lose of the year; and the bill finally passed
into a law on the 18th of March ensuing, the 5th of April being the
day fixed upon for making the returns of personal property. Pitt's
resolutions in substance were, that the augmentation of the assessed
taxes made in the last session should be repealed, and have its place
supplied by a duty upon all incomes above sixty pounds a year. If a
man's income exceeded two hundred pounds a year, he was to pay ten
per cent, upon it; if it exceeded one hundred pounds, he was to pay
considerably less upon it; and if between sixty pounds and one hundred
pounds, he was to be taxed in a diminished proportion. This bill, after
undergoing some amendments of detail, passed; and Pitt anticipated a
revenue from it of L10,000,000, the yearly income of the whole nation
being about L102,000,000. Early in the session 120,000 men were
voted for the navy, and an increase of the yeomanry and militia was
sanctioned.

TREATY WITH RUSSIA.

On the 18th of December a provisional treaty was concluded between
Great Britain and Russia; the general object of which was to oppose
the progress of the French arms. In allusion to this, on the 18th of
December, Mr Tierney moved, "That it was the duty of ministers to advise
his majesty against entering into engagements which might prevent
or impede negociations for peace with the French republic." On this
occasion Mr. Canning delivered a master-piece of eloquence, which
inspired the country at large with admiration of his talents. Mr.
Canning entered into a full investigation of our foreign policy,
and vindicated the treaties and alliances made by government. He
remarked:--"It is justly contended that the deliverance of Europe cannot
be effected by our exertions alone, and that, unless other powers are
sincerely disposed to co-operate, we are setting out on a romantic and
absurd enterprise, which we have no chance of accomplishing, no duty
or call to undertake. I perfectly agree, that if other powers are not
disposed to co-operate, we have no chance of success; but I cannot help
asking at the same time, if there be no such disposition on tlie part
of other powers, where is the use, or what is the necessity of the
honourable gentleman's motion? Why need parliament interfere to prevent
his majesty's ministers from taking advantage of dispositions which do
not exist, and from accepting cooperation which will not be offered?
But if the powers of Europe, or any o