new ministry during this session was of little
importance. A new military plan was introduced by Lord Castlereagh for
increasing the regular army from the militia regiments, and supplying
the deficiencies so occasioned by a supplementary militia. A bill was
also introduced by Sir Arthur Wellesley for suppressing insurrection in
Ireland, and another was passed to prevent improper persons from keeping
arms. A bill was brought in by Whitbread for the education of the poor,
by establishing schools in all the parishes of England. This bill passed
the commons, but it was rejected by the lords. An address was carried
in the commons, on the motion of Mr. Bankes, praying his majesty not
to make any grant of an office in reversion till six weeks after the
commencement of the session. In all these measures ministers had a large
majority, and they had a fair prospect of being established in office.
Parliament was prorogued on the 14th of August, when the king's speech,
which was again delivered by commission, breathed hope and cheerfulness.

CAMPAIGN OF NAPOLEON.

Although the King of Prussia at the close of the last year seemed to be
ruined, yet his spirit was not subdued. When Napoleon advanced in the
hope of crushing him, Frederic William was at Memel, and his Russian
allies were at Prussian-Eylau, A battle took place at Eylau on the 8th
of February, between the Russians and the main body of Napoleon's army.
A fearful slaughter took place on both sides, and neither could claim
the victory. The Russians, indeed, still kept their ground, but as
they had lost thousands, and there was no prospect of succours, and as
Napoleon on the other hand would soon be joined by Berna-dotte's fresh
division, Beningsen, the Russian general, thought it prudent on the
next day to retreat. Having remained one week at Eylau, Napoleon moved
onwards to the river Passarge, his head-quarters being at Oste-rode.
From Osterode he sent offers of peace to the King of Prussia, while
at the same time he took measures for recruiting his army and reducing
Dantzic. The important city of Dantzic surrendered in May to Lefebvre,
and in the meantime re-enforcements had reached both armies. Then
followed the battle of Friedland, in which Napoleon was again
victorious; the Russians were utterly defeated, and while thousands fell
on the field of battle, thousands more perished in the river Passarge,
into which they plunged in order to escape from their pursuing e