th scythes, attacked the
Austrian troops under General Collin, and drove them out of Cracow. A
provisional government was instituted there; Poland was called upon
to rise at once; and all nations, especially France and England, were
appealed to in passionate terms for aid. After various successes by
the revolters, they were at last encountered by superior forces,
and repeatedly defeated: Cracow was taken by the Austrians, and its
independence extinguished. The English and French ministers protested
against this as a violation of the treaty of Vienna. Russia and Prussia
supported the policy of Austria, who replied to the Western diplomatists
that the proceedings of the Poles was a violation of the treaty of
Vienna, and that it was necessary to the integrity and peace of the
Austrian empire that Cracow should be no longer a focus of rebellion.
The Western governments satisfied themselves with protests, and the last
green spot of Polish independence had its life stamped out by the foot
of Austrian despotism.

Such were the general relations of England during the year 1846.
Colonial revolt was suppressed; a powerful invader was driven back from
her oriental territory; and she maintained with honour her European
policy, and peace with neighbouring nations, under circumstances of
great provocation; her star shone with more lustre in the eyes of
foreign nations when the year terminated than when it opened.

HOME.

The parliamentary events of the year have already been narrated. There
were many home incidents which were not comprised in the records of
parliament. In the month of January, Wales was visited with disastrous
inundations, which destroyed a vast amount of property, and caused much
distress. More liberal arrangements were made about this time for the
reward and promotion of deserving privates and non-commissioned officers
of the army. In the month of February, Captain Rous, the member
for Westminster, having accepted office under Sir Robert Peel's
administration, a new election became necessary. The captain was opposed
by Lieutenant-general Sir de Lacy Evans, one of the most chivalrous and
accomplished soldiers in the British army. The result was in favour of
the gallant general by nearly one thousand. Sir de Lacy, being returned
as a thoroughly liberal politician, this event was "a heavy blow, and
great discouragement" to the administration of Sir Robert Peel. In South
Nottinghamshire an election also occurr