took place which compromised
the peace of Europe; this was the return of Napoleon from his insular
kingdom to repossess himself of his old French empire. A message from
the prince regent was delivered to each house on the 6th of April,
communicating this information, and stating that his royal highness had
been induced to give directions for the immediate augmentation of our
land and sea forces, and to lose no time in communicating with our
allies, for the purpose of forming such a concert as might effectually
provide for the general and permanent security of Europe. The address
in the house of lords passed without a division, but in the commons Mr.
Whitbread moved an amendment expressly recommending the preservation of
peace. He was under the impression that the address covertly pledged the
house to war, but others of his party thought not, and his amendment was
lost by a majority of two hundred and twenty against thirty-seven.

TRIAL BY JURY, ETC.

In the beginning of this session an important act was passed for
extending the trial by jury to Scotland. Its provisions differed
from those of the English law, and the granting such a trial was made
optional in each case with the judges; but the lord chancellor, by whom
the bill was introduced, expressed a hope that at no distant period the
principle of the bill would receive a further extension. At a later
date a bill was passed for the continuance of the restriction of
cash-payments by the Bank of England till the 5th of July, 1816.

WAR RESOLVED ON; FINANCIAL MEASURES.

The question of peace or war was discussed at the latter end of May in
consequence of a message from the throne. In the lords Earl Grey urged
the necessity of a pacific policy, while Lord Grenville advocated war.
In the commons Mr. Grattan came forward, and with vehement and eloquent
indignation declaimed against the despoiler of Europe, and advocated
the most energetic measures to hurl him from his usurped throne. War
was resolved on by both lords and commons, and the latter granted the
necessary supplies. And this they did munificently; no less a sum than
L90,000,000 was voted for the public service. Out of this sum L9,000,000
was to be paid in subsidies to our allies, they still requiring the
gold of England to urge them onwards to action. In order to meet the
expenditure the unjust and inquisitorial income-tax was continued, and
L42,000,000 were obtained by loan. The Irish proportion o