which became so
unpopular that insurance-offices refused a policy to those who kept them
on their premises. The military force was increased in the disturbed
counties, and a proclamation was issued, offering a reward of
five hundred pounds for the conviction of an incendiary. A special
commission, also, was ordered to proceed into those counties where the
outrages were committed. The first offenders that were seized, being
tried before county magistrates, met with lenity, from commiseration
for their starving condition. But this only increased the evil; and,
therefore, the government resolved to quell the riotous proceedings by
the strong arm of the law. They were aided in this work by the yeomanry
and fanners, who, mounting their horses and scouring the country, aided
the civil officers in the discovery and apprehension of offenders.

MEETING OF THE NEW PARLIAMENT.

It was under these gloomy circumstances that, on the 26th of October,
the new parliament met for the dispatch of business. The meeting of
parliament found parties precisely as they had been at the dissolution,
with this difference, that all the elements of opposition had acquired
new vigour by the course of events, while new topics had sprung up,
on which it would be forced to make a trial of strength. It appeared
certain that the question of reform would speedily be brought forward;
and the ministers may have hoped that such a discussion would restore to
their ranks their former adherents. The session opened in reality on
the 2nd of November, the intervening days being occupied in swearing
in members, and in the reelection of Mr. Manners Sutton as speaker. The
king attended on that day in person. In his speech his majesty alluded
to the important events which had occurred on the continent; to the
continuance of his diplomatic relations with the new French dynasty; to
the endeavours he was making to restore tranquillity in the Netherlands;
to the maintenance of those general treaties by which the political
system of Europe had been established; and to the hope of renewing
his diplomatic relations with Portugal, because the government of that
country had determined to perform a great act of justice and humanity by
the grant of a general amnesty. The remainder of his majesty's address
referred to the estimates, the expiration of the civil list on the
demise of his late brother, and his own dependence upon the generosity
and loyalty of the house and th