present dynasty has erected a
funeral monument of any kind to the kindred dead. Even if affection did
not produce such a testimonial, it might have been expected from regard
to ancient custom, and from desire to conform to the habits of civilised
life. The only monuments to our kings and their descendants, with the
exception of the statue to George III. in Windsor Park, by George IV.,
and of the beautiful mausoleum which the King of Hanover is building
in memory of his consort, have been erected by the public; and in the
instance only of the Princess Charlotte's monument, which was raised
by subscription, has one been placed in church or chapel. There is
absolutely nothing--not even an engraved slab--to tell where the ashes
of George I., II., III., and IV., and William IV., or of any one of
all their numerous progeny, repose. No doubt the world knows; and the
omission is only remarkable or important from its being at variance with
the custom of the country, from the injury which it has caused to art,
and from the idea which it creates of heartlessness in the survivors;
not one of whom has expended a shilling on what would appear to be the
most natural of social duties."

HOME NAVAL AND MILITARY AFFAIRS.

The naval and military incidents of the year at home, which were of a
nature to record in history, were not numerous. The most important of
them was the organization of a coast defence, which was thus described
in a paper of the day, having a character for accurate naval and
military intelligence:--"The organization of the coast-guard for the
national defence, is the plan of the Earl of Auckland, first lord of the
Admiralty, under the approbation of the commissioners of customs. The
carrying out of the system is vested entirely in the hands of Captain
Houston Stewart, C.B., the controller-general of the coastguard, in
whose hands a sum of money has been placed for the purpose. It will be
recollected that this gallant officer commanded the _Benbow_, 72, at the
siege of Acre. Commander Jerningham is an additional commander appointed
to the _Excellent_ gunnery-ship, and has been selected for the purpose
of carrying into operation the plans and arrangements of Captain
Stewart, and to superintend the system of instruction of the men at
great gun exercise, which is precisely the same as that laid down in the
'Rules for exercise and service of great guns in her majesty's ships.'
Wherever guns have been placed for the i