'Tis merit moves me now to write, Why should it languish on my tongue? For merit must be brought to light, And he to whom it does belong. Turner, thy name on record stands, High on the pinnacle of fame; Thy lively genius then demands Some little tribute to thy name. Thy curious liquid, shining Black, The rare invention of thy mind, Was not explored in ages back, Nor ever equall'd by mankind, This Blacking, when it is applied To boots or shoes, such lustre yields, That those who use it think with pride Qu Turner, of Saint George's Fields. 'Tis he, and he alone,that can This matchless composition make; Second his great exertions then, Render'd so useful for your sake. What, though, the rich gay garments boast, Yet is their grandeur greatly lost, Urge, then your footsteps to the place Of this renowned man's abode, His habitation you may trace, By journeying to the London-road. TO A GREAT MANUFACTURER IN ST. GEORGE'S FIELDS. I sing of heroic ire, A humble willing theme I choose; I sing and help me every Muse- Both high and low this Blacking use, Many indulge the fond conceit, That rich attire will credit bring; But far more polish'd they, and neat, Who use the Blacking that I sing. Gay as the lark in blooming spring, The youth and maid will then appear, Because from Turner's polishing, Their boots and shoes shine bright and clear. Most highly favour'd sure is he, Who by the shining of his boot, Charms the fair damsel, so that she Coyly accepts his modest suit, And happy the man beyond dispute Turner, the lustre of your art Turner-have you forgot the name? You know it is not worth a groat, With wigs of all colours,-yet he cannot engage To polish those heads where oft wisdom is [Blacking! lacking, AS WARREN can polish their feet with his Only view its effect!-Can a mirror surpass the Strand ;-) An Invention so useful deserves its reward, So, for your sake, dear Fashion, his name I'll record. PARLIAMENTARY HISTORY. СНАР. ІХ. HOUSE OF LORDS, Monday, June 10. The Earl of Lauderdale declared that he was influenced by a strong impression on his mind, that a new silver coinage would not only involve the people of the country in great expence, but prove of no benefit. He then adverted to the book of the late Earl of Liverpool, and opposed the representation in it, namely, that the standard of value of this country should be gold. Having stated that silver was the best standard, his next proposition was, that it should be a legal tender above the sum of forty-two shillings. England was the greatest mercantile country in the world, and if she continued a gold standard, whilst all other nations have adopted a silver standard, it would be almost impossible to have an exchange at par. Adverting to the plan of the Noble Earl (Liverpool) namely, to issue 3,500,000l. in shillings and sixpences, exceed a million sterling. Those would Question negatived without a division. Irish Treasurer. In a Committe on the Irish Exchequer Consolidation Bill, Sir J. Newport rose to object to what he deemed the inexpedient parts of the Bill. One evil apprehended by him from the creation of this new office of Vice-Treasurer of Ireland was a collision of authority between it and the Treasury Board. He strongly disapproved the provision, allowing him to sit in Parliament, which necessarily carried him out of the proper sphere of his official duties. He could not conceive any satisfactory reason for having the office filled by a person of great eminence in the state; but he readily understood why Ministers might endeavour to attach a person of rank and talent in Parliament, by the salary of 3,5001. a and to suffer the tokens and dollars to reyear. The fact of appointing a deputy main in circulation, until crowns and half-made it clear that this office was to be a crowns can be coined, he conceived that great loss would be sustained by the TreaBury and the public by the mode of exchanging old coin for new. The Noble Earl concluded by moving mere sinecure. By the bye, he would wish to know what was to be the deputy's salary. The Chancellor of the Exchequer said, the salary of the deputy was to be 10001. a year, but it was not to be a Parliamentary salary. "That a Committee be appointed to enquire whether, under the present state of the currency, new coin should be brought Mr. Ponsonby said, it was a most shameinto circulation; also whether silver oughtful and profligate job. The sole duty was to be the standard of value, and a legal ten- to countersign the warrant of the Lord der beyond forty-two shillings." Lieutenant, and to see that the sum issued was that contained in the warrant. No ta lents nor rank was required here, and a clerk of common honesty was equal to the office. There was no pretence for his hav ing more than a Lord of the Treasury, who had 1,2001. a year. He had thought 2,000l. a most ample allowance before he had heard of a deputy at 1,000l. a year. He thought it would be the best way to propose a salary of 2,000l. a year, and to ne gative the seat in Parliament. The Earl of Liverpool said, by looking to the state of things before the Bank Restriction, the House would find, that with a gold standard of value the country rose to prosperity, and they ought to conclude that it was the best measure of value. Silver, as a standard of value, was more variable than gold. A gold standard might be kept perfect, but it was impossible to keep silver perfect. He had been induced by persons who well understood the subject, to adopt an arrangement for issuing 20s. pieces, which would afford considerable convenience to the public, by the exchange of old coin for new. The amount of shillings and sixpences now in circulation, upon an exaggerated calculation, was not great. Supposing every individual of the whole population of twelve millions, to have five shillings in his possession, then it would amount to 66,000,000 of shillings, nearly three millions sterling; but as far as he had been able to obtain information, the actual amount of shillings and sixpences did not Mr. Peel said this Bill would put an end to eight Parliamentary Offices, five Lords of the Treasury, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Secretary to the Treasury of Ireland, and only created three. The officer in question would exercise a check upon the disposal of four millions, and examine the accompts of the Auditor of the Exchequer. After a considerable discussion, the original motion, in favour of the high salary, was carried, by 108 against 66. Mr. Ponsonby moved an amendment, purporting that the Vice-Treasurer should not be allowed to act by deputy.-Negatived, by 107 against 57. Monday, June 17. The Chancellor of the Exchequer brought up the Report of the Irish Exchequer Cousolidation Bill. When, in the progress of filling up the blanks, the question was put upon a salary of 3,500l. to the Vice-Treasurer, Mr. Ponsonby moved, that instead of 5,5001. be inserted 2,000l. (A pause ensued, and the Speaker ordered strangers to withdraw.) moved for a grant of the value of the ships taken at the surrender of Naples. He stated the value of the ships to be 158,000l. and which had been agreed by our Minister abroad to be restored to the Neapolitan Government. To indemnify the captors, he should move that the sum of 160,000%. should be voted to the officers and seamen under Captain Campbell, which was accordingly agreed to. 100,000l. to be paid to the Governors of Queen Anne's bounty, for the improvement of small livings. Mr. Ponsonby asked how long would this sum continue to be paid. The Chancellor of the Exchequer said, 10,2537. to be paid to the Trustees of the British Museuni. The Chancellor of the Exchequer ad-till a resident clergyman could live in some verted to the fact of a salary of 3,500l. hav- kind of comfort. In livings where there were 500 souls, it was proposed that the ing been allowed to three Vice-Treasurers in 1795, and of their having acted by de-income should be 150%. instead of 1007. puty, so that their places were sinecures. The salary as now proposed for the same duties was moderate, compared with that case, and the duties of the office would be diligently and efficiently performed.-The House divided, when the numbers were For the amendment. 100 Against it.......... 98 Majority (against Ministers) 2 Supply. 8007. to defray the expense of removing the Elgin Marbles to the British Museum. 17007. to defray the expense of erecting a temporary building for the Elgin Marbles at the Museum. 50,000l. for foreign and other secret service money, for the year 1816. 20,000l. for the making of roads and bridges in the Highlands of Scotland. 75,000l. for forming an inland naviga In a Committee of Supply, the following tion between the Eastern and Western sums were voted 1,500,000l. for the extraordinaries of the army for the present year. 185 000l. to make up the balances of the Civil List from the 5th of January to the 5th of July, in pursuance of the new regalations. 300,000l. for certain expences forming no part of the ordinary expenditure of the Civil List. 10,000l. for the emigrant clergy of France. 1.150%. for the poor of the parish of St. Martin. Seas. For completing the Penitentiary at Millbank, furnishing and making an embankment to the same, 15,000l. For keeping the road between London and Holyhead in repair, for one year, 10,000l. For the improvements in the works at Holyhead Harbour, 16,490l. 8,4002. for the expenses of an asylum for criminal Junatics. 9,000l. as a compensation to A. Graham, Esq. for additional services in superintend ing the prisoners on board the Hulks. 10,000/. for the completion of the worke at the College of Edinburgh. 3,000l. for the Board of Agriculture. 300,000l. to be paid to the Portuguese Government in pursuance of a convention signed at Vienna, in the year 1815. The Chancellor of the Exchequer stated, that the value of the stores captured by the army amounted to 916,000l. out of which the sum of 800,000l. had been paid as a remuneration to the army. An application had been made on the part of the navy, stating that they had, in a variety of iustauces, co-operated with the army; and claiming a remuneration. He should therefore move, "That the sum of 116,5407. be granted as a remuneration to the oftains in the city and liberties of Dublin. ficers, petty officers, and seamen under Lord Keith, for their services on the coast of France and Spain."-Agreed. The Chancellor of the Exchequer next 5,000/. for improvements in Westminster, 46,000l. for completing Howth Harbour. stated to be 7,000l. under the estimate. 6,000/. for the purpose of erecting foun 1,500l. for the Academical Institution at Belfast. 2,1817. for the Royal Military Asylum at Chelsea. POLITICAL PERISCOPE. Panorama Office, Jan. 28, 1817. Whether a loan from British merchants to France, be or be not concluded, is now the great mystery on the Stock Exchange of the city of Loudon, and on that of the city of Paris, That France wants the assistance is not dented, and whether she can -do without it, if it be withheld, is the question under discussion among those who have thoughts of furnishing it. The army of occupation presses heavily on the French Finances. It is reported, that a portion of it may be dispensed with; and a visit from the Duke of Wellington to England, in the last days of December, had certainly a ̈report on that subject for its purpose, and 'confidential communication. Some say the number to be withdrawn is 30,000 men : "of which 6,000 are British. Certainly the state of that army was a principal point. It cannot remain unsup plied with necessaries; but foresight must be exercised, more ways than one, on a question so new and important. These are early days to think of favour in any shape to plotting France. At home, the public peace has been disturbed, and seems likely to be disturbed, under pretences which honest men scout. The public has felt the insult; and Government has committed to inhabitant householders, the care of the peace. This is something like a return to old times; but, a return to old times, if it be thorough and complete, is far from our wishes; and whoever supposes that we can chuse in what points we will return and adopt them, exclusively, is little acquainted with the true state of things, either then or now. acted, circumstances may be so different, so contrary, that the provision may be null, if not detrimental. To speak of reduced expences, is what all the world expects; but, the effect of these reductions can be felt after a time, only. The discharge of a part of the At length, Parliament has met, and has been opened by the Prince Regent in person, with the usual attendants of State, by the following Speech from the throne. My Lords and Gentlemen, "It is with deep regret that I am again obliged to announce to you, that no alteration has occurred in the state of his Majesty's lamented indisposition. "I continue to receive from Foreign Powers the strongest assurances of their friendly disposition towards this country, aud of their earnest desire to maintain the general tranquillity. "The hostilities to which I was compelled to resort, in vindication of the honour of the country, against the Government of Algiers, have been attended with the most complete success. and unconditional liberation of all Christian Captives then within the territory of Algiers, and to the renunciation by its Government of the Practice of Christian Slavery. The public mind has been directed to the Meeting of Parliament, as to a period *when the distresses of the times may be al- "The splended achievement of his Maleviated. We doubt much the power of jesty's Fleet, in conjunction with a squathe Parliament in the present case. We dron of the King of the Netherlands, under expect, that whenever the Legislature shall the gallant and able conduct of Admiral cluse its session, the language of disappoint-Viscount Exmouth, led to the immediate ment will be much stronger than that of satisfaction. The cause is evident: Parliament can neither control the seasons, nor the current of events. Parliament cau neither cause the rain to descend from Heaven; nor when it is excessive, can Parlia ment restrain it. Parliament cannot force mercantile speculations, they must follow their own course, or rather that to which they are naturally, not capriciously, inelied. In many things we fear législative interference; because it can only provide against things as they actually stand; whereas, a mouth after the Legislature has "I am persuaded that you will be duly sensible of the importance of an arrangemeut so interesting to humanity, and re. flecting, from the manner in which it has been accomplished, such signal honour on the British nation. In India, the refusal of the Government of Nepaul to ratify a Treaty of Peace, which had been signed by its Plenipoten tiaries, occasioned a renewal of military|tional prosperity are essentially unimpaired, operations. and I entertain a confident expectation that the native energy of the country will at no distant period, surmount all the dif ficulties in which we are involved. "The judicious arrangements of the Governor-General, seconded by the bravery and perseverance of his Majesty's forces, and of those of the East ludia Company, brought the campaign to a speedy and successful issue; and peace has been finally established upon the just and honourable terms of the original Treaty. "In considering our internal situation, tion at the attempts which have been you will, I doubt not, feel a just indignamade to take advantage of the distresses of the country, for the purpose of exciting a spirit of sedition and violence. and good sense of the great body of his Ma"I am too well convinced of the loyalty being perverted by the arts which are emjesty's subjects to believe them capable of ployed to seduce them; but I am determined to omit no precautions for preserv “Gentlemen of the House of Commons, "I have directed the Estimates for the current year to be laid before you. "They have been formed upon a full consideration of all the present circumstances of the Country, with an anxious desire to make every reduction in our Esta-ing the public peace, and for counteractblishments which the safety of the Empire and sound policy allow. "I recommend the State of the Public lacome and Expenditure to your early and serions attention. ing the designs of the disaffected: and I rely with the utmost confidence on your holding a system of Law and Government, cordial support and co-operation, iu up"I regret to be under the necessity of advantages, which has enabled us to confrom which we have derived inestimable informing you, that there has been a defi- clude, with unexampled glory, a contest ciency in the produce of the Revenue in the whereou depended the best interests of last year; but I trust it is to be ascribed to mankind, and which has been hitherto temporary causes; and I have the consola-felt by ourselves, as it is acknowledged by tion to believe, that you will find it practi- other nations, to be the most perfect that cable to provide for the Public Service of has ever fallen to the lot of any people." the year, without making any addition to the Burtheus of the People, and without adopting any measure injurious to that system by which the Public Credit of the Country has been hitherto sustained. 60 "My Lords and Gentlemen, "I have the satisfaction of informing you that the arrangements which were made in the last Session of Parliament, with a view to a New Silver Coinage, have been completed with unprecedented expedition. I have given directions for the immediate issue of the New Coin, and I trust that this measure will be productive of considerable advantages to the trade and internal transactions of the country. At the moment when we were writing this, accounts have reached us of acts of violence committed on the carriage of the Prince Regent (he being in it), on his return from meeting Parliament. It seems, window, while the other was smashed by a that a shot from an air-gun was fired at one stone or a brick bat. This happened in and the private door in the Stable-yard, St. James's Park, between Carlton House, far, the Prince Regent resembles his fawhere the Sovereign usually alights. So ther, the King: after the Chalk Farm assemblages, the King was shot at. In both instances the thickness of the glass warded off further mischief. What possible end the perpetration of the wischief intended by these insults could answer, we are utterly at a loss to compre "The distresses consequent upon the termination of a war of such unusual extent and duration have been felt, with greater or less severity, throughout all the nations of Europe; and have beeu consi-hend. Suppose the P. R. had fallen a vicderably aggravated by the unfavourable state of the season. tim to this savage intention, was every power of the State dissolved, by a crime so "Deeply as I lament the pressure of these atrocious? Were all the laws annulled? evi's upon this country, I am sensible that all the public officers reduced to cyphers? they are of a nature not to admit of an im- -were no Judges, no Juries left in the mediate remedy: but whilst I observe laud? was the whole Constitution abolishwith peculiar satisfaction the fortitude ed? Certainly not: the first officer of the with which so many privations have been. State might be removed; but the duties borne, and the active benevolence which of his office mercly devolved on his succeshas been employed to mitigate them, I am sor, and might be discharged with no less persuaded that the great sources of our na-equal vigour, instantaneously. It is |