me
time, however, declared that he would be faithful to his engagements
in putting an end to the trade in Africans. This was so vaguely
expressed, and the desire of the Brazilian government was so evidently
to foster that illicit commerce, and, if possible, involve England in
a quarrel with some of the other maritime powers, that the English
government was much incensed, and resolved upon stringent measures. In
this they were opposed by the Manchester party, even by some among them
who had taken a most active part in anti-slavery movements. The persons
thus inconsistent were chiefly among the Society of Friends, who, while
on the one hand they hated oppression, on the other hated war, even
when waged to succour the oppressed. The chief movers in the Manchester
agitation against the government policy towards Brazil, were, however,
neither anti-slavery men, nor members of the Peace Society, but certain
merchants engaged largely in the Brazilian trade, and whose political
principles were very accommodating, always, somehow, being on the side
of their interests, or supposed interests, in commercial matters. No war
ensued, but the firm attitude taken by the English government prevented
the renewal of the slave-trade by Brazilian merchants.

RELATIONS WITH CONTINENTAL EUROPE.

_France_.--The year 1846 was one of much discussion between England and
France. Louis Philippe proved himself as insincere and selfish as
the Bourbons always were, to whatever branch of that faithless family
belonging. M. Guizot, the chief minister of the king, was as little
candid as his master. The same treachery which sullied the reminiscences
of Ghent, characterised the procedure of the minister towards England
in 1846. There were various subjects of difference between the two
countries; but that which most occupied the attention of Europe was the
Spanish marriages. Louis Philippe had a numerous family, was avaricious
to the last degree, and allowed avarice and nepotism to govern his
policy, rather than the honour and interests of the great kingdom over
which he presided. He was desirous that one of his sons should marry
the Queen of Spain, and that another should be united to her sister.
The queen-mother favoured this idea, as did also the chief minister,
Narvaez. On the other hand, it was alleged that the English government
was intriguing for a prince of the house of Cobourg. This was not the
case--at all events, when the Whigs came into po