SONNET SELECT On the Directors of the Literary Fund. GENIUS, no longer sink beneath despair, In this heroic, gen'rous, glorious land; Contented some sequester'd shade to chuse, 547 found in great abundance at Grimsby when the foundations of the old town are disturbed. On the obverse is a globe and cross; and on the reverse three crowns, and the same number of fleurs de lis placed alternately in circle. The legend on each side is the same, viz., HANS: SCHVLTES: NORMB. POETRY. Amid the changes that perplex May 12, 1831. M. CHAMBERLIN. THE POPULATION OF LEAMINGTON SPA. For in that little space, I ween, Than ten (or 'bout a dozen) score, Two miles in length, from end to end: With now and then the birth of trins! Not equall'd through the British nation! 548 Select Poetry. ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS [June, To the Patrons and Friends of the Society for supporting and educating poor Children of Westmoreland Parents in London; the Right Hon. the LORD CHANCELLOR BROUGHAM in the Chair. [The Address has been usually delivered by one of the boys; but this charity having always been under the especial patronage of the Earl of Lonsdale, the committee considered that the compli ment to the Lord Chancellor, who has long been politically opposed to the Lowther family in Westmoreland, might give umbrage during the present public excitement; it was therefore thought prodent to suspend the usual address on the occasion of the late anniversary } YE generous patrons of our humble cause, scene, Without your liberal aid what had we been? Where pure Philanthropy, celestial guest, Poor and forlorn, on your protection flung, We bless the land from whence our fathers Ere we forget the blessings you bestow, May the great Solon of his country's laws, (Who condescends to aid our humble cause) Long be our patron, and our county's pride; With virtue, worth, and learning by his side. On him may Heaven its choicest blessings shed, And cloudless sunshine settle on his head. THE GRAVE OF KEN. (Extracted from Mr. Bowles's Life of Bishop Ken, reviewed in p. 529.) ON yonder heap of earth forlorn, Where Ken his place of burial chose, And, Eve, with gentlest hush, repose. Within the dim cathedral-fane, Records a verse, a date, a name; Oh, far more grateful to thy God The voices of poor children rise, "To pay their morning sacrifice." Heard, haply, when the evening knell Sounds, where the village tower is dim, As if to bid the world farewell, Without a thought, that from the dust The morn shall wake the sleeping clay, And bid the faithful and the just Up spring to heaven's eternal day! * Alluding to his well-known Hymns, Morning and Evening. This iron grating, with the mitre and crosier, is placed over Bishop Ken's grave, at the east end of Frome church, the nearest parish in his former diocese to Longleat, the place of his decease. 1831.] [549] HISTORICAL CHRONICLE. PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT. June 14. This day the new Parliament assembled; and the usual formalities of swearing members, &c. were proceeded with, which occupied the remainder of the week. The Right Hon. Manners Sutton was unanimously re-elected Speaker of the House of Commons, with singular marks of approbation. June 21. His Majesty opened the business of the Session with the following gracious Speech, which was read with a firm and audible voice. "My Lords and Gentlemen,-I have availed myself of the earliest opportunity of resorting to your advice and assistance after the dissolution of the late Parliament.-Having had recourse to that measure for the purpose of ascertaining the sense of my people on the expediency of a Reform in the Representation, I have now to recommend that important question to your earliest and most attentive consideration; confident that, in any measures which you may prepare for its adjustment, you will carefully adhere to the acknowledged principles of the constitution, by which the prerogatives of the Crown, the authority of both houses of Parliament, and the rights and liberties of the people, are equally secured. The assurances of a friendly disposition, which I continue to receive from all foreign powers, encourage the hope that, notwithstanding the civil commotions which have disturbed some parts of Europe, and the contest now existing in Poland, the general peace will be maintained. To the preservation of this blessing my most anxious care will be constantly directed.-The discussions which have taken place on the affairs of Belgium have not yet been brought to a conclusion, but the most complete agreement continues to subsist between the powers whose plenipotentiaries have been engaged in the conferences of London. The principle on which those conferences have been conducted has been that of not interfering with the right of the people of Belgium to regulate their internal affairs, and to establish their government according to their own views of what may be most conducive to their future welfare and independence, under the sole condition, sanctioned by the practice of nations, and founded on the principles of public law, that in the exercise of that undoubted right the security of neigh bouring States should not be endangered. A series of injuries and insults, for which, notwithstanding repeated remonstrances, all reparation was withheld, compelled me at last to order a squadron of my fleet to appear before Lisbon, with a peremptory demand of satisfaction. A prompt compliance with that den.and prevented the necessity of further measures; but I have to regret that I have not yet been enabled to re-establish my diplomatic relations with the Portuguese Government. "Gentlemen of the House of Commons,I have ordered estimates of the expenses of the current year to be laid before you, and I rely with confidence on your loyalty and zeal to make adequate provision for the public service, as well as for the farther application of the sums granted by the last Parliament; always keeping in view the necessity of a wise and wholesome economy in every branch of the public expenditure. My Lords and Gentlemen,-It gives me great satisfaction to state to you, that the large reduction of taxes which took place in the last and in the present year, with a view to the relief of the labouring classes of the community, has not been attended with a proportionate diminution of the public income. I trust that such additional means as may be required to supply a part of the deficiency occasioned by these reductions may be found, without any material abridgement of the comforts of my people.-To assist the industry, to improve the resources, aud to maintain the credit of the country on sound principles, and on a safe and lasting foundation, will be, at all times, the objects of my solicitude, in the promotion of which I look with confidence to your zealous cooperation.-It is with deep concern that I have to announce to you the continued progress of a formidable disease, to which my attention had been early directed, in the eastern parts of Europe. Information have ing been more recently received that it had extended its ravages to ports in the Baltic, from whence there is a great commercial intercourse with my dominions, I have directed that all the precautions should be taken which experience has recommended as most effectual for guarding against the introduction of so dangerous a malady into this country.-Great distress has unhappily prevailed in some districts, and more particularly in a part of the western counties of Ireland; to relieve which, in the most pressing cases, I have not hesitated to authorise the application of such means as were immediately available for that purpose. But assistance of this nature is necessarily limited in its amount, and can only be temporary in its effect. The possibility, therefore, of introducing any measures, which, by assisting the improvement of the natural resources of the country, may tend to prevent Proceedings in Parliament.-Foreign News. 550 the recurrence of such evils, must be a subject of the most anxious interest to me, and to you of the most grave and cautious consideration. Local disturbances, unconnected with any political causes, have taken place both in this part of the United Kingdom and in Ireland. In the county of Clare, and in the adjoining parts of Roscommou and Galway, a system of violence and outrage had for some time been carried on to an alarming extent, for the repression of which the constitutional authority of the law has been vigorously and successfully exerted. By these means, the necessity of enacting new laws to strengthen the executive government with further powers will, I trust, be prevented. To avert such a necessity has been, and ever will be, my most earnest desire; but if it should unfortunately arise, I do not doubt your firm resolution to maintain the peace and order of society, by the adoption of such measures as may be required for their more effectual protection." [June, On the conclusion of the speech, his Majesty left the House amidst the universal applauses of an iminense concourse of spec tators. In the HOUSE OF LORDS, the usual address, in answer to his Majesty's speech, was moved by the Duke of Norfolk, and seconded by the Earl of Mulgrave. In the COMMONS, the Address was moved by the Hon. Mr. Pelham, and seconded by Sir James Johnstone. After some discussion, both addresses were agreed to, without any amendment being proposed. HOUSE OF COMMONS, June 24. Lord John Russell, after an introductory speech of considerable length, obtained leave to bring in a bill for amending the state of the Representation in England and Wales; the details of which have been already stated in pp. 257-260. June 25.-Lord J. Russell's REFORM BILL was read the first time, and the second reading appointed for the 4th of July. FOREIGN FRANCE. France still displays all the elements of popular and political agitation, which will require a considerable period entirely to subdue. The body politic seems to consist of three conflicting parties. First, the adherents to a constitutional monarchy and advocates of peace, which are the most numerous portion of the community. Secondly, the violent republicans, who are clamorous for war, and intent on any change which may tend to give them an ascendancy in the State. The third and smallest party are the Carlists, or friends of the Bourbon dynasty, consisting of some of the old French aristocrats, the priests, and the dregs of the lower orders under their influence. In the midst of these conflicting elements, it is no easy matter for a newly-established government, like that of France, to preserve itself from dissolution. The most consummate prudence and address are necessary; and hi therto, by the active co-operation of the national guard, it has been successful, notwithstanding the many popular disturbances of which France has lately been the theatre. On the 14th and 15th of June, a commotion arose in Paris of rather a serious character, and which required a large force of military and police to appease. The origin of the disturbance is stated to have been obscure and insignificant; but the extent to which it spread, and the grave notice taken of it by all the journals, attest its serious interest, and the alarm with which the issue was regarded. At Beauclaire, in the south of France, the people on the fête day raised a tree of liberty. The mayor called out the troops to pull down the tree and disperse the people. The soldiers fraternized with NEW S. the patriots, and a body of Carlists, who came from the country to pull down the tree, were attacked by the chasseurs, some killed, some wounded, and others taken. Four officers of this corps were marked as Carlists, and next day the chasseurs politely declined serving in their respective companies. Lyons has also been visited with disturbances, expressive of discontent with the existing order of things. The Chouans still agitate the west of France, but the government has at length decided on taking vigorous measures to repress these tumults. The long-expected and loudly-demanded dissolution of the Chamber of Deputies has taken place. The Electoral Colleges are convened for the elections on the 1st of July, and the Chambers of Peers and Deputies are summoned to meet for the dispatch of business on the 9th of August. The Electoral Law, which now, for the first time, comes into operation, has doubled the number of the electors. BELGIUM. On the 4th of June, the National Congress at Brussels, after a long and important discussion, elected Prince Leopold king of Belgium, giving to the Prince a majority on the total number of voters of 152 to 15. After the decision had been pronounced, a deputation of ten members was appointed, with instructions to proceed to London, for the purpose of announcing the important decision of the Congress. But it appears that in consequence of the determination of the Belgians not to comply with the terms of the Great Powers, with respect to the settlement of the territories of that state, Prince Leopold at first declined to accept 1831.] Foreign News.-Domestic Occurrences. the Crown, but eventually, by a formal reply, dated June 26th, he accepted the offer of the Belgic deputation. PORTUGAL. The Portuguese Government having refused satisfaction for the injuries committed on subjects of France (as stated in p. 454), on the 23d of May a French squadron, which had appeared before the bar of the Tagus, on the 16th began to make reprisals on the Portuguese merchant vessels. Late accounts state that the French had taken upwards of twenty ships before Lisbon and Oporto. They also mention that Don Miguel continues determined to avoid all reconciliation with the French, and is actually fitting out a squadron, for the purpose, as it was supposed, of making an attack upon the French squadron. On the 2d of June, the Urania Portuguese corvette was taken off Terceira, by the Melpomene French frigate, with a brig in company, and sent to France. POLAND. The sanguinary struggle between the Russians and the gallant Poles is still carried on with great obstinacy. After much manoeuvring and occasional skirmishing, during which the Poles succeeded in outflanking the Russians, on the 26th of May a general battle took place on the Narew, at Ostrolenka, from which place the Poles had previously driven the Russians. It was most most obstinate and sanguinary. The Poles remained masters of the field of battle, though they deemed it prudent to retire to Praga during the night. So desperate were the Russians that four regiments of the Imperial Guard were cut to pieces in attempting to cross the Narew. The Poles lost neither artillery, baggage, nor prisoners, for there was no quarter asked nor given. Two Polish Generals, Kicki and Kaminsi, and three Russian Generals were killed. The chief work was performed with the bayonet, which accounts for the great loss on both sides. The Poles lost 3,000, and the Russians twice the number. The object of the Polish commander was to throw a corps of patriot soldiers into Lithuania, to carry succour to the insurgents in that province, and to furnish them with a military staff and the necessary muniments of war. In that object he fully succceded, nor did he retreat a step until he had ascertained that General Chlapowski had actually effected a junction with the Lithuanian insurgent forces, who, it appears, on the same day, gained a complete victory over a column of Russians of three regiments, with Cossacks, and five pieces of artillery. The whole body of Russians was surrounded and made prisoners. He has since been in pursuit of General Sacken with a numerous body of insurgents in Lithuania. The successor of Dwernicki, General Chrzanowski, has proved himself worthy of 551 the hero he succeeds. He was sent with 8,000 men, by the commander-in-chief, to retake Zamosc. The shortest way was through the enemies' lines, and that he followed. He fought three successive battles, gained as many victories, and marched eighty-one English miles in three days, and succeeded in gaining his point in spite of the united efforts of De Witt and Kreutz, in force upwards of 24,000. In Volhynia, the insurgents under Count Emir Mactaw Rezwuski, gave battle to the Russians at Hamau, which fortress fell into the patriots' hands, with all the arms, ammunition, &c. The Polish provisional government has issued proclamations, and decreed that their brethren of the Russo-Polish provinces, who declare against the Czar, shall be considered as their fellow citizens,-shall be accepted into their political union, and shall be assisted and protected by every resource at their command. What may be of essential consequence to the Russian army, Count Diebitsch, commander-in-chief of the Russian forces, on the 10th of June, was attacked with the cholera morbus, and expired in a few hours. The general of infantry, Count Toll, temporarily assumed the command of the army. It appears probable, that the breaking out of the cholera at Riga and Dantzic, will operate beneficially to the Polish cause, Dantzic, where 120 vessels are put into all the great supplies being drawn from quarantine. SARDINIA. Several edicts have been issued for reformation of the Sardinian government. One authorizes the senate in future to judge nity of the parties, were always referred to affairs which hitherto, by reason of the digthe exclusive decision of the throne. Another abolishes all confiscation of property for political offences. A third abolishes the punishment of death for house robbery, &c. and also the horrid punishment of breaking on the wheel, and tearing the flesh with red hot pincers. TURKEY. The late insurrectionary movements in Turkey have been entirely suppressed. The Grand Vizier had received the reinforcements forwarded to him by his master; and the rebellious Pachas, defeated on every side, have been glad to obtain safety by unconditional submission. The Pacha of Scutari, the prime mover of the revolt, had fled, deserted by all his followers, towards Scutari. BRAZILS. The last of the ancient Governments in Pedro, the Emperor of Brazil, has been deSouth America has, at length, fallen. Don popular changes of the Administration were posed by his subjects. It appears the unthe immediate causes of the revolution; but the disposition to bring about such an event |