re how far pensions granted in virtue of the first of William IV.
c. 24, and charged on the civil list, and in virtue of second and
third William IV. c. 116, charged on the consolidated fund, ought to be
continued, having due regard to the just claims of the parties, and to
economy in the public expenditure." Mr. Spring Rice, on this occasion,
gave a brief history of the pension list. Sir Robert Peel opposed the
motion, and moved a series of resolutions, declaring it advisable to
make such provision as should enable the crown to continue all such
pensions as had existed at the accession of the late king, or had been
granted by him during his reign. This amendment was seconded by Lord
Elliot, and supported by several Conservative members. Mr. Harvey
took the lead in opposing it. Mr. Spring Rice closed the debate by
endeavouring to vindicate himself from the charge of inconsistency; and
on a division the motion for a committee was carried by a majority of
two hundred and ninety-five against two hundred and thirty-three.

INTELLIGENCE FROM CANADA--DISCUSSION ON THE SUBJECT--ADJOURNMENT OF THE
HOUSE.

The settlement of the civil list left ministers at liberty to move the
immediate adjournment of the house. Before they separated, however,
news arrived of a revolt in Canada. On the 22nd of December, Lord John
Russell rose to move the order of the day, for the house to resolve
itself into a committee of supply, and at the same time took occasion to
state that, although no measures could be taken by the house with regard
to Canada, he nevertheless did not consider himself justified, in the
actual condition of that province, to move the adjournment of the house
beyond the 16th of January. The present state of affairs was this: the
assembly having been convened to consider the resolutions passed
in parliament, had been adjourned on their refusal to entertain the
supplies, or to proceed to business. Despatches, subsequently received
from Lord Gosford, showed that the intention was not to seek redress by
means of that assembly, but to extort it by violence from her majesty's
government. In this state of things Lord Gosford had tendered his
resignation, which had been accepted, and the administration of
affairs entrusted to Sir John Colborne, in whose judgment and abilities
government felt the highest confidence. They had declared to that
officer that, though they were reluctant to resort to means of extreme
severity, yet, ne