o take into
consideration the state of the nation." Lord Grey prefaced his motion by
an eloquent and argumentative speech, in which he dwelt upon the power
of Napoleon; the mismanagement of our internal resources; the expediency
of conciliating the Roman Catholics; the subjects of parliamentary
privileges and reform, &c. On the subject of parliamentary reform
he remarked:--"This question has long been one of my most serious
contemplation. I took an active part in it at an early age: I pursued my
object with all that eager hope and sanguine expectation so natural to
the ardour of youth. I will not say that in subsequent times there have
not been some differences from my former impressions; but of this I
assure your lordships, that on its great grounds it has never been
abandoned by me. To the temperate and judicious reformation of abuses
I am now a decided friend; and whenever it shall be brought forward, it
shall receive from me my most anxious assistance. I never did, nor
ever will, rest my views of salutary reform on the ground of theoretic
perfection; though I am always ready to correct by the constitution a
practical inconvenience when it is practically felt. On this point I was
formerly misrepresented by that description of persons who at this day
continue the same course. The folly and presumption of the present day
have taken up a new doctrine--that every branch and exercise of
our constitution was defined by law, and only to be found in the
statute-book: but I have understood from the most able men, that the
great and fundamental blessing of the British constitution was fixed
in the co-operation and harmony of its powers, all leading to free and
efficient government."

PROROGATION OF PARLIAMENT.

During this session motions were made by Mr. Par-nell on the subject
of Irish tithes; by Mr. Grattan and Lord Donoughmore on Catholic
emancipation; and by Sir Samuel Romilly on the reform of our sanguinary
criminal laws. These subjects will receive attention in a future page.
Beyond this there was nothing of importance taken into consideration
this session, which terminated on the 21st of June. The royal speech
was again delivered by commission: and it affirmed that Portugal was
exerting herself with vigour and energy; and that in Spain, though the
French were victorious, the spirit of resistance was unsubdued.

CAMPAIGN IN PORTUGAL.

When Lord Wellington moved his troops from the banks of the Guadiana,