he communicated an imperial
commissorial decree to the states of the empire assembled in the diet
at Eatisbon, which was answered by the French minister de Chavigny. In
October, Peter II., czar of Muscovy and grandson of Peter I., died
in the fifteenth year of his age, at Muscow, and was succeeded on the
Russian throne by the princess Anne Ivanowna, second daughter of John
Alexowitz, elder brother of the first Peter, and widow of Frederic
William duke of Courland. The following month was rendered remarkable
by the death of pope Benedict XIII., in whose room cardinal Laurence
Corsini was raised to the pontificate, and assumed the name of Clement
XII.

SUBSTANCE OF THE KING'S SPEECH.

The British parliament assembling on the thirteenth day of January,
the king gave them to understand that the peace of Europe was now
established by the treaty of Seville, built upon the foundation
of former treaties, and tending to render more effectual what the
contracting powers in the quadruple alliance were before engaged to see
performed. He assured them that all former conventions made with
Spain in favour of the British trade and navigation were renewed and
confirmed: that the free uninterrupted exercise of their commerce was
restored: that the court of Spain had agreed to an ample restitution
and reparation for unlawful seizures and depredations: that all rights,
privileges, and possessions, belonging to him and his allies, were
solemnly re-established, confirmed, and guaranteed; and that not one
concession was made to the prejudice of his subjects. He told them he
had given orders for reducing a great number of his land-forces, and for
laying up great part of the fleet; and observed 'that there would be
a considerable saving in the expense of the current year. After both
houses had presented their addresses of thanks and congratulation to
the king on the peace of Seville, the lords took that treaty into
consideration, and it did not pass inquiry without severe animadversion.

OBJECTIONS TO THE TREATY OF SEVILLE.

The lords in the opposition excepted to the article by which the
merchants of Great Britain were obliged to make proof of their losses
at the court of Spain. They said this stipulation was a hardship upon
British subjects, and dishonourable to the nation: that few would care
to undertake such a troublesome and expensive journey, especially as
they had reason to apprehend their claims would be counterbalanc