POLITICAL RETROSPECT. DOMESTIC.-The account of our last quarter's revenue, like too many of its predecessors, merely marks another step in our downward progress, and presents nothing from which we may gather hope of any speedy change for the better. In every branch, save one solitary exception, there is a large falling-off, amounting to 344,565., as compared with the corresponding quarter of 1831; making, with the former quarters, an alarming deficiency of 2,661,848. on the whole year. The branch in which an improvement has occurred is the Excise; and in that, there has been an increase of 56,2281. The decrease for the quarter, in the Customs amounts to 239,2967.- in the Stamps, to 14,8667.-in the Post Office, to 54,006/-in the Assessed Taxes, to 82,471.-and in the miscellaneous imposts, to 10,1547. This state of affairs is, it must be confessed, of no cheering description; and to add to its gloom, we fear that no measures likely to brighten our prospects, will emanate from the present administration. The business which has principally occupied the attention of Parliament since our last, has been the payments made to Russia upon the loan contracted, in 1815, the state of Ireland, and the various bills connected with the measure of Reform: these last have all been progressed, and several of them have finally passed; but, from circumstances connected with their operation it is now ascertained that a dissolution of the lower house cannot take place till after Christmas. The payment on the Russian loan, which was stipulated to continue only whilst Belgium remained united to Holland, and which accordingly ought to have ceased immediately as the former gained independence, has been the subject of two distinct motions in the Commons. The first was rejected in a house of four hundred and forty present members, by the small majority of forty-six only; the second was lost by thirty-six, when three hundred and forty-six members voted. The state of Ireland which is one of the most turbulent and distracted, occupied the attention of the Lords on the 2nd of July, when the Earl of Roden moved an address to the king for an inquiry into it. He was ably supported by the dukes of Wellington and Cumberland, and the earls of Eldon and Wicklow; but the motion was lost-Contents 79, Noncontents 120. The votes for supplies for Ireland were passed on the 16th of July without opposition. CHOLERA. We regret to state that this disease has recommenced its ravages with increased violence, not only in Britain, but on the Continents both of Europe and America. The mortality in France has been great; and the disease has appeared at Brussels. In our populous towns, and Ireland, it has raged with great fury; but yet with a decided alteration of one important feature, that of yielding more readily to medical treatment, particularly to a stimulating diet. In several prisons and public establishments where it had appeared, such a change of food has completely banished it. The disease broke out in Canada early in June, and spread with frightful rapidity. All trade was at a stand, and the people fled from the town in the greatest alarm. The deaths in Quebec, to the 18th of June, amounted to five hundred out of eight hundred persons attacked. The last report, states an abatement without giving particulars. IRELAND. The exertions of the popish agitators continue to disturb this country, and are conducted with an audacity and upon a scale which in any other country, and under any other government, would seem incredible. The population are regularly trained, and drilled to act in bodies and under one discipline; they are publicly headed by popish priests, assemble in immense numbers, and commit the most dreadful excesses under the eyes of their leaders, without being restrained, and before the government by which they ought to be controlled. To name only one assemblage of this kind-a large portion of the CENTRAL EUROPE.-The affairs of the central States of Europe are so interwoven that it seems impracticable to take a separate view of them. France has united herself with Belgium and the malcontents of Italy, to support the cause of revolution throughout Europe. Holland is sustained by Prussia and Russia to oppose Belgium directly; whilst Austria shews a determined opposition to the liberal party in Italy, and thus all these powers are indirectly menacing France. The position of the latter, aided as she is by England, is very formidable notwithstanding her internal tumultuary state, which only requires a convenient outlet to pour forth masses of men more formidable from their enthusiasm than their discipline, again to overthrow and overturn civilized Europe. The position which this country has gradually assumed, and the menacing declarations of King Leopold (who can only speak the language of the French cabinet), who refuses to enter into treaty with Holland, and declares that unless the territory he claims be evacuated by the 20th ult. he will immediately commence the siege of Maestricht, speaks the eagerness of that cabinet to engage in such a war. Austria and Prussia, in union with the other German States, have formed a league to suppress the spread of revolutionary principles and measures through their States, and to assist each other in their efforts for this purpose; and thus oppose the political warfare now offensively pushing on by France by a defensive manœuvre of the same kind. In Paris the Court of Cassation has decided against the competency of the military courts, by a majority of 19 to 3. The districts lately declared to be in a state of siege, are no longer under military law. Of the Duchess de Berri there is no certain information. The subjects of the King of Holland profess themselves to be most ardent in his cause, and devoted to the support of it. RUSSIA.-Lord Durham has left this country on a mission to the Russian Cabinet. It is supposed to relate to Poland. That unhappy country is nearly depopulated by the severe measures inflicted by the conquerors. PENINSULA. The armament of Dom Pedro arrived off the Bar of Oporto on the evening of Sunday, 8th July; and the following morning the troops were landed at Meltosinhoes, a village on the north Bank of the Douro, 7,500 in number; of which 460 are English, and about the same number French. The debarkation met with no opposition from Dom Miguel. The troops immediately marched to Oporto, which they entered and took possession of without opposition. The garrison and police retreating across the bridge of boats to Villa Nova, on the south side of the river. They had but partially destroyed this bridge, when they were compelled to desist, by some steam boats carrying artillery and covering the approach of 3,000 of Dom Pedro's army in boats. The latter, having effected a landing, attacked the enemy with great spirit; and after some hard fighting drove them into the interior. During this retreat, one of Miguel's regiments threw up their caps, and cried for Donna Maria. They were immediately surrounded by the Miguelite forces, and nearly all massa cred. Great alarm prevails in the south of Spain from this expedition; and the governor of Seville has issued a proclamation urging the people to support the government and repel any attempt to change. EGYPT AND SYRIA. The Syrian campaign has terminated in the capture of St. Jean d'Acre. The bombardment recommenced on the 19th of May. On the 27th the breaches were practicable, when Ibrahim ordered them to be stormed. The columns were repulsed three times. He then placed himself at the head of one of them, and led it on to the attack. He displayed great personal courage; and, though the assailants suffered severely from a mine very critically sprung, he succeeded in carrying the town. Abdallah retreated with his harem and a few faithful followers into the castle, where he resolved to hold out. The ministers of religion interposed, and effected a surrender. Ibrahim granted the pacha and his followers life, liberty, and the possession of their personal property. Abdallah did not venture to commit himself to the hands of the Sultan, his late master, but chose Egypt as the place of his retreat. He had just arrived at Alexandria when the last despatches came away. UNIVERSITY, ECCLESIASTICAL, AND PAROCHIAL INTELLIGENCE. NNNNI THE NEW CHURCH AT LANE END, WEST WYCOMBE, BUCKS.-This church was consecrated on the 12th July by the Bishop of Lincoln, who preached an excellent consecration sermon from Psalm lxxxiv. 1, after which, the sum of 1171. 2s. 6d. was collected, for providing a house for the minister. The district includes part of the parishes of Hambleden, Marlow, West Wycombe, and Fingest, and contains about 1,200 souls. The church cost somewhat more than 2,0001. ST. DUNSTAN'S CHURCH, FLEET STREET.-This edifice, as far as its masonry is concerned, is just brought to a completion. It is in the Gothic style, and has a square tower, from which springs an octagonal turret, surmounted by richly-ornamented pinnacles at each angle, with open masonry work, and three smaller pinnacles between. Viewed from the end of Fleet-street it has a very beautiful appearance. THE LADYE CHAPEL.-GRAND FANCY FAIR.-The grand Fancy Fair, for the benefit of the funds collecting for the restoration of the Ladye Chapel, was lately held at the Surrey Zoological Gardens. On both days the company was extremely numerous, there being on either about 3,000 present. On the whole, it excelled any fancy fair we remember, and must have a powerful tendency to bring that species of useful amusement into fashion. The gardens were thrown open for the admission of visitors at eleven. A line of marquees was erected opposite to the lake that adorns the gardens, in which were set out the fancy articles retailed by the fair amateur stall-keepers. The band of the Coldstream Guards were stationed on the peninsula, and played selections from the operas of Robert le Diable and Fidelio during the day. Apart from the objects of the fair, the attention of the company was attracted to the collection of living animals, an additional source of amusement and recreation. A miniature frigate was propelled on the surface of the lake, and attracted much attention; the piece of water also contained an Indian canoe and a punt; the latter was appropriated for the accommodation of the young gentlemen who were disposed to form aquatic parties. The beadles of the parish of St. Saviour attended with two ingenious models of the beautiful Cathedral Church, which were screwed on their wands, and exhibited for the gratification of the company. The sum collected was 4201. Active preparations have at length commenced for the restoration of this celebrated relic. A workshop is erecting for the masons, and a quantity of Portland stone provided for their use. The Lord Bishop of Gloucester commenced his Primary Visitation on Thursday, 19th ult., when he visited the Clergy of the Deanery of Gloucester, and delivered to them a 3 U VOL. XIV. NO. VIII. very able and luminous charge, setting forth very fully the important duties incumbent upon them, to which they listened with great attention. The Bishop confirmed about 220 children on Friday at Newnham, and afterwards visited the Clergy of the Forest Deanery, when nearly the whole of them in that extensive part of the Diocese attended. The Lord Bishop of Lincoln intends holding his next Ordination at Buckden, on Sunday, the 23d of September next.—Candidates are required to send their papers thither to his Lordship before the 10th of August. NON-GRADUATES.-By a recent regulation in the diocese of York, it appears that non-graduates cannot there be admitted candidates for holy orders after they have completed their thirtieth year; nor without, at least, two years' preparatory study, under the direction of some Clergyman appointed for that purpose, of whom one is the Rev. W. Snowden, B.D., Incumbent of Horbury, Yorkshire. KING'S COLLEGE, LONDON.-It was stated by one of the Masters at the General Distribution of Prizes, on Friday, July 13, that amongst the successful candidates for Prizes in the Second Class, there was a little boy who began the Latin Grammar at Christmas last, and he could now challenge an examination as far as the thirtieth page in Valpy's "Latin Delectus," and the Life of Miltiades in "Nepos;" and also translate into correct Latin, the latter half of "Valpy's First Exercises," without book, the English being read to him. He is only eight years of age. UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK.-The following, we perceive, is the statute adopted by this institution on the subject of religion:-" Instruction shall be regularly given in the evidences of revealed religion, in the literature and antiquities of the Bible, and in its contents, as the inspired rule of human duty. The reading of the Scriptures and prayer, as is customary in other literary institutions of this country, shall also be a part of the daily exercises of the University." SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.-A most numerous, respectable, and highly interesting meeting of the friends and members of the Bath and Bedminster District Committee of this ancient Society, took place at Wrington, on Tuesday last. Shortly before eleven o'clock, the Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells arrived at the parish church, where a most eloquent, able, and impressive sermon was preached by the Rev. Plumpton Wilson, LL.B., Rector of Ilchester, from Rev. iii. 2. "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die." SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL.-On Thursday, July 5th, was holden the Anniversary Meeting of the Worcester Diocesan Committee, in aid of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. A most admirable and appropriate sermon was preached by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, and the collection after service amounted to the sum of 347. 19s. 3d. ORGAN.-An organ has lately been put up in St. Ebbe's church, Oxford, purchased by a subscription of Members of the University, for the use of the above church. It is built by Bishop, who altered St. Mary's and St. John's organs, and built the one lately put up in All Saints' church. It is played by a barrel. The tunes are simple and well set, and the tone good. The front is plain Gothic, and the battlemented top corresponds to the back of the communion table. MAYNOOTH COLLEGE.-The grant to the schools, which had so long flourished under the Kildare-street Society, is withdrawn-that to the Catholic College at Maynooth being carefully continued; and the whole system of national education in Ireland is remodelled upon a system which excludes the free use of the Scriptures from the schools: even in those parts which are retained, changes are sedulously introduced, in compliance with the demands of the Popish clergy. For instance, the commandments which Protestant children are to learn in those schools, are not permitted to retain the words "graven image," lest they should appear to censure the adoration of images in the Romish Church, and in the very history of our first parents, the authorised version of the Bible is altered, and the real sense of a passage grossly perverted, to sanction the worship of the Virgin Mary. The Hon. G. Spencer, brother of Lord Althorp, was ordained a Catholic Priest, on the 26th of June, at the hands of Cardinal Zurta, in the Church of St. Gregory, with great pomp and ceremony. On the 30th, he left Rome for England, like another Theodore, burning with impatience to convert to the true faith us heretic and barbarous Britons, his benighted countrymen. His reverence has had his head shaved in the most orthodox manner. The stewards of the Musical Festival of the Choirs of Gloucester, Worcester, and Hereford, have appointed the meeting to take place in the middle of September, at Gloucester, under the direction of Mr. Arnott, who has succeeded the late Mr. Mutlow in conducting these performances. Lord Cloncurry, in a letter to an Anti-Tithe Meeting, held at Rathcoole, says-" My friends, I am a landlord, and I hope not a bad one. Remember, I tell you that if tithe were abolished to-morrow, nine-tenths of the Irish landlords would add the amount to the rent; and the condition of the poor would be anything but improved, for there are more absentee landlords than parsons." CONFUSION AMONG THE DISSENTERS AT HALSTED.-Dissensions, it appears, had for a considerable length of time existed among the members of the Independent Chapel; and, about four months ago, they rose to such a pitch that their preacher, Mr. Savill, got worried by them, and resigned his charge, declaring that he was compelled to do so, for his own peace of mind. Upon this, "the low party," as they are denominated, fixed upon a Mr. Johnson, who officiated for them for a brief season; but objections being urged, he made room for Mr. Carter of Braintree, who alleged that he was interrupted by Mr. Sewell, the senior deacon, and others, while addressing the congregation on the 24th June. Hence arose the proceedings which agitated, and we believe still agitate, the dissenting community at Halsted. We are credibly informed that during the existence of these disputes, the offensive, we might say sacrilegious, conduct of the contending parties became very annoying to the peaceable and respectable inhabitants of the town; and that the confusion created by them cannot readily be forgotten or forgiven by those who respect peace, sanctity, and solemnity, as distinguishing and indispensable characteristics of a "village sabbath." After a most laborious investigation by a full bench of highly respectable magistrates, the complaint brought against Mr. Sewell by Mr. Carter was dismissed; or rather it was suggested that the proceedings should be withdrawn altogether, with this admission on the part of the bench, that an interruption had taken place, but it was not proved by whom. On Saturday, June 30, we learn that the friends of Mr. Savill demanded the keys from Mr. Carter's party; and being refused, broke open the doors of the Chapel, removed the old locks and fastenings, put new ones in their place, and chained up the gates, &c. so as to prevent any attempt at preaching by any party: and, thus, we believe, the matter rests. DISSENT AT CHELMSFORD.-A respectable Dissenting Minister at this place lately advised his reforming hearers to exercise a spirit more becoming their Christian profession towards their anti-reforming neighbours; at which obtrusive advice, a stripling of a lawyer formed a clan, and at length actually ousted their sacred teacher from the chapel. All this, with what is related of the conduct of the Halsted people, is perfectly natural, and what has been so ably pointed out in our number for June, by our correspondent, "A Churchman from Conviction." SLAVERY.-Several of the Wesleyan Missionaries are at present being examined before the committees of both houses of parliament on the subject of Slavery. Mr. John Barry's examination occupied four days; and his evidence embraces 700 folios. Mr. W. Knibb, the Baptist Missionary just returned from Jamaica, is also subpœnaed to give evidence. The Committee of the Birmingham Anti-Slavery Society have issued the following form of a declaration :-" We, the undersigned, hereby declare that we will not vote for or support any person who is or may become a candidate to represent this borough in parliament, who will not declare his intention strenuously to promote, in parliament, the immediate and entire abolition of Colonial Slavery. The Society of Friends have just presented the Anti-Slavery Society with a donation of 1000l. from "a subscription raised to aid in promoting the total abolition of the Slave Trade and Slavery." |