the patronage bestowed by the
ministry, especially in connection with the army, navy, and colonies,
was partial, unjust, and even, in some cases, disgraceful. A widespread
feeling of indignation arose among the people, and a desire for the
speedy fall of the Aberdeen cabinet. After the breaking up of parliament
the ministry dispersed, and appeared to concern themselves very little
about the fate of the country. Two men among them were exceptions to
this--the Duke of Newcastle and Lord Palmerston. They worked in their
respective offices with untiring assiduity; unfortunately, what the
duke did had been, in the main, better left undone, but he industriously
performed his duty to the best of his power. When the tidings of
Balaklava, Inkerman, the bombardment of Sebastopol, the false news
of its fall, the storm which nearly wrecked the transport fleet and
destroyed vast supplies, were flying through Europe and stirring the
heart of England to its depth, the ministers were amusing themselves,
and showed no signs that they comprehended their glorious position
as the leaders of a mighty empire at war with another. It appeared
afterwards that Lord John Russell was watching anxiously the progress of
affairs, although his particular office did not give prominence to his
activity.

On the 12th of December parliament was re-opened by her majesty in
person. The ministry was denounced in both houses for its incompetent
conduct of the war, and made a feeble defence. Thanks were voted by both
houses to the generals, officers, and soldiers, who had participated in
the battles and hardships of the various naval and military campaigns.
The foreigners' enlistment bill caused much discussion, in which very
little wisdom was shown by either house. The militia bill passed rapidly
through the legislature. This closed the brief period during which
parliament sat in December, 1854.

DEATHS OF EMINENT PERSONS.

In consequence of the war many men of whom England and any nation might
be proud fell bravely in battle, or as bravely died at their posts
wasted by disease. So great was their number, and so much did the loss
of such men extend the lists of this year's obituary, that the task of
even glancing at it becomes impossible within the space allotted to this
work. One noble soldier died peacefully, full of years and honours--the
Marquis of Anglesey, the companion of Wellington in his campaigns--the
chivalrous Earl of Oxbridge, the most d