be the constant object of my
solicitude to maintain the blessings of peace." Her majesty next thanked
the house of commons for the liberal supplies which they had granted
for the service of the year, as well as for the provision which they had
made to meet the usual payments chargeable on the civil list. Addressing
both houses again, the queen thanked them for the zeal and assiduity
with which they had applied themselves to the public business of the
country. Notwithstanding the melancholy interruption that had taken
place in their labours, she trusted they would have the beneficial
effect of advancing the progress of legislation in the new parliament.
Her majesty expressed much pleasure in the mitigation of the severity
of the criminal code; she hailed it as an auspicious commencement of her
reign. In conclusion, her majesty said--"I ascend the throne with a deep
sense of the responsibility which is imposed upon me; but I am supported
by the consciousness of my own right intentions, and by my dependence
upon the protection of Almighty God. It will be my care to strengthen
our institutions, civil and ecclesiastical, by discreet improvement,
wherever improvement is required, and to do all in my power to compose
and allay animosity and discord. Acting upon these principles, I shall
on all occasions look with confidence to the wisdom of parliament and
the affections of my people, which form, the true support of the dignity
of the crown, and ensure the stability of the constitution." The age and
sex of the youthful sovereign gave a singular and touching interest to
this scene, and the manner in which her majesty delivered the speech
heightened its effect. It was read in a clear and unfaltering tone,
indicating great presence of mind and firmness of character. The
appearance and manners of her majesty, indeed, enlisted in her favour
all the best feelings of the august assembly she addressed--all wished
that her reign might be long and prosperous.

STATE OF PARTIES AND ELECTIONS.

Queen Victoria ascended the throne at a period of perfect tranquillity.
The popularity of the ministers was, indeed, declining, and they were
surrounded with difficulties, partly from their own mismanagement of
affairs, and partly from the position into which their eagerness
for power had placed them. On the other hand the spirit of party was
subsiding in the country: calm and impartial thinkers began to embrace a
wider circle, yet it seemed