A letter to the President from J. Loggen, esq. was read, inclosing an account by his brother, Alexander Loggen, esq. of the interesting, supposed Druidical, serpentiform nonument, at Carnac, in Brittany, resembling that of Avebury in Wiltshire. June 21. Mr. Hudson Gurney in the Chair. Mr. Fountaine exhibited to the Society, through the hands of Mr. Amyot, an arm and hand, sculptured in metal, and having inscriptions in Irish characters on bands round the arm. A paper by Mr. Capon, explanatory of his drawings, further exhibited to the Society at this meeting, was read: three of these drawings, of parts of the palace at Westminster, were made in 1823, previous to the demolition of the subjects. The other two, representing Guy Fawkes's cellar, and an adjoining apartment, were made in 1799. Mr. S. Woodward, in a letter to Mr. Gurney, communicated an account of some metal celts, fibulæ, and ancient jewels with precious stones, found in Norfolk. The Rev. J. Hunter, F.S.A. in a letter to J. H. Markland, esq. Director_S.A., communicated trauscripts of two Roman inscriptions recently discovered in the vicinity of Bath. The Society then adjourned, over the long vacation, to meet again on Thursday, November the 15th. COINS AND MEDALS. A very interesting collection of coins and medals belonging to the late Rev. William Browne, of Saxmundham, has been disposed of by Mr. Sotheby. The coins, of which there were a great variety, consisted principally of Roman and English in gold and silver. Among the latter of these were two sovereigns of Henry VII., of great rarity, one of which sold for 251., the other for seventeen guineas. Richard the Second's noble, 31. 9s. A commonwealth 208. piece (1652), a 10s. piece (1650), and a 5s. piece (1651), 61. 12s. 6d. Charles the Second's five guinea piece (1678), 51. 10s. The five guinea piece of James II. (1688), 5l. 7s. 6d. The five guinea piece of William III. (1701), 51. 12s. 6d. Henry VIII.'s sovereign, 51. 12s. 6d. Charles I. half broad (1643), of the Oxford Mint, 61. 5s. George the Second's two guinea piece (1733), 51. 7s. 6d. The pound sovereign of Edward VI. (of his 3d year), 81. 10s. 6d. Mary's sovereign (1553), 61. 2s. 6d. James the First's sovereign, 61. Ss. 6d. James the First's ryal, or 30s. piece, 21. 12s. 6d. James the First's noble, 101. Charles the First's 31. piece (1642), struck at Oxford, 71. 10s. Among the silver coins were Elizabeth's portcullis half-crown, which sold for three guineas. The 11. piece of Charles I. (1642), 31. 11s. Oliver's Crown (1658), 21. 10s. Oliver's ninepence (1658), 19s. There were a few gold coins of Scotland, among which, were the bonnet piece of James V., which sold for 31.; and the unit of Charles I., 11. 7s. A set of tradesmen's tokens and town pieces, in copper, brought 21. 3s. A fine gold medal of Oliver on his death, six guineas. The Coronation Medal (in gold) of Mary, Queen of James II., three guineas. A gold medal of Louis XV., 41. 12s. A set of Queen Anne's medals, by Croker (in copper), 31. 11s. A set of the Roman History, engraved by J. Dassier and Son, two guineas. A set of the Kings of England, from William the Conqueror to George II., including Oliver Cromwell, 21. 4s. Maximian (Roman gold coin), 41. 18s. Licinius, 41. 6s. SELECT POETRY. GLEE. Written by J. BRITTON, Esq. composed by J. He scarce clears the land when a "pitiless Wrecks his all, leaves him helpless, disThe Angel of Mercy extends forth her arm, And dispensing her blessing is bless'd.. When the fading of stars, iu the regions of [in the East, Aunounc'd that the morning was young On the upland I rov'd, admiration to render, Where freshness, and beauty, and lustre increas'd! sures bestow'd, While the beams of the Morning new plea- On the above Stanzas, Mr. Robert Evans has composed a Melody, pleasing in its simplicity, and happily expressive of the subject. FERDINAND'S DREAM. By W. HERSEE. "Uneasy lies the head that wears a Crown.” SHAKSPEARE UNEASY lies the royal head, When grim Remorse, and fearful Dread, Pour through the soul their horrid light Amid the silence of the night. The Tyrant, on his thorny pillow, Was restless as the foaming billow :Ah! vainly was he pillowed there— "A wounded spirit who can bear?" Conscience, in crimson clad, arose To break the stillness of repose, And plunge the deeply-poison'd dart Ev'n in the stubborn Tyrant's heartWhile busy Fancy strew'd around His bleeding victims on the ground. His senses would oblivion steepBut Ferdinand had "murdered sleep!" At length weak nature was oppress'dHis wearied body sank to restWhen, like a sunbeam on the dew, A vision burst upon his view! He saw a struggling Nation stand Amid a wild rebellious bandHe saw that rebel band increaseThe foes of Freedom and of Peace; Thro' Superstition's darken'd cloud He heard that Nation cry aloudHeard voices, like a clap of thunder, Cry, "Burst our servile chains asunder!" Yet still appear'd before his sight A scene that charm'd him with delight; For Hope entic'd him to behold A treasure of monastic gold;And he was thirsting with desire To spread Rebellion's growing fire, And give assistance to the band Arrayed against their native land. Deceitful Fancy then display'd Pictures of light without a shade: He saw a pow'rful Nation rise Aud laud his virtues to the skiesHe saw that favoring Nation smile And send him thousands, "rank and file," To aid him in the glorious cause Of breaking Nature's sacred laws. Thus his desire the Dreamer gainsAnd Portugal is bound in chains! But lo! the Tyrant wakes-a sound Has rous'd him from his dream profound : 'Tis the sound of the trumpet from England ascending; [slave Her Heroes are rising to rescue the Their aid and their courage thus eagerly lending, To punish the rebel and shelter the brave. The threat is enough-for the Dreamer astounded, Awaken'd to reason, is humbled again; And England, brave England, by freedom surrounded, Has rescued a nation from Slavery's chain! HISTORICAL CHRONICLE. PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF LORDS, May 21. The Marquis of Londonderry said, that being anxious to elicit every thing connected with the Foreign Office, for the purpose of contrasting its present state with that of 1822, he was now going to move for further returns. It appeared that large sums had been expended in building mansions and making great improvements for the accommodation of the Foreign Secretary; 16,000l. he understood had been expended in the purchase of a house. This, with the other sums expended within the last eighteen months, upon improvements connected with the Foreign Office department in Downingstreet, amounted in all to 60,000l. The Noble Lord would not find fault with this extravagance, if it were once settled that the Foreign Secretary should be singled out, and provided with accommodations in every way superior to the Home Secretary, and those of the Colonial Secretary. The fact of the expenditure of 60,000l. was, he believed, not generally known to the public. He should, therefore, move that an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that he might direct to be laid before the House returns of all sums expended on the Foreign Office buildings, since January, 1824, and also of all sums expended in the purchase of furniture and other decorations, and likewise of the purchase money paid for the house of Sir Robert Preston, in Downing-street.-Lord Goderich said, that there was no objection to furnish the returns, but the Noble Marquis was quite mistaken in supposing that the public were not acquainted with all the details of the expenditure. The fact was that each item had been voted and approved of in the other House. The returns were then ordered. In the HOUSE OF COMMONS the same day, Mr. Peel moved for leave to bring in a Bill for the better administration of justice. He said, that at present, when a person was put upon trial, and pleaded not guilty, he was asked how he would be tried. The only. effect of it was, in most cases, to puzzle and confuse the prisoner. It was expected that the answer should be "By God and his country." Was there any necessity for retaining such a form? When the prisoner entered the plea of not guilty, was it not better that the trial should proceed without asking him how he wished to be tried? The next improvement he should propose, was one of somewhat greater importance. At present, if a person stood mute, and re fused to plead, the question arose whether he was mute from obstinacy, or the visitation of God; and if mute from obstinacy, he was then considered guilty, and judgment was passed accordingly. He thought, in a case of this kind, it would be better to presume that the prisoner pleaded not guilty, and proceed to trial, than to have him declared guilty, and sentence passed without any disclosure of the facts. Formerly, very severe punishment was the consequence of refusing to plead. The person so refusing was exposed to what was called Peine forte et dure. The third alteration he should propose was rather of a technical nature. At present, in cases of treason, if the prisoner persisted in challenging more of the Jury than the law allowed him to challenge, he exposed himself to a conviction. It would be better to alter the law so that all challenges, beyond the number allowed by law, should be declared null and void. The fourth alteration he should propose in the Bill was, that no former attainder should be pleaded in bar of any indictment. The sixth, which was the most important alteration, would have the effect of abolishing Benefit of Clergy. It seemed to be nothing more than a solemn mockery to introduce into every Act of Parliament, having reference to felonies, the words declaring that the guilty person shall suffer death without benefit of clergy. He should not trespass longer on the time of the House, but move for leave to bring in a Bill for further improving the administration of justice in cri minal cases. The Larceny Laws Amendment Bill went through a Committee, when several verbal amendments were made. Mr. Peel then brought in a Bill for the better administration of Criminal Justice, by the removal of Technicalities, which was read a first and second time, and ordered to be committed. HOUSE OF COMMONS, May 23. bring in a Bill for preventing arrests upon Leave was given to bring in the Bill. HOUSE OF LORDS, May 25. Viscount Goderich, in a speech of great length, introduced the subject of the CORN Laws; and on the question of the House going into a Committee on the measure, a debate ensued, when, on a division, there appeared, Contents 120, Non-contents 63Majority 57. May 30. The second reading of Miss Turner's Divorce Bill, having been fixed for this morning, at half past ten Counsel were called in; and Wakefield, who had been brought from Newgate, made his appearance, and took his station near Mr. Adam. Miss Turner, accompanied by her father and several friends, was in attendance in one of the private rooms. Mr. Adam opened the case, and recapitulated the whole of the transactions connected with this extraordinary affair, which he designated as unprecedented in the criminal history of this country, and marked only by atrocity and baseness totally unredeemed by any palliat ing circumstance. After the examination of several witnesses, who gave the same depositions as at the trial, Miss Emma Turner was called in, attended by four ladies, and her evidence was precisely the same as on the trial at Lancaster. Wakefield was heard in opposition to the Bill; and denied that fraud or force had been used; but he did not call any evidence to support his statements. After a short discussion, the Bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed. HOUSE OF COMMONS, May 31. Mr. Hume moved for leave to bring in a Bill to repeal one of the Six Acts, namely, that of 60 Geo. III. intituled, "An Act to impose Stamp Duties upon certain Publications, and to check the circulation of blasphemous and seditious libels."The Attorney General (Mr. Scarlet) and Mr. Peel objected to the motion.-The Chancellor of the Exchequer strongly opposed the motion, as he conceived the only persons aggrieved by this Act were the dealers in blasphemy. We have now, said the Right Hon. Gent., a free press purged of the vices which had formerly belonged to it, and valuing the press as he did, he would not consent to poison the wholesome current, by letting out the stream of pollution which had been happily dammed up.-Lord W. Russell opposed the motion. He was not in Parliament when the Six Acts passed, but he thought this was the least objectionable part of them. The House then divided -Ayes 10-Noes 120. HOUSE OF LORDS, June 1. The House went into a Committee on the Bill for amending the CORN LAWS. In the course of the debate various amendments were moved by Lords Stanhope, Bathurst, Ellenborough, and Rosslyn, which were consecutively negatived; but several clauses were agreed to without amendment. After some further discussion, in which Lord Ellenborough, the Earl of Harrowby, the Earl of Lauderdale, and Lord Redesdale took part, the Duke of Wellington said he would feel inclined to support any measure which would do away with the warehousing system. The noble Duke then read an amendment, that "bonded Corn should not be allowed to be taken out of bond for home consumption until the average should reach 66s." The House divided on this motion, when there appeared a majority of 4 in favour of the Duke's amendment; the announcement of which was received with loud cheers. The House then adjourned to Wednesday, June 6. In the HOUSE OF COMMONS the same day, the Chancellor of the Exchequer introduced the BUDGET. The Right Hon. Gentleman stated, that in order to avoid perplexing details, he had reduced the exposé of the affairs of the nation to this proposition :That as there was a deficiency of upwards of two millions in the revenue, it was his intention to take a loan of Exchequer Bills of three millions, to meet the exigency. This, the Right Hon. Gentleman said, appeared to him as the wisest course. The country was in a state rather to be left to itself and its own energies, than aided by any extraordinary remedy. Pursuing such a course, he entertained a confident hope that before a long time elapsed, a marked improvement would take place. This hope he founded rather on the slow but certain energies which formed a leading feature in the character of the country, than upon any marked indications of improvement which presented themselves at present. After some discussion, the usual Ways and Means Resolutions were severally put by the Chairman, and agreed to. The House then adjourned to Wednesday, June 6. HOUSE OF LORDS, June 6. The Bill declaring void Miss Turner's pretended marriage, was read the third time and passed. The Bill licensing the Sale of Game, was read a second time, after a division, in which 81 Noble Lords voted for the Bill, and 16 against it. In the HOUSE OF COMMONS the same day, a great number of Petitions from various bodies of Dissenters were presented against the Corporation and Test Acts. Mr. Jones (Carmarthen), in presenting three of these Petitions, took occasion to impugn the statement made by Lord Milton upon a former evening, that the Dissenters are generally favourable to the Roman Catholic demands. The Hon. Member then proceeded to arraign the whole policy of the present Cabinet, when he was called to order by Mr. Baring, and interrupted by the Speaker. Mr. Dawson (of Derry) moved for a Select Committee to inquire into the present state of the Irish Grand Jury Laws. The Hon. Gent. detailed at length, and with great force and clearness, the enormous list of the flagrant abuses to which the present constitution of Irish Grand Juries, and the powers of taxation confided to them, opens a door. The motion was unanimously agreed to. HOUSE OF LORDS, June 7. Lord Dudley and Ward delivered a message from the King, stating that his Majesty, deeming it expedient to provide for the expenditure of his forces in Portugal, relied on the zeal of the House to concur in making the necessary provision.-Lord Ellenborough asked whether objections existed to give an explanation of the disposal of the secret service money, which amounted to so great a sum last year?-Lord Dudley and Ward said, that the public must content itself with the honour of the late foreign Secretary (Mr. Canning), as at the end of every year, and upon every change of in the office, every document illustrative of the disposal of this fund, was always destroyed. He would not affect to conceal that an insinuation had been circulated, that his Right Hon. friend who preceded him in office, had applied a great part of the money to purchase the support of the press. He solemnly professed to believe that this insinuation was unjust. The House resolved itself into a Committee on the CORN BILL, when several amendments were proposed.-Lord Lauderdale said, that if this Bill passed, the farmer could never hope for a price beyond 55s. It appeared to be the intention of His Majesty's Government to make this country de pendant on Foreign States for subsistence. Such a principle was ruinous to any country. It was that which tended to the overthrow of the Roman Empire.-The Earl of Darnley adverted to the amendment adopted on a former night; and gave notice, that on the bringing up of the report he would move, that the price of 66s. be applicable only to the corn actually now in bond, but not to the wheat to be imported in consequence of the present Bill.-Lord Redesdale contended that the effect of the Bill would be, year after year, to degrade agriculture, until it was finally ruined.-The various amendments were negatived, and the further consideration of the report was fixed for Tuesday, June 12, and the third reading of the Bill for Friday, the 15th. In the HOUSE OF COMMONS, the same day, Mr. Herries, in answer to some questions put by Mr. Hobhouse, stated, that the Commissioners had purchased 339 houses which stand in the way of the Improvements in the neighbourhood of the Strand, and that the claims of the owners of 182 others were then under consideration; that the Commissioners were doing all in their power to expedite these transactions, and hoped that the work of demolition would be commenced early in the ensuing Spring. With respect to St. James's Park, Mr. Herries communicated to the House that His Majesty had been graciously pleased to allow a road to be constructed in the Green Park, so as to connect an improving part of the town with the city of Westminster; and that the interior area in St. James's Park, where the grass now grew, and which was confined by a paling, should be thrown open to the public. It was certainly intended to build a line of houses at the back of the Bird-cage-walk; but it was no part of the plan to cut down the trees. The Penryn Disfranchisement Bill, for Bribery and Corruption, was read a third time, and passed by a majority of 145 to 31. HOUSE OF LORDS, June 8. Lord Dudley and Ward moved an Address in reply to his Majesty's Message respecting the affairs of Portugal. He said that Ministers did not contemplate the sending any additional force to that kingdom.-Earl Grey approved generally of the support given to the liberal party in Portugal, though he confessed himself still unsatisfied of the actual occurrence of a casus fœderis, or of the necessity of voting half a million for the support of 5,000 men, for whom 200,000l. would be sufficient. The Address was agreed to. The same day, in the HOUSE OF COMMONS, Mr. Canning moved an Address in reply to the Message from the Crown. He announced that the differences between Spain and Portugal were in progress to an amicable adjustment; he then moved the Address, and a vote of 500,000l. for the support of the British troops in Portugal.-Mr. Bankes opposed the motion. The rate of expenditure proposed was, he said, as prodigal as the war had been unnecessary.-Col. Davies, Col. Lindsay, and Sir J. Macintosh, supported the vote. The resolution was agreed to. HOUSE OF LORDS, June 12. Lord Goderich moved the bringing up of the report of the Committee upon the Corn Bill. Lord Colchester objected generally to the policy of the measure, as likely to make the country dependant on foreigners for subsistence; as injurious to the British agriculturist, and, through him, to the British manufacturer; and as fatal to the prospects of Ireland.-Earl Grey proposed an amendment, as to the mode of taking the averages, which, as it was understood not to affect the principle of the Bill, or materially to alter its details, was adopted without any discussion. Lord Goderich proposed the re-consideration of the amendment which |