LIAMENT.

The British parliament assembled on the 30th of December. In the speech
from the throne his majesty admitted the disasters of the last campaign;
but he urged the necessity of continuing the war, and recommended
additional efforts and vigour as the only means of producing successful
results. His majesty also admitted the desperate condition of Holland
and the United Provinces, which the Duke of York had vainly endeavoured
to defend; and he informed the houses that the States-general had been
led by a sense of present difficulties to enter into negociations with
the republicans for peace; but he added, that no established government
or independent state could, under the present circumstances, derive real
security from negociations; and that, on our part, no negociations could
be entered into without sacrificing both honour and safety to an enemy
whose chief animosity was avowedly directed against these kingdoms. The
king mentioned his acceptance of the crown and sovereignty of Corsica,
and announced the happy conclusion of a treaty of amity, commerce, and
navigation with the United States of America. He also announced the
conclusion of a treaty for the marriage of the Prince of Wales with the
Princess Caroline of Brunswick, and called upon his faithful commons to
make such provision for the heir apparent as they might deem suitable
to his rank and dignity. In the lords, the Earl of Guildford moved an
amendment to the address, and urged the impracticability of attaining
the object of the war; namely, the dictating of a government with
France. He was supported by the Marquis of Lans-downe, who said, that he
saw no difficulty in treating with France at the present period. But the
amendment was rejected by a majority of one hundred and seven against
twelve. The strength of ministers in the commons was manifested,
likewise, on this occasion, in an unequivocal manner. The address was
moved by Mr. Knatchbull, and seconded by Mr. Canning, who was fast
rising into reputation, and who particularly distinguished himself in
these debates. Mr. Canning defended ministers against every imputation
of the calamities and disasters of the war being the result of their
ignorance and mismanagement, and ridiculed the warnings and predictions
of opposition. He observed,--"It is true they have often foretold the
desertion of our allies, as well as the astonishing exertions of the
enemy; and I cannot but confess that such is unfortunatel