rest was paid. Later in the session, in submitting some
propositions to a committee of the house, he observed that in January,
1817, the Bank had given notice of its readiness to pay in specie
outstanding notes of a particular description, for which cash to
the amount of about L1,000,000 might have been demanded, but a very
considerable sum was called for. At that time, gold bullion was L3. 18s,
6d., and silver 4s. 10d. the ounce: in October notice was given that
the Bank was ready to pay in cash all the notes dated prior to January,
1817; but the result was very different, for upwards of L2,500,000 were
drawn out, of which scarcely any portion remained in circulation. This
arose from the large remittances to foreign countries, consequent on the
importation of corn; the residence of Englishmen on the continent; and
the negociation of a loan in this country by France. It now therefore
became inexpedient for the Bank to resume cash-payments, and the
restriction was continued till the 5th of July, 1839.

TREATY WITH SPAIN.

During this session a treaty with Spain, by virtue of which, in
consideration of a subsidy of L400,000, that country consented to
abolish the slave-trade on all the north coasts of the line, received
the sanction of parliament. But this was only a half measure: Spain
still continued the privilege of retaining the traffic south of
that limit. A right of search was stipulated for each nation, but no
detention of vessels was to take place, unless when slaves were found on
board.

ROYAL MARRIAGES.

During this year marriages were contracted between the Duke of Clarence
and the princess of Saxe Meningen; the Duke of Kent and the Princess
Leiningen; and the Duke of Cambridge with the Princess of Hesse.

At the recommendation of the prince regent to parliament, suitable
provisions were made for the royal personages, though not on an
extravagant scale. During the discussions on the provision to be made
for them, Mr. Wilberforce inveighed in strong terms against the royal
marriage act: an act which prevented the several branches of the family
on our throne from entertaining the best feelings, and from forming
connexions which might at once promote their happiness, and guarantee
their virtue.

THE SUPPLIES.

The supplies of this year were estimated at L20,952,400. To meet this,
in addition to the ways and means, a three-and-a-half per cent, stock
was created to the amount of L14,000,000