he banks of the
river, together with a guard-house, barracks, and all other necessary
conveniences. While the report of the committee lay upon the table for
the perusal of the members, Mr. chancellor of the exchequer, by his
majesty's command, acquainted the house, that the king, having been
informed of the subject matter of the petition, recommended it to the
consideration of the commons. Leave was immediately given to prepare
a bill, founded on the resolutions of the committee; which having been
duly considered, altered, and amended, passed through both houses to the
foot of the throne, where it obtained the royal sanction. The magazine
was accordingly removed to Purfleet, an inconsiderable and solitary
village, where there will be little danger of accident, and where no
great damage would attend an explosion; but in order to render this
possible explosion still less dangerous, it would be necessary to form
the magazine of small distinct apartments, totally independent of each
other, that in case one should be accidentally blown up, the rest might
stand unaffected. The same plan ought to be adopted in the construction
of all combustible stores subject to conflagration. The marine bill and
mutiny bill, as annual regulations, were prepared in the usual form,
passed both houses without opposition, and received the royal assent.

ACT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE STREETS OF LONDON.

The next affair that engrossed the deliberation of the commons, was a
measure relating to the internal economy of the metropolis. The sheriffs
of London delivered a petition from the lord mayor, aldermen, and
commons, in common council assembled, representing that several streets,
lanes, and passages within the city of London, and liberties thereof,
were too narrow and incommodious for the passing and repassing as well
of foot passengers as of coaches, carts, and other carriages, to the
prejudice and inconvenience of the owners and inhabitants of houses, and
to the great hinderance of business, trade, and commerce. They alleged
that these defects might be remedied, and several new streets opened
within the said city and liberties, to the great ease, safety, and
convenience of passengers, as well as to the advantage of the public in
general, if they, the petitioners, were enabled to widen and enlarge
the narrow streets, lanes, and passages, to open and lay out such new
streets and ways, and to purchase the several houses, buildings, and
gro