Alexandria. The Ottoman monarchy was
tottering to its fall; but at this critical juncture England, France,
Russia, Austria, and Prussia resolved to uphold the independence of
Turkey, as an essential element of the balance of power. The year,
however, closed before the negociations commenced were perfected.

CHAPTER LI.

{VICTORIA. 1840--1841}

Meeting of Parliament: Announcement of the Queen's
Marriage..... Bill for the Naturalization of Prince
Albert..... The Civil List..... Question of Privilege:
Hansard and Stockdale..... Affairs of China..... Irish
Municipal Corporations Bill, &c...... Financial
Statement..... The Union of the Canadas.....
Ecclesiastical Duties and Revenues Bill..... The Regency
Bill..... Prorogation of Parliament..... Affairs of British
India..... The Marriage of the Queen..... State of the
Continent.

MEETING OF PARLIAMENT.--ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE QUEEN'S MARRIAGE.

{A.D. 1840}

Parliament was opened on the 16th of January by her majesty in person.
The opening of her majesty's speech was one of great interest. It read
thus:--"My lords and gentlemen--Since you have last assembled, I have
declared my intention of allying myself in marriage with the Prince of
Saxe Cobourg and Gotha. I humbly implore that the divine blessing
may prosper this union, rendering it conducive to the interests of my
people, as well as my own domestic happiness; and it will be to me a
source of the most lively satisfaction, to find the resolution I have
taken approved of by parliament. The constant proofs I have received
of your attachment to my person and family, persuade me that you will
enable me to provide for such an establishment as may appear suitable to
the rank of the prince, and the dignity of the crown." In continuance,
her majesty congratulated parliament on the termination of civil war in
Spain; expressed a hope that the five powers would be able to preserve
the integrity of the Ottoman empire, and the peace of Europe; and
referred to the success of the European and native troops in India with
great satisfaction. Her majesty also declared her confident hope of
adjusting our difference with the court of Persia; and intimated that
serious attention had been given to her commercial relations with China.
In conclusion, her majesty recommended to the early consideration of
parliament two important measures relating to our home policy: nam