e
times.

THE BUDGET.

On the 29th of June the chancellor of the exchequer brought forward
his budget. He estimated the ordinary income at L51,550,000, and the
extraordinary income at L580,000. The expenditure he estimated at
L53,287,000. He contemplated a surplus income for the ensuing year of
about three quarters of a million sterling. The statement was received
favourably, but a general impression existed that the chancellor might
have carried retrenchment much farther. The supplies, however, were
granted upon the basis of the statement offered.

MOTION ON THE STATE OF THE NATION

On the 2nd of July Mr. Disraeli moved for a select committee on the
state of the nation. He did not expect that the government would
concede, or the house support it; but he made it the occasion for a
general attack upon the whig policy, and especially the free-trade
policy which that party had originated in parliament, although Sir
Robert Peel, their successful rival in this department, carried away the
credit of having done so. The speech of Mr. Disraeli was rhetorically,
and only rhetorically, successful. He reenumerated the misfortunes which
befel Ireland and the colonies during the three previous years, and all
the monetary difficulties which befel England, and attributed them, with
dextrous dishonesty, to whig impolicy and free trade. These calamities,
which were chiefly caused by delaying free trade too long, he ascribed
to that measure. The perverted ingenuity thus displayed did not serve
his party or convince his opponents. He was opposed in a blunt and
candid speech by Mr. Hume, and in one of the happiest orations ever
delivered by Sir Robert Peel. Lord John Russell also made an effective
reply. Mr. Disraeli received small support from his followers. If the
chief was not equal to the exigencies of the party, neither was
the party worthy of the chief. Only one hundred and fifty-six votes
sustained him, although Mr. Disraeli did his utmost to induce a decided
display of strength. The motion was lost by an overwhelming majority.

THE PROROGATION.

Few events of public interest occurred in the parliamentary history
of the session except those which are here recorded. The prorogation
occurred on the 1st of August. The president of the council read the
queen's speech, which referred in the usual vague and general manner
to the topics which had been discussed, but paid a generous tribute of
acknowledgment to the