in Vindication of himself-Debate in the House of Commons on

Spanish Affairs-Lord Eliot-Mr. Cutlar Ferguson-Mr. Sidney Her-

bert-Sir Hussey Vivian-Mr. Pemberton-Mr. Sheil-Debate Ad-

journed-Unexpected Division-Discussion on the case of the Vixen-

Lord Palmerston's explanation-Duke of Wellington's Remarks on the

British Legion-Convention of Evora Monte-Debate in the House of

Lords on Lord Minto's alleged instructions to the Commanders of Ves-

sels on the Spanish Coast-Lord Brougham, Lords Minto and Mel-

bourne, at variance in their interpretation of the Quadruple Treaty-

Duke of Wellington rescues the Government-Division-Estimates--

Navy-Army-Ordnance-Supply of Arms to the Spanish Government-

Reduction of the Yeomanry Cavalry-Discussion in the House of Com-

mons on the subject-Lord John Russell-Sir Robert Peel-Promotion

in the Marines-Defeat of Ministers-The Budget-Mr. Spring Rice's

intended issue of Exchequer Bills-Mr. W. Williams-Mr. Goulburn

-Sir John Reid's Remarks on the honourable conduct of the Ameri-

can Merchants-Mr. Villiers's Motion and Speech for Repeal of the

Corn Laws-Sir W. Molesworth-Division-Colonel Seale's Motion

with regard to bonded corn-Division-Mr. Gillon's Motion for aug-

menting the allowance to the Duke of Sussex-Division-Mr. Hume's

Motion respecting the King of Hanover's allowance-Division-Rejec-

tion of Lord Canterbury's Claim for compensation on account of losses

sustained at the burning of the Houses of Parliament-Division-

Danish Claims-Mr. Warburton's Motion on the subject-Mr. Cress-

well's Motion in favour of the Claimants on account of losses of ships

and cargoes-Debate and Division on Mr. Spring Rice's declaration of

his intentions on the subject-Treasury Minute, carrying the Resolu-

tion into effect-Motion for the Repeal of the Soap Tax-Lord Sandon's

Amendment-Division

CHAPTER X.

[153

Mr. Pryme's Bill for the Abolition of Grand Juries in England-Debate

and Division-Lord John Russell's Bill respecting the Courts of Quar-

ter Session-Bill for the Abolition of Arrests for Debt on mesne Pro-

cess-Introduced to the House of Lords by the Lord Chancellor-

Referred to a Select Committee-Lord Chancellor's exposition of the

Measure The Bill passes both Houses-Bill for the Recovery of

Tenements after the determination of the Tenancy-Mr. Sergeant

Talfourd's Bill for giving Mothers a right of access to their Children-

Severity of the existing Law defended by Sir E. Sugden-Arguments in

its favour-Difficulties in the way of altering it-Sir E. Sugden's objec-

tions to Sergeant Talfourd's proposal-The Bill passes the Commons

after several Divisions-Lord Lyndhurst introduces it to the House of

Lords-Lords Brougham and Wynford oppose, and the Lord Chan-

cellor advocates it-Rejected on the Second Reading-Division-Pro-

test against the rejection, signed by Lords Holland and Lyndhurst, and

the Duke of Sutherland-Mr. Sergeant Talfourd's Bill for extending

Copy Right to Authors-Debate on the Second Reading-Analogy

between Literary and Mechanical Invention-The Chancellor of the

Exchequer supports the Bill-Mr. D'Israeli's Speech-Argument illus-

trated by cases of Gibbon-Southey-Sir Walter Scott-Substance of

arguments rgainst the Bill-Division on Second Reading-Lord John

Russell speaks discouragingly of the Bill-Lord Brougham's project for

empowering the Privy Council to extend Copy Right-International

Copy Right Act passed during the Session-Registration of Electors

Bill-Lords' Amendments-Lords' Reasons-Bill Lost-Lord Hare-

wood's Motion on appointments to the Magistracy in the West Riding

-The Lord Chancellor defends himself-The Duke of Wellington con-

demns the Lord Chancellor's system of appointing Magistrates-Lord

Wharncliffe's Motion on the same subject-Motion in the House of

Lords on Appointments to the Edinburgh Magistracy-Earl of Hadding-

ton-Lord Chancellor's explanation-Lord Lyndhurst-Argument in

the House of Lords on the Constitutional mode of appointing Sheriffs

in Ireland-Lord Lyndhurst condemns the practice of the Government

-Lord Mulgrave's defence-Lord Brougham--Lord Plunkett-Lord

Abinger Marquess of Clanricarde's Amendment adopted-Lord Den-

man and Lord Brougham-Marquess of Londonderry's Motion on the

Irish Magistracy

[179

CHAPTER XI.

Unpopularity of the New Poor-law-Means taken to inflame the people

against it-Opinion of the Educated Classes in favour of the Measure

-Lord John Russell obtains a Select Committee to enquire into the

operation of the Poor-law-Mr. Fielden's Motion for a Repeal of the

New Law-Discussion on the Subject-Mr. Harvey moves the previous

Question, which is negatived, as well as the Original Motion-Bishop

of Exeter presents a Petition to the House of Lords, relative to the

"Dudley Dietary "-Discussion on the subject-Lord Radnor's Speech

and Calculations-Report of the Poor-law Commissioners-Their indis-

position to relax the rigour of the System, and their Reasons—Migra-

tion from the Southern Counties to the Northern-Results of the

Severe Winter-Progress of the New System-Inconveniences from the

Unions Incorporated under " Gilbert's Act"-Mr. Tufnell's Report for

Kent and East Sussex-Decrease of Beer-shops-Distress of Hop-

growers-Cases of Faversham and Queenborough-Labourer's Balls-

System pursued by the Unions in Kent during the Winter-Savings

Banks and Benefit Societies-Mr. Steven's Report-Mr. Fielden's Mo-

tion relative to the Hand-loom Weavers-Combinations of Workmen-

Remarks on Trades Unions-General details of these Associations-

Inaugural Ceremonies-Tyranny-Prohibit task-work-Connected with

High wages and times of Prosperity-Trial of the Glasgow Cotton-

spinners The two Indictments-Convicted on the minor Charges—

Lord Brougham and Mr. Wakley bring the matter before Parliament-

Mr. Wakley moves for a Committee-Mr. O'Connell's Speech and

account of the Combinations in Ireland-His Amendment-The Chan-

cellor of the Exchequer's Amendment-Committee Appointed-Factory

Children-Remarks upon the Question-Lord Ashley-His New Bill—

Opposed by Ministers-Sir R. Peel's Speech--Bill lost-Lord Ashley's

Resolution on the Subject-Lord John Russell's Speech-Mr. Hume-

Resolution lost-Beer Bill-Lord Brougham's proposed alteration of

the Law regulating the Sale of Beer-Duke of Wellington admits that

the System introduced by him is a failure-Lord F. Egerton brings the

subject before the House of Commons-The Chancellor of the Exche-

quer, Mr. Hume, Mr. Warburton, Mr. Hawes, and Mr. Wallace

defend the present System-Mr. Pakington, Lord Dungannon, Mr.

Darby and Mr. Brotherton condemn it-Mr. Aglionby and Mr. Par-

rott declare against any change-Report of the Pension List Com-

mittee

[196

CHAPTER XII.

History of John Thom, alias Sir William Courtenay-His proceedings in

Kent-Convicted for Perjury-Declared Lunatic, and sent to the

County Asylum-Particulars of his Release and Reappearance in Kent

-Debates in Parliament on the Subject-Explanations of Lord J.

Russell and Sir Hussey Vivian-Sir E. Knatchbull obtains a Select

Committee-Lord Howick proposes to strike out Four Members from

Sir E. Knatchbull's List-Altercation between Mr. Praed and Mr. E.

Bulwer-Divisions on Lord Howick's Motion-Lord John Russell moves

the re-appointment of a Committee on Church Lands-Opposed by

Mr. Liddell, who moves Two Amendments-Mr. Hume-Mr. Goul-

burn's Speech-Sir R. Peel-Two Divisions-Act for abolishing Plu-

ralities, &c.-Act empowering Clergymen to be Members of Joint

Stock Companies--Lord Aberdeen's Motion with respect to the Church

of Scotland-Lord Melbourne's Speech-Archbishop of Canterbury-

Continuance of the Bishopric of Sodor and Man-The Bishop of Exe-

ter's attack upon the Church Commission-Church Discipline Bill-

Bishop of Exeter's violent opposition to the Measure-The Archbishop

of Canterbury's vindication of the Bill-It is withdrawn-Grant to the

Dissenters objected to by Radical Members-Lord Brougham's Educa-

tion Bill-Compulsory System excluded-Condition of Schools at

present existing-He proposes a Public Board-Its Duties-Local

Boards-Difficulties connected with Religion-Constitution of Local

Boards-School Committees-Education Qualification-Religious In-

struction-Mr. Slaney's Motion for a Select Committee on Education

-Mr. Wyse's Motion for an Address to the Queen relative to Educa-

tion-His Scheme-Central and Local Boards-Mr. Hume supports

the Motion-Mr. Colquhoun asserts the Superiority of the "National"

to the "Dissenter's" Schools-Mr. Slaney-Lord John Russell's Expla-

nation of the Policy of Government on the Question-The Chancellor

of the Exchequer's' Strictures on the "National" and "British" and

Foreign Societies-Division-Motion negatived
(217

CHAPTER XIII.

Retrospective summary of Events in Upper Canada-Sir Francis Head-

His own account of his appointment to the Government of Upper

Canada-Account of Mr. M'Kenzie-His reception in Downing Street

-His supposed influence-He is disclaimed by the Assembly- Sir

Francis Head's arrival in Canada-His first interview with Messrs.

Bidwell and M'Kenzie-Sir Francis Head's reasons for publishing his

instructions-His quarrel with his Executive Council-Dissolution of

the Assembly-Progress of the differences between Sir Francis Head

and the Colonial office-Baronetcy conferred upon him-His two

memoranda upon the Canadas, addressed to Lord Glenelg—Advises

Lord Glenelg to remove the troops from Lower Canada-He comes to

an open rupture with the Colonial office-Affairs of Messrs. Ridout,

Bidwell, and Hagerman-Reasons of Sir Francis Head's recall-Obser-

vations on his character and conduct, as displayed in his despatches-

Lord Durham's view of Sir Francis Head's policy and conduct-Sir

George Arthur succeeds to the Government of Upper Canada-Dis-

posal of the Prisoners-Execution of Lount and Mathews-Incursions

of Americans-Burning of the "Sir Robert Peel" steamer-Exploits

of the outlaw Johnson-Capture of a party of British Lancers-Exe-

cution of Morrow--Alarm in the Upper Province-Complaints of the

lenity of the Government-Lord Durham's view of the transactions in

Upper Canada-Lower Canada-Sir John Colborne provisional Gover-

nor-Disposal of the Prisoners-Lord Glenelg's directions with regard

to the mode of Trial-Sir John Colborne's Special Council-Sir John

Colborne's ordinances--Special Council prorogued-Arrival of Lord

Durham-Dismissal of the Executive and Special Councils-New

Executive Council-Mission of Colonel Grey to Washington-Lord

Durham applies himself to dispose of the prisoners-Lord Glenelg's

instructions on that point-Lord Durham's Special Council-The

Ordinance disposing of the Prisoners-Amnesty-Reception of the Pri-

soners in the Bermudas-Public lands-Tour of the Governor-General

-Trial and Acquittal of the murderers of Chartrand-Lord Glenelg's

Policy-Instructions to Lord Durham-Imperfect state of the Jury

[235

Law

CHAPTER XIV.

Early commencement of the attacks upon Lord Durham in Parliament-

Lord Chandos's Motion respecting the Expenses of his Mission-Lord

John Russell's Speech-Mr. Lambton-Sir Robert Peel supports the

Motion-Lord Palmerston-Division and small Majority-Questions in

the House of Lords respecting the Appointment of Mr. Turton-Sir

Edward Sugden raises a question as to the legality of Lord Durham's

Special Council-Lord John Russell-Mr. O'Connell ridicules Sir E.

Sugden's doubts-Main attack opened upon Lord Durham by Lord

Brougham-The Ordinance-Discussion in the House of Lords con-

cerning its Legality-Lord Melbourne's Speech-Lord Brougham's

Rejoinder-Lord Brougham's Bill-Debate thereon-Effect of Sir Wil-

liam Follett's Proviso in the Canada Government Bill-Lord Glenelg

and the Lord Chancellor oppose the Bill-Lord Lyndhurst's Argument

-Lord Melbourne's attack on the Duke of Wellington and the Conser-

vatives-The Duke's Reply-Ministers resolve to annul the entire

Ordinance-Question raised respecting the legality of Sir John Col-

borne's Ordinances-Lord Brougham declines to give an opinion

thereon-Lord Mansfield-Observations on Sir J. Colborne's Ordi-

nances-Lord Melbourne's explanatory Clause-Withdrawn - Bill

stripped of its declaratory character and converted into a mere Act of

Indemnity-Lord Brougham moves the Third Reading with reluctance

-Lord Chief Justice Denman opposes the Bill-His Remarks on Lord

Durham's conduct-On Bills of Indemnity in general-Has doubts

about the illegality of the Transportation to Bermudas-Bill read a

third time, and passes the House of Lords

CHAPTER XV.

[263

Lord John Russell brings forth the Canada Indemnity Bill in the House

of Commons-His Argument on the "Proviso "-Lord Stanley-En-

deavours to distinguish between the Ordinances of Lord Durham and

Sir John Colborne-Blames Ministers for not urging a Declaratory

Act-Lord John Russell's Explanation-Mr. Leader-Mr. C. Buller's

Letter respecting the Ordinances-Wolfred Nelson's Letter to Lord

Durham-Mr. Leader's Observations on Lord Melbourne's Expression

'Truculent Democracy" - Mr. Hawes-Sir William Follett His

-

Explanation of his Proviso-He declares that the Ordinances are illegal,

on the general Principles of Law-The Attorney-General's Argument-

Sir Edward Sugden discovers a new Objection-Sir Charles Grey holds

the Transportation of Bermuda to be legal-Bill passes through Com-

mittee unamended-Debate on the Third Reading-Mr. Leader-Dr.

Lushington-Discordant Opinions on the legality of the Ordinance-

Mr. Sanford, Sir E. Codrington, and Mr. Aglionby-Lord Ebrington

and Mr. Easthope-Mr. Finch threatens to divide the House-Dis-

suaded from doing so by the Attorney-General-Bill passes the Com-

mons-Lord Lyndhurst's Motion on the Subject of our Commercial

Relations-Duke of Wellington's Remarks on the State of the Navy-

Account of Act XI. of the Legislative Council in India, called the

Black Act-Resistance made to it by British Settlers in India—Mr.

Macauley's Paper on the Subject-Mr. Ward brings the subject before

Parliament, and moves for a Committee-His Statement of the alleged

Grievances-Sir John Hobhouse's Reply-Sir Charles Grey-Mr. Hogg

-Sir J. Carnac-Mr. Wynn condemns Mr. Macaulay-Mr. Ward

withdraws his Motion-Queen Prorogues Parliament-Åddress of the

Speaker upon that Occasion-Queen's Speech--Sir Robert Inglis's

Commemoration of the Events of the Session-Conservative Tour of

Sir Francis Burdett in the Spring-Progress of Disaffection amongst

the Working Classes-Public Meetings-Torch-Light Assemblages-

"Chartists"-Incendiary Language of the Demagogues - Immense

Meeting at Kersal Moor-Speech of the Rev. Mr. Stephen's on that

Occasion-His Statement of the Objects of the "Chartists"-Constant

Attendance of Lord Melbourne upon the Queen-" Letter to the

Queen," ascribed to Lord Brougham-Proposed Reduction of the

Rates of Postage-Mr. Rowland Hill's Plan-Report of the Committee

-Mr. O'Connell's Arrival at Dublin-Institution of the "Precursor "

Society-Its Character and Objects-Meeting at the Corn Exchange-

Letters to the People of Ireland-Colonel Shaw Kennedy's Resigna-

tion of the Office of Inspector-General of the Irish Constabulary

Force
[287

CHAPTER XVI.

Despatch from Lord Glenelg to Lord Durham, informing him of the Fate

of the Ordinance-Lord Durham determines to resign-Correspondence

between Lords Durham and Glenelg―Vindication of his Policy by the

former-His Objections to Lord Glenelg's Plan for supplying the

Defects of the Ordinance-Sir John Colborne requested to remain in

Canada-Lord Durham's Proclamation notifying the Disallowance of

the Ordinance-Its objectionable Character-Lord Glenelg's strong

Remarks upon it-Proceedings in Lower Canada with respect to Lord

Durham's approaching Departure-Addresses-Dinner of the Guards

-Sir James Macdonnell-Lord Durham sails from Quebec-His

Arrival at Plymouth-His Reception at Davenport, Plymouth, and

Exeter-His Speeches-Observations on the Treatment experienced by

Lord Durham by both Friends and Opponents at Home-His Report

on the British North American Colonies-The Animosity between the

French and English Race in Lower Canada-Anomalies of our present

colonial Government-System of jobbing public Money in our North

American Provinces-Imperfections of the Judicial System in Lower

Canada-Court of Appeal reorganised-Appearances of approaching

insurrection in Lower Canada-Sir John Colborne's Precautions-