s in vain that men eminent for wisdom and
experience, pointed out their groundlessness; they were indulged until
facts confuted them.

Meanwhile, communications were transmitted from foreign courts and
governments that the most eminent persons in their respective countries
were nominated as commissioners to collect and arrange the products of
those countries in the form and way most calculated to ensure the end
in view. Intelligence of this sort was received from Russia, Sweden,
Norway, Denmark, Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria, the Hanse Towns, Nassau,
Hanover, Oldenburgh, Mechlenburgh, France, Holland, Belgium, Spain,
Turkey, Sardinia, Switzerland, the United States, Venezuela, and some
other foreign countries, as well as from the governors of all our
colonies, and from various Indian princes.

It would appear as if the exhibition which had been held in France for
various limited objects, and that intended to be held in Vienna, in
1851, had suggested to the English projectors the feasibility and
desirableness of uniting all nations in one grand attempt to exhibit
together their products, natural and industrial, in the great centre of
finance, commerce, and power--the metropolis of the world. The Emperor
of Austria, however, entered heartily into the views of Prince Albert,
and postponed the exhibition intended at Vienna to the year 1852.
Throughout the year the great preparations were pursued, and at the
appointed time in the ensuing year reached a happy consummation, to the
amazement of all, and gratification of most of those whose vaticinations
were so gloomy.

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.

The commercial condition of Great Britain throughout the year was
favourable. The railway speculations of previous years exercised a
prejudicial influence upon the money market, and "calls" were severely
felt; but the foreign commerce of the country increased rapidly, and the
revenue was in a state which tended to preserve public confidence, and
showed that the resources of the nation were unimpaired notwithstanding
so many recent calamities. Free trade began already largely to tell upon
the great interests which it affected, and justified its advocates and
promoters.

The farming interest was, however, distressed; free trade in corn had
deranged their habits, and rendered alterations necessary in their
customary procedure as to the landowners, their farms, and the markets
which they were reluctant to adopt. The landlords were unwi