the commons, it was thought expedient,
at the close of this session to adopt some new legislative regulations
concerning the corn-laws. From that report, it appeared that though
yielding, on an average, a fair remuneration to the grower, the price
of corn from 1791 to 1803 had been irregular. It was also found that
the effect of high prices had begun to stimulate industry, and to
bring-large tracts of waste land into cultivation. This added to the
last two favourable seasons had occasioned a great depreciation in the
value of grain, and it was thought agriculture would be discouraged
unless immediate relief were afforded. Under this impression, although
L30,000,000 had been paid to foreign countries for the supplies of corn,
it was proposed to annex a bounty to exportation. A bill was introduced
allowing exportation when the price of wheat was at or below forty-eight
shillings a quarter, and importation when the price, in the twelve
maritime counties of England, should exceed sixty-six shillings. This
"bill to starve the poor" passed, and became the law of the land.

THE BUDGET--PARLIAMENT PROROGUED.

The budget had been discussed before Pitt's return to office; but on the
2nd of July, the house of commons resolved itself into a committee
of supply, to which several accounts were referred relative to the
augmentation of the civil list, which was now greatly in arrears. During
the session the total supplies granted were L12,350,600 for the navy;
L6,159,114 for the militia and fencible corps; L3,737,091 for the
ordnance; L4,217,295 for miscellaneous services in Great Britain;
L2,500,000 for miscellaneous services relating to Ireland; L591,842
for discharging arrears and debts on the civil list; and L60,000 for an
additional sum for the better support of his majesty's household. The
sum total granted was, L53,609,574; to raise which recourse was had to
new taxes and duties, loans, annuities, and to three lotteries. Little
other business of importance was transacted during this session. The
session closed on the 31st of July, when the king expressed a hope that
the exertions of the country might, by their influence on other states,
lead to the re-establishment of a system which would oppose a barrier
against those schemes of ambition which threatened the ancient
monarchies of Europe.

AFFAIRS OF FRANCE: NAPOLEON CREATED EMPEROR.

In the midst of this prosperity Napoleon was not without his enemies;
about thi