal parachute descent was made by Robert Cocking, painter, from Mr. Green's balloon, which rose in Vauxhall Gardens about 8 o'clock. Over Kennington-common Mr. Green said the balloon was stationary for a time, and Cocking, then swinging in his basket below, wished to know their altitude. "About 1,000 feet," Mr. Green replied. "Very well; let me know when we arrive at about 1,500 feet, and at every additional 500 feet, until we arrive at 5,000 feet, for that is the altitude at which I wish to descend." This was done, and the parachute severed, when the balloon shot up with the

riages, extending nearly a mile and a half. The day was kept as a holiday throughout London, and, though the weather was very bad, nothing could exceed the enthusiasm with which her Majesty was greeted by the dense crowds she passed. At Temple Bar the Lord Mayor delivered the keys of the city to the Queen, which she restored in the most gracious manner to his lordship, who then took his place immediately in front of the royal carriage. On passing St. Paul's, the senior scholar of Christ's Hospital delivered an address of congratulation, and the National Anthem was sung by the pupils. Guildhall was reached about halfpast 3 o'clock. A throne and chair of state were placed upon a raised platform at the east end of the banqueting-hall. The Queen wore the order of the Garter, and a magnificent diamond circlet on her head. After the banquet, the Lord Mayor proposed, "The health of her most gracious Majesty," which her Majesty acknowledged, and gave in return "The Lord Mayor, and prosperity to the City of London." The only other toast, "The Royal Family," was given by the Lord Mayor. Her Majesty left for Buckingham Palace at half-past 8. The city was illuminated in the evening.

15. The new Parliament opened by commission, for preliminary business. The Right Hon. James Abercromby re-elected Speaker.

20.-Parliament opened by her Majesty. The royal speech concluded ::-"In meeting this Parliament, the first that has been elected under my authority, I am anxious to declare my confidence in your loyalty and wisdom. The early age at which I am called to the sovereignty of this kingdom, renders it a more imperative duty that, under Divine Providence, I should place my reliance upon your cordial co-operation, and upon the love and affection of all my people." The customary address was carried in the Lords without a division, and in the Commons by a majority of 509 to 20.

23. -The Chancellor of the Exchequer, after a debate of some length, obtains the consent of the House to the appointment of a Committee to inquire into the Pension List.

In Canada, Colonel Gare retires from the attack of St. Denis, but the rebels leave the place a few days afterwards, on learning the success of Colonel Wetherell at St. Charles.

December 6.-The House of Commons, when discussing certain points of order connected with Irish affairs, forgets its decorum so far as to compel the Speaker, on the following evening, to intimate his intention of resigning should such a scene be repeated.

12. Seven professors of Göttingen, including Ewald, the brothers Grimm, and Gervinus, having protested against the recent decree of the King of Hanover, are deprived of their offices and means of livelihood.

14.-1,300 men under Sir John Colborne attack and defeat a body of Canadian rebels,

who had entrenched themselves in the fortified village of St. Eustache, Lower Canada.

15.--Reduction of postage dues before both Houses of Parliament.

16. Message from her Majesty, recommending to the consideration of Parliament an increase of the grant formerly made to the Duchess of Kent. 30,000l. voted.

22. Debate in the Commons on the affairs of Lower Canada, the Assembly having refused to entertain the supplies, or proceed otherwise to the despatch of business. The complaints were : arbitrary conduct on the part of Governors; insufficiency of the Legislative Council; illegal appropriation of public money; violent prorogation of the Provincial Parliament; Government connivance at the insolvency of the Receiver-general; and, to the British portion of the community, the additional grievance of being subject to French law and procedure.

Heard in the Court of Queen's Bench, the action brought by Thomas Duncombe, M. P. against T. S. Daniel, barrister, for libel at the time of the late Finsbury election. Verdict for the plaintiff, with 100/. damages. Sum divided among Finsbury charities.

23. Captain Burnes, British agent at Cabool, reports to the Governor-general that M. Vicovich, the Russian agent, had informed Dost Mahomed the Russian Government desired him to state his sincere sympathy with the difficulties in which he was placed, and the pleasure it would afford it to assist him in repelling the attacks of Runjeet Singh. The Russian Government, he continued, was ready to furnish him with a sum of money for this purpose, and would continue the supply annually, expecting in return the Ameer's good offices.

Parliament prorogued by the Queen to the 16th January.

26. Riot at Sheepshead Workhouse, Leicestershire. The mob smashed the windows and destroyed the furniture, but dispersed on the military being brought from Nottingham.

28.-Fire at Davis' wharf, on the Thames. Damage estimated at 150,000l.

29.-Colonel M'Nab, in the course of operations against the rebels on Navy Island, Niagara River, seizes the steamer Caroline, engaged in carrying supplies, sets her on fire, and permits her to drift over the Falls.

JANUARY

outbreak, the whole range of offices belonging to the Exchange Insurance Company, Lloyd's captains' room, and underwriters' room were one mass of fire. The flames reached the new tower about 1 o'clock, and the bells, eight in number, which had been chiming during the destruction, fell one after the other, carrying along with them the roof, stone-work, and The Lord arch over the central entrance.

Mayor and several aldermen were present during the greater part of the conflagration. The police were assisted by a party of soldiers from the Tower and the Bank guard. The statue of Sir Thomas Gresham, the founder, which had escaped the Great Fire of 1666, was totally destroyed. So vivid and extensive was the conflagration, that it was seen at Windsor with the greatest distinctness. It was generally believed that the fire originated from the over-heating of a stove in or below one of Lloyd's rooms.

11. Concluded in the High Court of Justiciary, Edinburgh, the trial of five Glasgow cottonspinners, charged with mobbing, threatening, and conspiring to burn and murder. On the eighth day of the trial the jury, after deliberating five hours, returned by a majority a verdict against all the prisoners, who were each sentenced to seven years' transportation.

13. Died, in his eighty-seventh year, John Scott, Earl of Eldon, Attorney-General for six years, and Lord Chancellor for nearly twenty-five. He finally resigned the great seal in April 1827, but would probably have held office for some years longer, had he agreed in the policy of yielding the Roman Catholic claims. His personal property was sworn under 600,000/.

14. Continuance of severe frost. mometer (at Chiswick) 4° Fahr.

Ther

February 8. Canada Bill passed the House of Lords; Lords Ellenborough, Fitzwilliam, and Brougham dissenting.

Navigation resumed on the Thames, the thaw having commenced on the 6th.

13. A great meeting of women held at Elland, in Yorkshire, to protest against the New Poor Law Amendment Act. The measure was denounced with great fervour.

The question of trades' unions brought under the notice of the House by Mr. Wakley and The Government proMr. D. O'Connell. mised inquiry.

15. Mr. Grote's annual motion regarding the ballot defeated on a division, showing 315 to 198.

20. Mr. Fielden, M. P. for Oldham, moves the repeal of the Poor Law Amendment Act. Sir Robert Peel stated that, considering that the experiment had lasted only four years, it was as satisfactory as any man could expect. Motion rejected.

21.-Silvestre de Sacy, eminent Orientalist, died at Paris, aged 80.

25.-At Notting-hill, a pedestrian, named Earle, performed the task of walking twenty miles backward, and the same number forward, in eight hours.

26. Various outrages committed on females during the past week by a character known as "Spring-heeled Jack," or "The Ghost."

28. Mr. O'Connell reprimanded by the Speaker for a recent speech at the "Crown and Anchor," imputing dishonesty to members of Election Committees.

8. Decision of the Court of Session in the Auchterarder case. The Lords of the First Division, having considered the cases for the Earl of Kinnoul, Rev. Robert Young, and the Presbytery of Auchterarder, find that the Earl has legally and effectually exercised his right as patron, and that the Presbytery in refusing to take trial of Mr. Young's qualifications have acted to the hurt and prejudice of the pursuer, and contrary to the provisions of the statutes libelled on.

15. Mr. Villiers moves that the House resolve itself into a committee to consider the Act relating to the importation of corn. In favour, 95; against, 300.

16.-Boiler explosion on board the Victoria, of Hull, when running an experimental trip from London to the Nore. Chief-engineer Allen, hearing the explosion when on deck, rushed into the engine-room and stopped the engines, but was so frightfully scalded that he died in a few hours. Three assistant engineers were also killed.

17. A slight earthquake felt at Shrewsbury.

19.-Owen Swift kills Brighton Bill in a prize-fight at Barkway, Hertfordshire, being his third victim. At the inquest a verdict of manslaughter was returned.

24. Thomas Attwood, musician, died at Chelsea, aged 72.

30.--The post of Grand Vizier abolished by the Sultan.

April 3.-Material saved from the burning of the Royal Exchange sold by auction for 2,000/.

Thomas Martin, M. P. for Galway, imprisoned for two months, and fined 50%. for leading a faction fight against the O'Flahertys at Aughterard. 6. Robert Miers, tried at the Central Criminal Court for setting fire to his house in Marylebone, with intent to defraud the Union Insurance Company, was, on the third day, found guilty, and sentenced to transportation for life.

26. Shipwreck of the Margaret of Newry, transport, off Cape Clear. The vessel was caught in a snow-storm about midnight, and struck on a rock two miles from the shore. Of forty-one hands on board, only two were saved.

28. The estate of Worksop sold by the Duke of Norfolk to the Duke of Newcastle for 370,000l., the rental being set down at 10,000/. a year, and the wood at the gross value of 150,000!.

30. A Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the system of pensions and retirements in the army and navy.

May 2. Died in Bethlehem Hospital, Jonathan Martin, the incendiary who fired York Minster on the 2d February, 1829.

7. Trial commenced at Paris of the individuals charged with being concerned in a plot against the life of the King of the French. The principal actor was one Hubert, a currier, who, when arrested in December, had concealed in his hat the plan of a machine resembling Fieschi's, but more scientifically constructed. A letter written in cypher was also traced to him, which, after much study, was deciphered, and detailed the plan of attack. "We intend to hire an apartment in the neighbourhood of the Chamber of Deputies, and a stable in the same house, where we will place the material necessary for the construction of the two machines, which will be put together the day before the opening of the session. When the King shall have reached within a certain distance we shall bring out the machines from under the gateway, and in three minutes I pledge myself to have foudroyé the King and the whole of his staff. In the meantime, two men stationed on the roof of the house will throw Congreve rockets on the Chamber of Deputies, which will be in a blaze in less than five minutes." Hubert was sentenced to transportation for life, three others to five years' imprisonment, one to three years, and three acquitted.

8.-Riot in the churchyard of Tuam, caused by the Protestant curate attempting to read the English service over the grave of a person said to have died a Roman Catholic.

Riot at Truro, caused by the churchwardens attaching goods belonging to four dissenters in the town who refused payment of church rates.

12. Public dinner given to Sir Robert Peel at Merchant Taylors' Hall by 300 Conservative Members of the House of Commons. In the course of a lengthy exposition of his policy, Sir Robert said, "My object for some years past has been to lay the foundations of a great party, which, existing in the House of Commons, and deriving its strength from the popular will, should diminish the risk and deaden the shock of collisions between the two deliberative branches of the legislature."

17. Died at his hotel, in the Rue de Florentin, Paris, in his eighty-fourth year, Prince Talleyrand, statesman and diplomatist. His will forbids his autobiography to be published before 1868.

21.-Reported robbery of 12,000/. in sovereigns, from the residence of T. Rogers, billbroker, Mile End, by thieves, who had apparently secreted themselves in the house. Rogers was afterwards apprehended, and committed on suspicion of attempting to defraud