Lordships to take them into consideration, with a view to reform them. The petitioners farther complained of the state of the ecclesiastical law, and prayed for a more equal distribution of Church property. Laid on the table. His Lordship next presented a similar petition from the Protestant Inhabitants of the City and County of Cork. It was signed, he said, by upwards of three thousand, and among them were sixty magistrates and several gentlemen of landed property. The Noble Lord then rose to make his promised motion, and animadverted in strong terms on several abuses in the Church, which he designated as tending to degrade religion. Among other subjects he reprobated the practice of selling presentatics, as inconsistent with the respectability and purity of the Church, and opening the door to the admission of persons the most unfit to be admitted to the sacred ministry of any Christian church. How, said his Lord. ship, could they expect to have good clergymen, when men received the preferments who had the most money in their pockets, to the exclusion of the more worthy who might happen to be less wealthy? When speaking of the Clergy, he was the farthest in the world from placing all of them in the same class; some amongst them were the most pious, the most single-hearted, the most devoted to the duties of the Ministry of any men living; others amongst them were careless and indifferent--not doing much good, and perhaps doing little harm. But there were some infinitely worse than even the latter, who not only neglected that to which they ought to devote their entire time, but were guilty of every offence against religion and morals. The state of the Curates was a subject of much importance. In England there were 3694 Curates, only 455 of whom, in the year 1810, received salaries above 50l. At that period the great number of 3239 received the low salary of 50l. annually. No doubt since then an improvement had been effected, by which the lowest salary could not be lower than 751.; that, however, was only 4s. 1d. a-day. It had become a matter of notoriety, that a great portion of the situations in the Church were sinecures. His Lordship then proceeded to censure the non-resident Clergy, and imputed to that cause the immorality which too generally pervaded the lower classes of the community. He should now beg leave to move-"That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, praying that he might be graciously pleased to appoint a Commission to inquire and state whether any and what abuses existed in the Established Church of England and

Ireland, and if any, to report such remedies as might appear necessary for their correction." The motion was negatived without a division.-On the 5th, the Leather Tax Repeal Bill was read a third time and passed. The Hampstead Inclosure Bill was lost, there being 7 for, and 23 against it. On the 6th, Viscount Goderich, in moving for certain papers respecting the National Debt, entered into the general financial affairs of the country. The Noble Earl expressed his anxiety to correct a misapprehension which partially prevails with regard to the reduction effected since the peace in the capital of the debt. It is by some considered to be very insignificant; the Noble Earl, however, showed that the charge for the interest of the funded and floating debt has lessened since 1816 by 3,783,1407. an amount which the reduction of the Four per Cents. will increase to upwards of 4,500,000/. equiva lent to a reduction in the capital of 150 millions. The produce of the Excise and Customs for the last year was greater than the average for the three preceding; and taking the whole of the taxes collectively, the average receipt of the years 1826, 7, and 8, was 50,087,000., while the income of 1829 was 50,230,000, and this notwithstanding the large remission of taxation which has been effected. He had doubts whether the reductions which had been made were not too extensive to leave the establishments sufficiently effective. He saw no reason for the existing gloom and despondency which seemed generally to prevail as to the resources of the country.

The Duke of Wellington expressed his obligations to his Noble Friend for the manner he had dealt with a subject so important, and would not weaken the effect of his admirable speech by any comment. In one thing only did he differ from his Noble Friend, and that was where, in reference to the question called equitable adjustment, he had admitted that an increase had been made to the debt to the amount of twenty per cent. by the alteration of the currency. He denied that the alteration of the currency had had so large an effect. He admitted that a considerable alteration had taken place in the prices of the country, but he could not make so large an allowance with reference to the debt on account of the currency. By following the same course of measures as his Noble Friend had adopted, he had no doubt the same beneficial results would be attained in the same number of years.

On the 10th, Viscount Goderich presented a petition from the hop factors of Sussex, praying for a repeal of the Malt Duties, The Archbishop of Canterbury

rose to lay on their Lordships' table a Bill for the Commutation of Tithes in England and Wales; the Bill was read a first time.

On the 11th, twenty-seven Private Bills were brought up from the Commons. Lord Teynham read a series of resolutions recommending the consolidation of the laws on the subject of the provision for and settlement of the poor, proposing that the repair of roads and bridges be taken into the hands of the Government, who were to manage the county rates, and advising, for the prevention of crime, the appointment of a rural guard. The Duke of Wellington did not rise to express an opinion on the many points touched upon by the Noble Lord, but to suggest the propriety of his withdrawing his resolutions, and to bring forward, should he feel so inclined, a substantive motion, in relation to the very important subject of the Poor Laws. He trusted, that without farther remark, the Noble Lord would see the expediency of withdrawing his resolutions, and, if he would, of bringing the subject before the House in a more substantive form. Lord Teynham with drew his resolutions.—On the 12th, the House, during a very short sitting, was occupied in receiving petitions, and reading several Private Bills.-On the 13th, the Marquis of Lansdowne presented a petition from the town of Frome, in the county of Gloucester, praying that an additional duty might be laid on British Gin. A great number of petitions were presented against the punishment of death for forgery. Earl Stanhope, in presenting a petition from the ship-owners of London, stated that the interests of a large body were materially affected by the present regulations; but if Ministers were determined to persist in that course of policy, they felt they had no hope but in once more imploring their Lordships to grant a Committee of Inquiry, in order to ascertain whether or not the statements of their distress were founded in reality. The Earl of Carnarvon presented a petition from Roadwick, in the county of Gloucester, complaining of distress. Lord King presented a petition from the free holders and other inhabitants of the county of Devon, in favour of a general commutation of tithe.-On the 17th, there was no business but that of presenting petitions. On the 18th, after the presenting several petitions, the Marquis of Londonderry was desirous of saying that he was unable to understand the foreign policy of his Majesty's Ministers, and he should persevere in his motion on Tuesday next, unless the papers relative to Greece were laid before the House. They

had now been promised nearly two months. If they were to be produced, he would withdraw his motion until the House had time to examine them. These Protocols had been hawked about in foreign papers, and the British Parliament was the only place where any information on the subject was to be learned. The Earl of Aberdeen said, that the House could scarcely expect him to answer the observations that had fallen from the Noble Marquis. He was prepared to answer his question, and would do no more. The papers were now in the printer's hands, and he should lay them on the table of the House on Monday. The Marquis of Londonderry then withdrew his motion. The Hungerford Market Bill was passed. On the 20th, the Insolvent Debtors' Amendment Act, and several private Bills, were brought up from the Commons.

House of Commons.-The House went into a Committee on the Poor Laws Amendment Bill. The clause which gives the power of separating pauper children from their parents for the purpose of educating them, gave rise to some discussion, and was opposed by Sir F. Baring, Mr. Gordon, Mr. Cripps, and Mr. F. Lewis.-Mr. Slaney said the object of his Bill was to elevate and not to depress the humbler classes of this country. He had expended much care and attention upon this subject

he read every report of this House, and every work of authority on the subject; and he felt fully persuaded that some Bilí like that which he proposed would be necessary to face the great and increasing evil of the Poor Laws and the wages of labour. The House divided on amending this clause, 9 for, and 91 against it.-On the 27th and 28th various petitions were presented; and the House divided on the conduct of Ministers towards Portugal, 78 for, and 191 against the motion. Majo. rity for Ministers 113.-On the 29th con siderable debate took place on the Insolvent Laws. Mr. Brougham moved for leave to bring in a Bill for the establishment of local jurisdictions in certain dis tricts in England, with a view to the ge neral improvement of justice.-On the 30th, the House went into a Committee of supply on the Ordnance estimates.May 3, Sir E. Knatchbull presented eight petitions against the Malt and Beer duty, on which a desultory debate arose.-On the 4th, after the presentation of various petitions, the Beer Bill was read a second time, after an amendment, which was ne gatived by 245 to 28.-On the 5th there was no House.-On the 6th the Chancel lor of the Exchequer moved the Order of

the Day for the House taking into its consideration the Message from the Throne, relating to the Administration of Justice in the Admiralty of Ireland, and the conduct of the Judge, Sir Jonah Barrington. The House went into a Committee, when Lord Gower moved a series of Resolutions respecting the conduct of Sir Jonah, to the effect that he had been guilty of serious malversation, as Judge of the Admiralty Court in Ireland, and that it is unfit he should continue to hold the office. After some conversation the Resolutions were agreed to. On the motion for going into a Committee on the Usury Laws, the House divided, when there appeared, for the motion, 41; against it, 23. The House then resolved itself into Committee, and the Bill having been gone through, the House resumed, and the Report was ordered to be taken into farther consideration the following Monday-On the 10th the House went into a Committee of Supply, in which Mr. C. Wood moved a reduction of 5001. per annum in the salary of the Assistant Clerk of the Treasury. The House divided for the amendment 106, against it 178.-On the 11th Mr. O'Connell made a motion for a copy of the evidence on the coroner's inquests on one Daniel Nelan, which gave rise to considerable debate, but the motion was ultimately withdrawn. Lord Milton presented a petition praying for retrenchment and a reform in Parliament, signed by 13,000 inhabitants of Leeds. Mr. Hume moved "That an humble address be presented to his Majesty, praying that he will be graciously pleased to consider whether the office of Viceroy was any longer necessary in Ireland, or whether it could be dispensed with consistently with the advantage of that country, and the general interests of the United Kingdom." The motion was negatived, after considerable debate, by 229 to 115. Mr. Robinson moved for a Committee to enquire into the state of Newfoundland. The motion was negatived, by 82 to 29. Mr. O'Connell moved for several papers connected with the Doneraile conspiracy, which were opposed by the Solicitor-General (Mr. Doherty), and negatived on a division of 70 to 12. On the motion of the AttorneyGeneral the House went into a Committee on the Insolvent Debtors' Act. After several amendments had been made, the House resumed, and the Report was ordered to be taken into farther consideration on the following Friday.—On the 10th Mr. Slaney moved for the appointment of a Select Committee, to enquire into the means of lessening the evils arising from the fluctuation of employment in manufacturing

districts, and to improve the health and comfort of the working classes dwelling in large towns. Mr. S. Rice moved for a reduction on the duty of coals in Ireland; a division took place, and the motion was lost by a majority of 67: there being for it 120; against it 187.-On the 14th various petitions were presented against the punishment of death for forgery, and the House went into a Committee of Supply, when Sir J. Graham, having moved for a return of all salaries, fees, and emoluments enjoyed by members of the Privy Council, with the sources from whence they are derived, the motion was negatived by a majority of 231 to 147.-On the 17th a petition was presented from Birmingham, signed by 25,000 persons, praying a reform in Parliament. Mr. R. Grant moved that the Bill for the Relief of the Jews be read a third time, which gave rise to an animated debate. The measure was supported by Mr. Mildmay, Sir R. Wilson, Mr. O'Connell, Lord John Russell, Mr. Huskisson, and Mr. Brougham; and was opposed by General Gascoyne, Mr. Trant, Lord Belgrave, Sir E. Dering, Lord Darlington, Mr. George Bankes, and Mr. Peel. The House divided for the second reading, 165, against it, 228-majority, 63.-On the 18th, a petition was presented from Rochester, praying for the abolition of tithes. Sir John Newport moved that a Committee be appointed to inquire into the First Fruits (Ireland) Office, with a view to ascertain the produce of the fund, and how appropriated; a division took place, and the motion was lost by a majority of 94 to 65. The House then went into a Committee of Supply, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer moved that a salary not exceeding 5000l. per annum be granted for the three additional Judges to be appointed, which was agreed to. The Attorney-General gave notice that he should move for leave to bring in a bill which should repeal the punishment of banishment for libel, and also affix a sum of 1001. additional security on all publishers of future newspapers. The Insolvent Debtors' Bill was passed. On the 19th, a petition was presented, praying for a reduction of the taxation on newspapers; and the House went into a Committee on the Welsh Judges Compensation Bill.-On the 20th, Sir R. Wilson put a question to Sir R. Peel respecting British subjects in Algiers, to which the latter replied, that a vessel of war had been sent to bring away British subjects. Mr. Huskisson presented a petition from Liverpool, on the subject of the British relations with Mexico, which was ordered to be printed.

The English Army in France. 2 vols.

12mo.

These are a couple of very lively volumes, embracing the recollections of a medical officer attached to a regiment of Light Dragoons, in the capacity of Assistant Surgeon. After serving some three or four years in Spain, chiefly at hospital stations, he had scarcely reached England when the intelligence of Napoleon's return from Elba was the signal for the regiment to proceed with all haste to Belgium. Marching orders found them at Reading, and in a few days they were at Ramsgate, from which they sailed for Ostend, and proceeded by short stages to the neighbourhood of Brussels. The object of the writer is not to record events of a kind with which every body is acquainted the materials of public dispatches, or of political history, nor even the ordinary stuff of touring parties, but to present a volume or two of strictly personal observations, caught on the wing, under circunstances of some novelty. The little occurrences, the particulars of which the author sketches very agreeably, are not at all important in a grave view, but extremely interesting as laying bare the interior of a soldier's life on foreign service-quite exclusive of the fighting business and exhibiting something of the village habits of a country of which, though so near us, little is known. A considerable portion of the amusement derivable from the book depends upon the sort of dry humour with which every thing is described.

Entering Belgium as allies, the army was distributed over the country, and billeted in towns and villages upon the inhabitants. Their reception, of course, was not always welcome; but, generally, quiet and gentlemanly conduct secured civil treatment, and occasionally opened the hearts of the natives; and what was equally acceptable, brought forth some of their treasures, which had been hidden in haste and apprehension. The author was fixed for more than six weeks at a decent farmer's, and seems to have made himself very agreeable to the daughter, whose chief accomplishment, next to the manufacture of butter, was whistling! The want of occupation often made the days drag heavily enough. In one lonely spot, and in wet weather, their condition was desperate. "There was nothing for it," he says, "and we were reduced to the humiliating necessity of getting the boys to purchase us some marbles, the only weapons of dissipation the little chandler's shop afforded. These amused us on a barn floor for a day or two. Cards, billiards, books, all were inaccessible; and every thing around us was lowering, dull, and dismal. Still, however, we managed to get up what we called a mess;' and a queer mess it was." The good dame who provided, presented day after day the same dishes. To effect some change at least, they told her, one day, that the Duke of Wellington was to dine with them, and they must, of course, have something extraordinary-they did not mind a little extra expense. The old lady promised fair enough, and at dinner -the Duke, of course, disappointed them-appeared a huge, unwieldy, shapeless" gâteau," upon which the regimental device had been copied from

a soldier's button, pricked with a skewer with her own hand. A second attempt was even less suc cessful, though their own Prince of Orange was to be present the only deviation from the old fare was the relics of the Duke's "gâteau."

But at length came the day of days, in the eyes of all military men; and the author's account is one of the most impressive we have met with→→→ not for the details of the battle, for with battles the wooden men of a regiment have, luckily for themselves, nothing to do,-but of the frightful scenes of carnage-the dead and the dying-the wounded friends and foes-men and horses heaped together the atrocious grasping of the natives the plundering of the soldiers-the heartlessness of the women, and all the revolting scenes of shocking and brutal reality, too often, for the service and warning of the world, smothered amidst the shouts of victory, and shrouded in the blaze of glory. After describing the assemblages of the wounded, and the impediments, in the bustle and confusion, to the common operations of surgery, be remarks

"During the first night (that of Monday the 19th) our rest, such as it was, sustained great interruption from the most melancholy of all causes, the groans of half a thousand men in pain and the agonies of death: and although, as fast as vacancies occurred, these were filled by new-comers from more distant quarters, so that the number of our charge could hardly be said (for a day or two) to have diminished, the awful sounds, night after night, became more faint: some perhaps began to recover, and others were removed, but I knew too well that the grim tyrant was also very busy in silencing them.

"It has been observed that many of these sufferers were French; and, generally speaking, their cases were severe. No Frenchman, able to take himself off, would have remained in the hands of the enemy. We made no distinction as to friend or foe and these men had probably a stronger claim upon us than our own; for to the common participation in pain and privations were added, in their case, apprehensions of a varied nature, and perhaps distrust in the English surgeons. We attended to the most urgent injuries first, whether discovered in a Frenchman or an Englishman; and confident I am, that, while we all felt the propriety of devoting the greater portion of our sympathy and attention to the men of our respective regiments, (to attend upon whom was our stipulated duty); not a foreigner (among thousands) would be found reluctant to bear testimony to the unwearied patience and scrupulous humanity (it might not become me to say any thing of skill) with which they were uniformly treated by one and all of us. There was, it must however be admitted, a striking reluctance on the part of our captives to submit to the knife; while we were absolutely teased out of our lives by the importunities of the English to cut off their limbs, or perform equivalent operations. Some went so far as to threaten to do it themselves, if we would not. In this matter I am inclined to think that there was a strong manifestation of national character. Whatever may have been the cause, the fact was