ctures. All these
measures greatly tended to increase the trade and commerce of England,
and to benefit the community at large. The British silk trade is
increased two-fold since their enactment, although utter ruin was
predicted by the silk manufacturers, and the articles manufactured,
though lower in price, vie in beauty with the silks produced by and
Indian looms.

ALIEN BILL, ETC.

The alien bill was renewed this session. It was vehemently opposed by
Mr. Hobhouse and Sir James Mackintosh; and from their opposition, the
act, though carried, henceforward operated with less stringency than
before. Much discussion arose on the subject of the abuses in the church
of Ireland, but it led to no legislative enactment. Much attention
was also given to the state of Ireland; a committee of inquiry being
appointed in both houses. But nothing effectual was done to improve
the condition of that country. The close of this year, indeed, saw
the establishment of a political engine of extraordinary power in the
Catholic Association. Mr. O'Connell, a barrister of eminence, soon
became the acknowledged leader of the disaffected party, and encouraged
them to effect by union and agitation what had been denied to petition.
This association subsequently extended its correspondence, and appointed
agents for every Roman Catholic parish in the kingdom, and then levied
a large revenue under the denomination of Catholic rent, for the support
of the demagogues who were at its head. This "rent" continues to be
collected to this day, and Mr. O'Connell and his party divide it among
them, promising great things in return, but failing to perform their
promises from utter, inability. Ireland, therefore, is still hood-winked
by interested agitators: stop the "rent," and then they would be
silent. Their patriotism depends upon the amount they receive from their
miserable, poor, and suffering countrymen.

DISCUSSIONS ON THE REVOLT IN DEMARARA, ETC.

During this session Mr. Brougham called the attention of the commons to
the circumstances of a revolt in Demarara. The negroes of that
island had been led to believe that their freedom had been granted by
parliament, and was withheld by the colonial assemblies. This delusion
caused an insurrection; and a missionary, named Smith, was tried by
martial law, on a charge of exciting the negroes to revolt, and was
condemned to death. His case was sent to England for the consideration
of the privy-co