cannot refrain from
adverting to the important change which has occurred in the situation of
this country, and of all Europe, since I first met you in this place.
At that period, the dominion of the common enemy had been so widely
extended over the continent, that resistance to his power was, by many,
deemed to be hopeless; and in the extremities of Europe alone was such
resistance effectually maintained. By the unexampled exertions which
you enabled me to make, in aid of countries nobly contending for
independence, and by the spirit which was kindled in so many nations,
the continent was at length delivered from the most galling and
oppressive tyranny, under which it had laboured; and I had the
happiness, by the blessing of Providence, to terminate, in conjunction
with his majesty's allies, the most eventful and sanguinary contest in
which Europe had for centuries been engaged, with unparalleled success
and glory. The prosecution of such a contest for so many years, and
more particularly the efforts which marked the close of it, have been
followed within our own country, as well as throughout the rest of
Europe, by considerable internal difficulties and distress. But,
deeply as I felt for the immediate pressure upon his majesty's people,
nevertheless I looked forward without dismay, having always the fullest
confidence in the solidity of the resources of the British empire, and
in the relief which might be expected from a continuance of peace,
and from the patience, public spirit, and energy of the nation. These
expectations have not been disappointed. The improvement in the internal
circumstances of the country is happily manifest, and promises to be
steadily progressive; and I feel perfect assurance that the continued
loyalty and exertions of all his majesty's subjects will confirm these
growing indications of national prosperity, by promoting obedience
to the laws, and attachment to the constitution from which all our
blessings are derived."

STATE OF THE MANUFACTURERS OF LANCASHIRE, ETC.

Distress, though mitigated, as stated in the regent's speech, still
prevailed in the country. The cotton-spinners as well as other classes
of manufacturers of Lancashire remained in a state of organized
opposition to their masters on the subject of wages. From this cause
disturbances took place at Burnley, Stockport, and other places,
which could only be quelled by the prompt exertions of the Manchester
yeomanry. A divers