oses, the public gave them no credit
for sincerity, and even expressed disapprobation. This measure was lost
by the small majority of thirteen.

A committee of inquiry into the operation of the Bank Charter Act was,
early in the session, nominated in the commons.

On the 13th of February the chancellor of the exchequer made his
financial statement. Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone offered an unworthy
party opposition to almost every item of the budget, but they were
defeated by very large majorities. Lord John Russell appeared to
advantage in these discussions, as he seconded the just and reasonable
views of government, although it was well known that he was desirous
of a coalition with the Peelites and the Manchester school to turn them
out.

DEBATES ON THE CHINESE WAR-DEFEAT OF THE MINISTRY.

The grand party struggle in parliament took place upon the subject of
the Chinese war. The opposition had previously made attempts, led by
Lord Grey and Mr. Disraeli, to overturn the cabinet on the subject of
the Persian war, but signally failed. Lord Derby proposed a vote of
censure, in the lords, against Dr. Bowring, for his conduct at Canton,
and the policy of the cabinet by which he was supported. The lords, by
a considerable majority, upheld the government. Mr. Cobden made a motion
in the commons similar to that made by Lord Derby in the House of Peers.
The Peelites and the Manchester school coalesced, Lord John Russell, Mr.
Roebuck, and other independent "members," fell in with the coalition,
and the government was beaten by a majority of sixteen. The ministry did
not resign, but adopted the alternative of dissolving parliament.

PROROGATION AND DISSOLUTION.

On the 21st of March parliament was prorogued to the 30th of April. On
the same day the dissolution took place, which was to test the opinion
of the country for or against the ministry.

GENERAL ELECTION.

The election was attended with great excitement, and resulted in a great
increase of members supporting the ministry. Many of the Manchester
school were thrown out; not because of their economical philosophy, but
because of their supposed readiness to sacrifice national honour and
justice for the temporary and passing advantage of the manufacturing
interest. Mr. Cobden lost the representation of the West Riding of York,
Mr. Bright and Mr. Gibson lost that of Manchester, and the followers of
these gentlemen fared no better than their chiefs.