Great Britain more cheaply the various articles of
that commerce, than by direct communication with the country itself.
This arose from the numerous interests of Great Britain, and the broader
foundation of her commercial speculations. The Danish government felt
the African possessions cumbersome and expensive, and agreed to cede
them, with their guns, stores, property, territorial rights, &c, to her
Britannic majesty for the sum of L10,000. A treaty to this effect was
signed in London on the 17th of August, and ratified there September
11th.

COLONIAL AFFAIRS.

_Australia_.--Considerable excitement existed in the Australian colonies
for a more constitutional form of government, and at last the imperial
legislature took up the | subject with earnestness. Constitutions were
granted to the Australian colonies in harmony with their British origin.
These concessions of the mother country were hailed with delight in
the colonies. The general prosperity of Australia secured peace. Crime,
however, prevailed to a great extent in New South Wales, Victoria, and
Van Dieman'a Land: in the first and last named, from the presence of
convicts, or those who had been such. Many of this class had made their
escape to the colony of Victoria, where they committed depredations and
violence, and brought some disrepute upon the settlement.

_Canada_.--The annexation movement continued to disturb the province and
disquiet the government. Persons holding civil situations, and officers
of militia who took any part in the agitation, were dismissed; and by a
vigilant repressive policy the government gradually brought the Canadas
into a more quiescent state. A reaction at last set in, and general
expressions of loyalty prevailed where opinions in favour of an
independent confederation of the British American provinces had been
boldly announced. The ministry by which the indemnity bill was carried
during the previous year were not able to retain power. The governor,
on opening the provincial parliament at Toronto, delivered a speech in
French and English, which was well received by both parties. Before the
year closed it was proved that a large majority of the people of the
Canadas were against separation from the mother country.

_The West Indies_.--The West India Islands were in a discontented
state throughout the year. Jamaica led the way in the expression of
dissatisfaction. The English free-trade measures were the chief source
of the