inued solicitude for the
universal and final abolition of the slave-trade amongst the European
powers, which was agreed to _nem. con_. On the same evening a discussion
of considerable interest took place upon a series of resolutions on
finance, which had been brought forward by Mr. Tierney; and after a
debate of great length the previous question was carried upon each of
these resolutions, and counter resolutions, moved by Mr. Grant, adopted
in their stead. The last important debate of the session took place in
the commons on a motion made by Mr. Brougham, for an inquiry into the
state of the nation; a motion introduced chiefly for the purpose of
enabling the mover, as the organ of opposition in the lower house
to enter a protest, in detail, against the whole of the acts and
proceedings of ministers. In exposing the false system on which
parliament had long legislated on the subject of commerce, Mr. Brougham
remarked:--"The period is now arrived when, the war being closed and
prodigious changes having taken place throughout the world, it becomes
absolutely necessary to enter on a careful but fearless revision of our
whole commercial system, that we may be enabled safely, yet promptly,
to eradicate those faults which the lapse of time has occasioned or
displayed; to retrace our steps where we shall find that they have
deviated from the line of true policy; to adjust and accommodate our
laws to the alteration of circumstances; to abandon many prejudices,
alike antiquated and senseless, unsuited to the advanced age in which
we live, and unworthy of that sound judgment which distinguishes this
nation." The motion was negatived without a division.

PROROGATION OF PARLIAMENT.

Parliament was prorogued on the 12th of July. In his speech the prince
regent expressed regret at the king's continued indisposition; glanced
at the subjects which had been considered during the session; and
noticed the prospect of an abundant harvest, not only in this country,
but on the continent, from which he anticipated an improvement in the
commercial relations of this and other countries.

RIOTS AT MANCHESTER, ETC.

In the last report of the secret committee of the house of commons,
mention was made of disturbances which had been experienced at
Manchester. These disturbances appear to have been of an extraordinary
description. A large body of men, calling themselves friends of
parliamentary reform, and urged by the resolution of d