Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-02-04 00:00:00

HOUSE OF COMMONS.--THURSDAY

The House met at two o'clock, and proceeded to the
House of Lords to hear the Queen's Speech read, after
which its sitting was suspended till four o'clock.
At four o'clock the House resumed with a numerous
attendance in the front benches on both sides.
. The Speaker read letters from Lords Canning, Clyde,
and Elphinstone, and Sir J. Lawrence, acknowledging the
vote that was passed by the House for their services in
India.
New writs were ordered for Banbury, in place of Mr.
Tancred, and for Galway, in place of Mr. O'Flaherty.
Sir A. Agnew gave notice that be should, to-morrow,
ask whether the government sanctioned the regulations
requiring the soldiers at Malta to present arms to the
Host.
Mr. Warren gave notice that, on an early day, he
should move various resolutions for the furtherance of
the Christian religion in India.

ADDRESS TO THE SPEECH

The. Speaker read the Royal Speech from the chair,
after which
Mr. Trefusis rose to move the address in reply. He
referred to the present prosperity of the country, which
presented a contrast so satisfactory to the commercial
distress of last year, and to the gratifying prospects
announced in the speech as regarded India. lie was
sure that the house would join with him in congratulating
her Majesty on the auspicious event in her family. The
speech announced that friendly relations continued
between this country and all foreign powers. Notwith-
standing the assurance, it would not be denied that, in
many parts of Europe, serious causes for apprehension
existed, but ho trusted that the clouds now hanging
over Italy and the Danubian provinces would speedily
pass away. He concluded by a brief allusion to the
remaining topics of the speech.
Mr. Beecroft seconded the address. He adverted at
some length to the mutual prosperity of the mercantile
and trading interests of this country. Pauperism had
decreased ; the revenue had increased ; the circumstances
of the past year had resulted in a full justification of the
bold dealing of the Chancellor of the Exchequer with
regard to the income tax. He believed that the existing
complications of European relations would pass away,
and. we then should see an immense development of the
trade and commerce of the country. The pacification of
India, and treaties with other countries of the East,
would afford immense facilities for the supply of raw
material for our manufactories. Adverting to, the
position of reform, he admitted that modifica-
tions of our constitution might he necessary, from
the change of circumstances. He was confident that
government would introduce a measure not unsatisfac-
tory, but permanent. It would be a disgrace to our con-
stitution, if it required to be tinkered every quarter of a
century. The measure, he was sure, would be one of
improvement, and not of destruction, which would not
set class against class, but procure a fair representation
of all.
Lord Palmerston said that he had no intention of
proposing any amendment to the address. The difficulties
under which the House had assembled last year had, he
observed, now disappeared, He expressed Ins warm con-
currence in the congratulations on the late event in the
Royal family. The internal prospect of the country
was mast gratifying, not alone as regarded the pre-
sent moment, but as evidencing the stability of the
resources of the country. It was further grati-
ratifying to find, that the app
ointments made eby the
late Government in India, had resulted in the pacification
of that eountry. He passed an eulogi.sm on the conduct
QY Torcl Clyde, which was elAracteVlted by equal prq-

deuce and energy; be then reverted to the chances of war
in Italy, declaring that in his belief the possessions of
Austria beyond the Alps were injurious to her, but it
could not be forgotton, that her possessions were
guaranteed by the treaties of 1815, which were the title
deeds of so many other powers to their possessions'; all
the rat powers of Europe had since joined those
treaties, and no single power would be justified
in sating aside these stipulations ; the powers which
should undertake war for the purpose of depriving
Austria of her possessions would incur most serious
responsibility, but Austria did not stand on ground
equally strong when she went beyond those
occupied territories which they did not bestow upon hi
The reform of the various governments in Italy would
a far better means of preserving tranquility than foreign.
occupation. He deprecated the many rumours of war,
and trusted in the sagacity of the Powers of Europe to
preserve its peace. The commercial treaty which we had
concluded with Russia was a matter for congratulation, as
it put an end to a very unsatisfactory state of things.
The speech congratulated the country on the termination
of the Chinese war, which the Ministry had opposed, and
of which they were now willing to reap the fruit ; at
the same time, the country must not exact too much
from the treaty. He rejoiced to find that negotiations
were on foot to stop the proceedings of France, which
were called free emigration', but which, in fact, was the
enforcement of slavery under its. worst forms; the French
government had been deceived, in the matter, and the
affair of the Charles and George had at least opened its
eyes. He trusted that all the' papers concerned with
that affair would be produced, and that we should be
found not to have desefted our old. ally (Portugal). He
commented with great warmth on the conduct of the
Spanish-American republic, observing that it was only by
force that justice could be btained. from them. Referring
to the proposed measure of reform, he' observed that the
subject was one which could only be dealt with by the
executive ; he trusted that it would be brought forward at
'an early time, and felt sure that it would receive the
respect and commendation of the House, and was con-
vinced of the attachment of England to her institutions,
of which the example of foreign policies enabled them to
recognise the full value.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer assured the
House, that full information would be laid
before it respecting the affair of the Charles and
George as soon as possible. The garbled extracts which
had appeared in the newspapers had caused much mis-
apprehension on that subject. No appeal for instance
had been made by Portugal to this country, and it did
not appear that the Cassus Friedrich had ever occurred.
The Government had given the best advice in its power to
its old ally, and the papers, when they were produced,
would show that it had done its duty. The government

treaties, and

were in earnest in their intentions of bringing forward a
measure of reform, but it would not be done till the
urgent business of the country had been arranged. He
should, at the proper_time, propose those measures, in
such a way as to give opportunities for their considera-
tion. The noble lord had adverted to the prospect of war
in Italy, and had even said that war was probable; he
himself could not conceal his opinion that the state of
affairs abroad were critical, but he did not believe that
they were in such a state as to make the preservation of
peace hopeless. No doubt serious differences existed
between France and Austria, on the subject of
Italy, respecting which the government had freely
circulated its views to those Powers; he agreed in depre-
cating all interference with the treaties of 1815, but he
could not see that those treaties had much connection
with the actual state of Italy. The Government had
urged upon France and Austria to remove the mistrusts
and misapprehension now existing, by improving the
condition of Italy, and to exchange a military rivalry for
a generous emulation in doing good. This duty belonged
to France and Austria as Roman Catholic countries.
England as a Protestancy could not proffer the inter-
ference, though she was ready to interfere if called upon,
while he admitted that the position was difficult, he
conld not agree that war was probable ; while she
sympathises with Sardinia as a free Government, she
could not approve of that Power undertaking a
task beyond its capability. He passed an eulogium;
on the French Emperor, and said that his sagacity
and fair dealing towards that country was a far-
ther guarantee of peace. The alliance between
France and England was founded upon deep reasons ;
not on casual caprice or particular dynasties and forms of
Government. He would not believe that a war of mili-
tary aggression could be undertaken at the pres

Lorca°Palmerston explained that whatever inadvertent
terms he might have used, he did not mean to say that
war was probable.
Lord John Russell, admitting the binding character of
the treaties of 1815, passed a severe censure on those
Powers who, being armed occupiers, enforced bad govern-
ment in Italy. Austria had prevented reform in portions
of Italy, but of her own dominions, Naples, Tuscany, and
elsewhere, the action had been repelled by Frenchinter-
ference. It was not to be wondered at if the Italian
people were impatient under such a system. He taunted
the Government with their conduct in regard to Reform,
all mention of which they had omitted till the end of the
speech.
Sir J. Pakin,gton defended the Government, and cited
an instance when Lord John Russell had himself deferred
to the end of the Royal speech a similarly important
subject. The Government were perfectly sincere in their
professsions respecting a measure of Reform. The
address was then agreed to, and the House adjourned
at ten minutes to eight o'clock.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE PRIZE ODE
ON BURNS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN TIMES

Sir,—l have observed, with a considerable amount of
surprise, that, although the Crystal Palace prize poem has
been before the public almost a week, no criticism of it
has been yet attempted by our local press. This may
arise from two causes—first, the reluctance of most editors
to speak until the Reviews and Magazines hare declared
their opinions ; and, secondly, from the unwillingnes of
local critics to lay themselves under the imputation of
having been unsuccessful candidates. The first reason I
am sure you will not respect, and I have so little regard
to the second, that I am about to ask, with confidence,
your assistance in setting a plain and impartial critique
of it before your readers.
Before entering upon it, allow me to declare most
solemnly.that I am not one of the unsuccessful attempters
of the prize, and to express my earnest desire that those
persons who may differ from my opinions, will only look
upon the following criticisms with as much forbearance
and impartiality as I have done the poem.
I purpose to consider the Ode, first, as to its general
construction ; next, as regards its thoughts and sentiments;
and lastly, with respect to its language and mode of
expression.
The construction is that of an irregular ode ; a
description of poetry in which the metre is confined by no
rules, and is subservient to no precept of measurement; 1
all is left to the caprice or discretion of the author. He
is not obliged to write on any particular description of
feet ; nor fo adhere to the sort he has at first chosen ; nor
to contract or expand his lines to any given length ; nay,
he is not even obliged to find a corresponding rhyme at
any given interval, but he may supply it (as a shopkeeper
does a poor customer,) at his earliest corpienience. It
will at once be seen, then, that this species of composition,
(a polite form of the never-dying doggerel), is at once
the most easy of compass, and at the same time the most
capable of varied expression of any species of verse, and
that its votaries, in return for being allowed to break
through the ordinary rules of poetry, must, in return- for
the favour, present the reader with a poem, of particular
sweetness, harmony, and propriety of language ; so that
admiration may enslave the sense of correctness, and the
judgment be overwhelmed in an acute sense ofpleasure-and
delight.
On the other hand, if a writer, after availing himself
of this dangerous privilege of irregularity, should fall
below, or even attain mediocrity, th fact. of his availing
himself of its favouring influence must force him to give
place to a writer of equal powers who has accommodated
himself to the regular rules. It is obvious from this,
then, that the practisers of this description of poetry,
though they are exempted from some of the trammels
that cramp the powers of many fiery but
writers have the additional obligation thrown, upon them
of making their unfettered verses move with increased
harmony, grace and (if I may say so) agility.
poem under
consideration has succeeded in doing this, we shall
written the
Whither the Lady who has
determine when we come fo consider. the Language ;
rtin d
whichupon (ash erwseillfl
for the present, in speaking of the general construction
of the poem, it is enough to indicate that in 'choosing the
iorbriegltai
or n
s of a style
Toefr
y tiosuhse character hes da
appear from the context) she does not appear capable
with, and that while she has dispensed
of grappling i
with obligations of what Goldsmith calls a mere
4' Mechanical " nature, she has involved herself in others,
of her own free choice, to which her intellectual
show no evidence of being. equal. If the case be powers
shown
to have succeeded, however, her
with will be
presumption
styled by the world, the oonscious confidence o
if not, it will be called the temerity of self conceit, Genius,
We will now fraraine the sentiments,
determining whether they areofsucha view of
an exalted
character as to raise the genius of the poem to the
required elevation ; or, failing
this, whether they are suoh
as befit a panegyrical reflective
lovingly .remembered bard. Let us take them in detail—
The intreduct
(my verse declares that Burns brought
Xo•TQ a Faule's inirao4al. dower_" (whatever tha,t, May

be) to his country, " than all her kings." The highest
beauty (the most essential one) of a sentiment is truth,
and this one is untruthful. I question whether Burns has
brought much more fame to his coantry than it before
possessed, or would have possessed, had he never been
barn. However this may be, it will be (I think) directly
conceded that to say that Burns brought more fame to
Scotland thin all her kings, is absurd and ridiculous.
The deeds of but one of "all her kings" (Robert Bruce)
have brought more fame and profit to his country than
all the pretty amusements of Burns; and his memory, still
fresh in our minds after the lapse of half a ceutury,
promises endurance long after the songs of Burn.; and
even the dialect in which they are written " shall be (as
llassincrer says) no more re►nembered." But the same
hyperbolical, strained, exaggeration pervades all the
thoughts in the poem. _ _

The next thought is. certainly a very just and pretty
9, although the introduction of a lighthouse (or, as she-

expresses it, a lamp

High set
Upon sonoe•eartblp eminent

may b• tho'

ght below the dignity of the poem, I am not
'us, but gladly admit that the thought is a
very noble one, and does infinite credit to the authoress.
I am compelled,•however, to own, that it is the only really
fine and correct thought in the whole piece. What
follows is either obscure, hackneyed, or puerile.
The next part of the poem is takerr up by relations of
his life during boyhood, and progress towards maturity;
some of them whence derived I know not, as, for instance,
the assertion that he knew all his father's cares, but only
half his mother's heart ; if he knew half of either he
must have been a man of unequalled penetration.
Next comes the most absurd simile in the whole poem—
the comparing him to a king. He was a "king of every
living thing," we are told,. because " his great heart in
love could hold them all." A singular reason, truly!
According to this logic; a man who cau hold a lot of
things in his heart, is king of them. Good ! then lam
of my friend, for I hold him very lovingly in

so tas

the king
my heart

The authoress seems to be conscious that she is

damaging herself by too plain speaking; for, acting on
the sentiment of Volney, that the more people under-
stand the less they admire, she-involves herself, a little
further on, in such a dense mist of words, that all the
beams of Apollo concentrated on-it would not be capable
of dispelling its obscurity. Here, having made him a
king, she makes him proceed to a•symbolical battle (it
seems), iu which his " regal vestments are•soiled:"—

"His crown of half its jewels spoiled,

This seems an obscure and vague• allusion to his suffer-
ings with his " worser part"—

I cannot understand whether this battle he is engaged in
is with the world or his own vices. If it is the world
that he is fighting, for existence, what is the meaning of
uptuous hearts," " triumphant," moralising
stood aloof" and.
Does this mean,

and regretting- that he had not
"arrayed himself in armour proo4
"IVliv did he no

a' 0 to the workhous

—that is; stand:

inp• aloof and arming

proof, with a vengeance,

Mid it cannot be his v

Doi, those whom t'

)rlcl calls wise,

never wish that

content with his vices, for in that case they would have-
won the day, and oppressed him without mercy. But
we are told that in the battle Fame blows her trumpet
before him, and, wrapping him in her purple state,
" made him a mark for all the shafts of fate, that hence-
forth round him flew." Another solution presents itself.
Is it the evils consequent on his fame that he is com-
batting ? This will not do either, for a little further on
we are told (whatever Mr. Moncktou Milne 3 may say)
that the regretful love of his country would fain compen-
sate by lavlf -0. 1. *rave, fe the neglect

.stung aonours on his gra\ for —g.
with which she treated him during his lifetime ; and it
is the general opinion, I believe, that his love of low.
society, and his pothouse propensities favoured the decline
of his virtues, far more than any little popularity-and.
patronage he may have achieved; which seems, indeed,
to have had a contrary effect. So it cannot be Fame's
temptations he is battling. I leave this passage, the
most obscure I ever met with, to which the most misty
rhapsodies—of Cratbaw even—are perfectly transparent,
in complete uncertainty (to which I see not the remotest
prospect of a clue), whether there is one battle, or two,
or a dozen—whether Burns is fighting, in it, with his
vices, Fame's temptations, or the world—whether " his
crown, of half its jewels spoiled," means injury done to
his Scotch bonnet, or his feelings—whether " regal
vestments" means conscience or corduroy—and whether
nature's "joy-wines" is or not the celebrated dew. off
Ben Nevis, in which particular liquor he is known. to
have much delighted.

We next have his heart compared to a lute, whose
chords are swept and untuned by unskilful hands, so nut&
that the Divine Maker has to withdraw it for repairs.
Heart in this place seems to be mistaken for soul. This
is a very appropriate and clever comparison, and, unlike
the former ones, intelligible. lam afraid, however, it