The Queen's Message to
both Houses: Eulogies of the late Sovereign in both Houses
of Parliament..... Bill for providing the Succession to the
Crown..... The Budget, &c...... Alterations in the Criminal
Law, &c...... Prorogation of Parliament..... State of
Parties and Elections..... City Banquet to the Queen.....
Opening of the New Parliament..... The Subject of the Civil
List debated..... The Subject of the Pension List.....
Intelligence from Canada: Discussion on the Subject.....
Adjournment of the House..... State of the Continent

THE ACCESSION OF QUEEN VICTORIA.

{A.D. 1837}

On the arrival of the news in town of the death of King William,
orders were immediately issued for summoning a privy-council, which was
assembled before noon on Tuesday, at the palace of Kensington. At this
council directions were given for proclaiming Queen Victoria, and the
act of allegiance was signed by all present, the first name on the list
being that of "Ernest, King of Hanover." When the ceremony of signing
the act of allegiance had been performed, the queen made the following
declaration to the country:--"The severe and afflicting loss which the
nation has sustained by the death of his majesty, my beloved uncle,
has devolved upon me the duty of administering the government of this
empire. This awful responsibility is imposed upon me so suddenly, and
at so early a period of my life, that I should feel myself utterly
oppressed by the burden, were I not sustained by the hope that Divine
Providence, which has called me to this work, will give me strength
for the performance of it: and that I shall find in the purity of my
intentions, and in my zeal for the public welfare, that support and
those resources which usually belong to a more mature age, and to long
experience. I place my firm reliance on the wisdom of parliament, and
upon the loyalty and affection of my people. I esteem it also a peculiar
advantage, that I succeed to a sovereign whose constant regards for the
rights and liberties of his subjects, and whose desire to promote the
amelioration of the laws and institutions of the country, have rendered
his name the object of general attachment and veneration. Educated in
England, under the tender and enlightened care of a most affectionate
mother, I have learned from my infancy to respect and love the
constitution of my native country. It will be my unceasing study to
maintain