OBSERVANDA INTERNA. Her Majesty's Birth Day.-Jan. 19. Her Majesty completed her 64th year May 19, 1808, but the celebration of this event being kept on the 18th of January following, it was on this day observed with great splendour. At 1 o'clock a double royal salute was fired in St. James's Park; also 64 cannon at the Tower. The court was numerously attended. The Prince and Princess of Wales came in state; as did most of the royal family. Many of the ladies' dresses were of velvet, richly embroidered with gold: some were of Anglo-merino wool: gold and silver tissue and sattins were much worn. * Biddings for Lottery Tickets.-The Chancellor of the Exchequer has received the biddings for a new lottery of 20,000 tickets, to be drawn in four days, of 5000 each day, and to end 29th April, with liberty of locking up 2000 tickets, similar to the extra prizes of last lottery. The biddings Vaccination. In pursuance of the resolution of parliament passed in the last session, a National Institution for promoting vaccination, is established under the management of a board, which consists of the following members :-Sir Lucas Pepys, Bart. president of the Royal College of Physicians; Dr. Mayo, Dr. Heberden, Dr. Satterley, and Dr. Bancroft, censors of the College; George Chandler, Esq. master; and Robert Keate, Esq. and Sir Charles Elicke, governors of the Royal College of Surgeons.The Board have appointed the following officers:-director, Dr. Jenner; assistant director, James Moore, Esq.; register, Dr. Hervey; principal vaccinator, J. C. Carpue, Esq.; vaccinators at the stations, Charles Atkins, Esq., T. Hale, Esq., Richard Lane, Esq., Edward Leese, Esq., S. Sawrey, Esq., and J. Vincent, Esq.; secretary, Charles Murray, Esq. West-India Dock Company. At a general court of this company, held at their house, Jan, 6, the chairman read a report from a committee of directors on the general conduct of the company's concerns, to the end of the year 1808. The report claims, as belonging to the establishment, credit for whatever benefits have resulted to the West India trade, from the warehousing system, the adoption of which, it is well known, had been long contemplated by a great statesman, and only suspended until suitable accommodations for security of the revenue were provided. It is also remarked, that the charges on the import trade which the company receive, and to which they are limited by law, during the extent of the charter, are taken exactly at the existing standard of those charges as the time of passing the act, although these rates had been almost annually advancing, and with other expences of trade, would probably have still further advanced; consequently, that positive and considerable advantages were by this speculation alone secured to the public. To demonstrate the increase of the West India trade, and that the company's means and resources have kept pace with that increase, several statements taken from the books are presented.The first statement shews the comparative number of West India ships, and the dispatch given at the docks for the last six years, viz. No. of Ships. Finished Landing. 363 Year. 1803 1804 354 last Exclusive of smaller vessels and craft. From these returns it appears, that within the year the company unloaded 65 ships more than in the preceding season, and 174 ships more than the average number of the five previous years. Also, that, notwithstanding the embarrassments which the well known stagnation of export trade caused in the last season, by producing an extraordinary accumulation of goods in the warehouses, and consequent scarcity of stowage-room, yet the Company actually unloaded, in the space of five months, from the beginning of July to the beginning of November, upwards of 460 ships, besides smaller vessels, &c. with cargoes comprizing upwards of An additional statement is given of the quantity of goods actually deposited within the warehouses at one time, exclusive of articles on the quays, 158,600 Casks 207,800 Bags 11,600 Chests 1,500 Bales whereof 102,600 were 14,600 38,200 190,400 >of various Commodities. Hhds. and Tierces Sugar, That the warehouse room for sugar at the free quays, previous to the existence of the docks, according to the best computation that could be made, was not capable of containing one-third of the quantity of that article actually lodged at one time in the company's warehouses. The report concludes thus: "The principles by which the court of directors have uniformly governed their conduct, have been those of sound discretion in the application of the funds of the company, a liberal construction and performance of its engagements with the public, and a scrupulous impartiality in the administration of business. How far these objects pation of the liberality of our fellow-citizens, and shews to the world the lively interes: they always take in the cause of freedom. About £2500 were subscribed in a few minutes, and the subscription, we understand, has since kept pace with the exin-pectations of the most sanguine. have been faithfully pursued, and successfully accomplished, may best be evinced, as to the first, by the prosperous state of your finances; as to the second, by the details furnished by, and the facts connected with this report; and, as to the last, it may fairly be demanded whether one single stance can be produced to the contrary." Parter Brewery.-Statement of the quantity of strong beer, denominated porter, brewed by the first twelve houses in London, from the 5th July, 1808, to the 5th January, 1809: Barrels. 64,361 48,196 41,654 40,719 39,292 33,628 25,439 18,095 15,578 ... 14,877 Improvements in Bristol-While our fellowcitizens are laudably exerting themselves in behalf of more distant objects, they are not forgetful of the nearer and more immediate relations of local and internal improvements. More than half a million of money has been expended within a few years, for the improvement of the dock and harbour, and the paving ar d lighting the streets. An additional wing has been added to the Infirmary, and a permanent fund established for its support : £10,000 has been raised for the erection of a com mercial coffee-room in a site and on a scale worthy of the second city in the kingdom; and £2000, and upwards has been subscribed, in a few days, to accomplish a plan and found an institution for the joint accommodation of the library and philosophical societies of this city. The completion of this last scheme is a consummation devoutly to e wished; for literature and science, as it has been aptly expressed, add sunshine to day-light: but it cannot be carried into effect, upon a liberal and extensive scale, for much less than £10,000. British Institution, Fine Arts.-At the close of the exhibition in July last, several of the governors of this institution, who are in possession of fine pictures by old masters, liberally sent to their gallery, for the study of our juvenile artists, a few specimens of the most approved excellence. Up- Liverpool House of Industry.-There are at wards of a hundred students were admitted; present in our House of Industry nearly 1100 fitty of whom have been in a course of regular at- persons, men, women, and children, who are tendance during the last four months; near 150 maintained (as far as respects nutriment) at the studies have been made. In addition to this, the moderate expence of 2s. 31d. per week each: committee of directors, in May last, issued a they are nevertheless fed upon the best provisions, notice, that they proposed to give four premiums and in general look remarkably healthy. The of fifty guineas each for the three best pictures, children are well clothed, and have a very decent and the best model, executed in the preceding and healthy appearance. The poor rates in Liyear, and sent to their gallery on or before the verpool are lower than in almost any other large 15th ult. Twenty-four candidates for this hono- town; and the great bulk of the money collectrable competition sent their respective performed from them is expended in an allowance to the ances. The directors awarded the premiums to the following artists:-Mr. G. Dawe, for his picNew Exchange Coffee-room, Liverpool.-On ture of Imogen, from Cymbeline. Mr. W. Monday, Jan 2, was opened this superb and eleSharpe, for his picture of the Music-Master. gant room, which, with its appendages, occupies Mr. J. Linnell, for his Landscape, with figures nearly the entire length of the east wing of the removing timber.-Mr. S. Gahagan, for his Mo- New Exchange Buildings. The extreme length del of Samson breaking the bonds.The pic of this magnificent room, extending from north tures, &c. remain the property of the artists, and to south, is 94 feet 3 inches, the breadth 42 feet are eligible to be received into the ensuing exhi-7 inches, and its greatest height 51 feet 9 inches. bition for sale. out poor. -The ceiling of the room is supported on each Subscription for the Relief of the Spanish Pa- side by 8 stone columns of the lonic order, each triots.-Bristol, January 18. Lately a meeting column composed of one entire and very beautiful of several of the most respectable inhabitants of shaft, and, including its capital, measuring 20 this city was held at the Guildhall, pursuant to feet 9 inches from the floor to the bottom of the the advertisement. The right worshipful the architrave. The centre part of the roof between Mayor was called to the chair, who opened the the columns is covered, and the arch is neatly orbusiness by observing, that the cause of the Spa-namented in pannels-a magnificent colonade nish Patriots, in whose behalf the meeting was is thus formed in the centre of the room, which assembled, had excited the attention and sympa- has a striking effect when viewed from the firethy of the metropolis of the empire. That he places either at the north or south end; and the was confident there was not an individual present, intermediate spaces on each side are appropriated who was not prepared to second the liberal exer- to chairs and tables, and are amply provided with tions which had been made for their assistance all the newspapers and periodical publications of and relief, and he therefore was certain, that the the day. The walls of this noble room are ornaresolutions he had to propose would meet with|mented with 20 pilasters, corresponding to the unanimous supprt. He then proceeded to read the resolutions, which were seconded in a short and appropriate speech by Mr. Alderman Claxton. The result of the meeting has justified our antici colonnade. There are six large arched windows on the west side, five on the east, and two at the south, between which is a handsome recess for an elegant stove. There are three large fire-places; and the chimney-pieces are constructed of British black marble(Kendal), having a rich and handsome effect. Such are the dimensions and construction of a room which reflects the highest nonour on the public spirit of the town of Liverpool, and not less so on the taste and ability of Mr. John Foster, architect to the corporation, from whose plans and drawings the whole has been executed.Though the room has been opened only three days, the pressure of subscribers is so great, that during the hours of business, it is completely filled and while the present inclement season continues, the whole square of Exchange Buildings will be almost entirely deserted-to obviate this, however, in milder weather, we have no doubt the proprietors will see the necessity of closing the doors somewhat earlier than at present, as in a commercial town of so much magnitude, the grand object of the buildings would be defeated, were the merchants divided, during the period of high change. Supply of Coal. Hereford, Dec. 28. The enormous price now demanded for coal in the Forest of Dean, and the difficulty at present experienced of procuring an adequate quantity, on any terms, bid fair to be counteracted, by opening new sources of supply for this city and neighbourhood. Wales is beginning to send us at more reasonable rates, a material far more lasting and, in every respect, under proper management, much more effectual. Abergavenny and Leominster are expected to contribute largely from their ample stores, and a large premium is in contemplation for the discovery of coal within a certain distance of this city, with a particular reference to the hills near Stoke Park and Checkley, where strong suspicions are entertained that former experiments were not conducted as they should have been. Benevolence.-Worcester, Dec. 31. Upwards of five hundred distressed families humbly return their most grateful thanks to the benevolent inhabitants of this city, who, by a subscription, have contributed to mitigate their sufferings, by a donation of near sixty tons of coal, which has been distributed amongst them, without any other distinction than that of evident poverty. State Works, North Wales.-The slate works opened and wrought by the late Lord Penryn, in North Wales (described Vol. V. p. 725), produce at present upwards of £25,000 per annum. | ter-Copy of a letter received at the banking house of Messrs. Hartford and Co. Bristolinclosing a £1 hole. "For the Gentlemen who receive the Subscription for the noble Spanish Patriots. "Push on my hearty jovial Bristol wags, "Don't let the Subscription stand: I see it laggs. "In such a glorious cause ye cannot do enough, "Then cheerful send your rhino in, like poor "TOM TUFF, "Late of his Majesty's ship Victory, now a "wounded Pensioner, who sends a One Pound "Note-I wish I could afford more." Beautiful Fieldfare.-A singular and beautiful variety of the fieldfare species made its appearance in the neighbourhood of Arnold during the late snow. On Christmas-eve it was wounded in the wing by a single shot from a great distance, and thus taken alive, but only survived two days. The principal colour of the plumage is milk white, speckled here and there with black and brown spots, particularly on the breast, the colours of which resemble those of the common fieldfare more than on any other part. The tail is black and white, with a very slight tinge of the usual blue cast. The bill is entirely yellow, like that of the blackbird. In size, form, and the chattering note it so exactly resembles the fieldfare, that it is evidently an accidental and very curious variety. It has been stuffed for preservation, and is in the possession of B. Thompson, Esq. of Redhill Lodge near this place. Defrauding Turnpike.-A few days ago, a per son was fined in the penalty of five pounds, by the magistrates of the county of Worcester, for taking off one of the horses drawing his cart along the turnpike road leading to this city, before its arrival at the turnpike, and by such act defrauding the gate-keeper of his toll. Hydrophobical Medical Inquiry-We understand that government have directed the College of Physicians to inquire into the cause of the recent frequent occurrences of cases of hydropho bia, and to consider the means of preventing the increase of that alarming evil. Basking Shark.-A very large fish was taken, with much difficulty, near Penryn, on Tuesday, Jan. 2, at day-break, measuring 31 feet long and 19 feet round; its weight is supposed to exceed fire tons. It is believed to be what is commonly called the Basking Shark. IRELAND. Kestrel tamed.-There is a beautiful little hawk, generally called a sparrow-hawk, but which, in fact, is of a very different species, being Imports, Exports.-Dublin, Jan. 7. The entries a kestrel or windhover (falco tinnunculus), now of sugar, for some time past, have been conside-living, belonging to Mr. John King, of Bucking-rable; rum and whiskey also make a prominent ham, which frequently takes its flight, and is absent for several days, a week or two, or longer, when it returas to the house, and goes about as tamely as before. It was taken from its nest when very young, in June 1807, and bred up tame. Mice are its favourite food. Within the last two months it has changed its old plumage for a new and much brighter one, being chiefly of a brick-coloured red, embellished with elegant black triangular spots. Liberality of a British Tar.-The following instance of efficient patriotism deserves to be recorded in the style, as well as in the spirit of the wri figure in our daily list. The duty on sugar last Wednesday amounted to £21,325, of which the house of O'Connor and Moore entered 757 hhds. 206 tierces, and 19 barrels from Antigua, bringing to the revenue near £17,000 of the above sum. The same day were imported 74 puncheons of corn spirits, duty £2271. As connected with our manufactures, we felt pleasure in perceiving the arrival of some beaver wool, organzine silk, &c. The exportations are beef, butter, arms, and a few pipes of Lisbon wine and lemon juice, the articles of provision for London, and the latter for Liverpool." PARLIAMENTARY HISTORY. The Third Session of the Fourth Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. -49 Geo. III. paign in Portugal, and the deliverance of the kingdom of his ally from the presence and oppressions of the French army, his majesty campaign by an armistice and convention, of most deeply regretted the termination of that some of the articles of which his majesty has felt himself obliged formally to declare his disapprobation. CHAP. I.-King's Speech-Debates on the Copy of his Majesty's speech, delivered by commission, at the opening of the session, January 19, 1809. My Lords and Gentlemen,-We have in it command from his majesty, to state to yon, that his majesty has called you together, in perfect confidence that you are prepared cordially to support his majesty in the prosecution of a war, which there is no hope of terminating safely and honourably, except through vigorous and persevering exertion. We are to acquaint you, that his majesty has directed to be laid before you, copies of the proposals for opening a negociation, which were transmitted to his majesty from Erfurth; and of the correspondence which thereupon took place with the governments of Russia and of France; together with the declaration issued by his majesty's command on the termination of that correspondence His majesty is persuaded, that you will participate in the feelings which were expressed by his majesty, when it was required that his majesty should consent to commence the negociation, by abandoning the cause of Spain, which be had so recently and solemnly espoused. We are commanded to inform you, that his majesty continues to receive from the Spanish government the strongest assurances of their determined perseverance in the cause of the legitimate monarchy, and of the national independence of Spain; and to assure you, that so long as the people of Spain shall remain true to themselves, his majesty will continue to them his most strenuous assistance and support. His majesty has renewed to the Spanish nation, in the moment of its difficulties and reverses, the engagements which he voluntarily contracted at the outset of its struggle against the usurpation and tyranny of France; and we are cominanded to acquaint you, that these engagements have been reduced into the form of a treaty of alliance, which treaty, so soon as the ratification shall have been exchanged, his majesty will cause to be laid before you. His majesty commands us to state to you, that while his majesty contemplated with the liveliest satisfaction the achievements of his forces in the commencement of the cam jesty to the king of Sweden. That monarch derives a peculiar claim to his majesty's support in the present exigency of his affairs, from having concurred with his majesty in the propriety of rejecting any proposal for negociation to which the government of Spain was not to be admitted as a party. Gentlemen of the House of Commons,We are commanded by his majesty to inform you, that he has directed the estimates of the current year to be laid before you. His majesty relies upon your zeal and affection to make such further provision of supply as the vigorous prosecution of the war may render necessary; and he trusts that you may be enabled to find the means of providing such supply without any great or immediate increase of the existing burthens upon his people. His majesty feels assured, that it will be highly satisfactory to you to learn, that, notwithstanding the measures resorted to by the enemy for the purpose of destroying the com merce and resources of his kingdom, the public revenue has continued in a course of progressive improvement. My Lords and Gentlemen,-We are directed to inform you, that the measure adopted by parliament in the last session for establishing a local militia has been already attended with the happiest success, and promises to be extensively and permanently bene ficial to the country. We have received his majesty's commands most especially to recommend to you, that duly weighing the immense interests which are at stake in the war now carrying on, you should proceed with as little delay as possible to consider of the most effectual measures for the augmentation of the regular army, in order that his majesty may be the better enabled, without impairing the means of defence at home, to avail himself of the military power of his dominions in the great contest in which he is engaged; and to conduct that contest, under the blessing of Divine Providence, to a conclusion compatible with the honour of his majesty's crown, and with the interests of his allies, of Europe, and of the world. In the House of Lords, on the same day, The earl of Bridgwater rose to move the address. He began by regretting that this task had not devolved on a more able speaker; yet he was sure their lordships would unanimously commend the rupture of the negociation proposed from Erfurth-with our refusal to withdraw our assistance from Spain-they would also honour the British valour displayed at Vimiera; whatever difference of opinion the convention at Cintra might occasion. He touched on the necessity of augmenting our military force-of supporting Sweden and Spain, and mentioned the flourishing state of our finances. before they had obtained adequate informa tion. In his opinion the overtures from Erfurth could never have led to peace. The earl of Liverpool considered the address as pledging the house only to that general support of the Spanish cause which was consonant to the sentiments of all ranks of people in this country. Affirmed that the British forces had proceeded to the Tagus in consequence of the best advice-that this expedition had produced the happiest effects that gen. Spencer's cooperation, with a small body of men, had prevented Junot from assisting Dupont, and thereby had contributed to promote Dupont's surrender. Lord Sheffield seconded the noble earl -applauded the vigour of ministry-hoped the best for Spain, notwithstanding unfortu-Though parts of the convention of Cintra mate appearences: adverted to the embargo were censurable, yet it might be justified as a in America, and the probability of our own whole.-Ministry desired to live in peace with colonies furnishing the articles we formerly America; but certainly that government was obtained from thence. partial to France. On the lord chancellor's reading the address, the earl of St. Vincent rose to express his dissent from whatever commended ministers. He thought them notoriously incapable -thought the convention at Cintra the great est disgrace that had befallen the British arms since the revolution. Declared the present ministry ought to be turned out, by an address from that house to his majesty. His lordship apologised for infirmities attendant on his age, and pleaded them as a cause of taking his im.nediate leave of the house; "most probably never to address them again." Earl Grosvenor disliked the present mode of divulging the speech, for the first time, from the throne; whereas formerly the speech was previously read at the Cockpit, and more time was allowed for considering its contents. He was for supporting Spain vigorously. Viscount Sidmouth was for supporting Spain but thought a treaty with the central junta was of a doubtful policy. Lord Grenville could not concur in supporting the address. He abominated the tyrant who was now labouring to usurp the throne of Spain:-but, he would not send British armies into Spain-thought flying squadrons and occasional debarkations would have greater effect-thought the system of irregular warfare proposed by the Spaniards in their " Precautions" was the best adapted to their situation-thought the British troops should have been landed in Biscay, and should have secured the passes of the Pyrennees. He accused ministers of delay in sending troops; and of unwisely commencing operations at Lisbon. He noticed the armistice and convention at Cintra, of which, though some parts did not meet his majesty's approbation, yet the house knew nothing of what parts his majesty disliked; but was called on to give a vote in the dark, although the city of London had been harshly reprimanded for giving an opinion on that matter, Lord Moira differed from his friends as to the conduct of the war in Spain-thought there was a time when the passes of the Pyrenees might have been seized, to great advantage-declared, that the military couduct of the convention of Cintra deserved no blame-but ministers were responsible for the political conduct of that expedition. The earl of Buckinghamshire agreed in opinion with lord Sidmouth. Lord Erskine censured the conduct of ministers, especially with respect to America. The lord chancellor defended ministers; as also did lord Mulgrave. Lord Auckland was dissatisfied on the subject of America-expected fuller information hereafter. Earl of Liverpool gave notice of motion of thanks to the British troops engaged at Vimiera. Motion for address carried nem. con. In the House of Commons: same day, Mr. Robinson rose to move the address. In his opinion the only way to obtain a safe and honourable peace was by prosecuting the war with vigour.-No expectation of peace could be grounded on the proposals from Erfurth.—Spain was in honourable resistance to a foreign tyrant, and must not be aban doned. The interests of all Europe, and of this country in particular, were involved in her resistance. To desert her, would be disgraceful. Mr. Rumbold Lushington, in a neat speech, seconded the motion. Mr. G. Ponsonby considered the present circumstances of the nation as awful-he dreaded the issue, while affairs were directed by persons of so little skill, so weak, as the present ministers. The treaty with the king of Sweden was useless, although he was to receive £100,000 per month, to enable him to defend himself. They had also sent forces to assist him; but, after remaining in Swe |