State of Public Affairs at the commencement of the Year-Signs of reviving Prosperity-State of Ireland-The Proceedings against Mr. O'Connell-Parliament opened on the first of February-Her Majesty's Speech-The Address is moved in the House of Lords by the Earl of Eldon-His Speech, relating principally to Affairs of Ireland -Lord Hill seconds the Address-Speeches of the Marquess of Normanby, Lord Brougham, who enlarges upon the advantages of French alliance; the Marquess of Clanricarde, and Lord Campbell.-The Address in the House of Commons is moved by Viscount Clive, and seconded by Mr. E. Cardwell-Their Speeches-Mr. Cardwell depicts, in strong terms, the Improvements in Trade and Revenue-Mr. Hume and Mr. S. Crawford each move Amendments to portions of the Address— Speeches of Mr. Warburton, Mr. Wallace, Lord John Russell, Sir Robert Peel, Lord Palmerston, Mr. Roebuck, Viscount Howick, Mr. Wyse, Mr. Villiers, and other Members-Both the Amendments are rejected by large majorities, and the Address is carried—Mr. Sharman Crawford moves, on the 6th February, the Stoppage of the Supplies until the Public Grievances are redressed-The Motion is seconded by Mr. W. Williams, and opposed by Sir Robert Peel and other Members-It is rejected by 130 to 22.
HE opening of the year 1844 found the country for the most part in a thriving and tranquil condition. An increasing revenue and reviving trade reanimated the spirits of the community after the long period of depression VOL. LXXXVI.
by which the patience of numerous classes had been so severely tried, and tended also to confirm the tenure of the party in possession of the Government, by the credit which this prosperous reaction reflected on their measures. Po[B]