Washington, March 5.The ceremony attendant on the entrance of the president elect on the duties of his arduous station was simple but grand. He was attended from his private residence by the vice-president elect, and a large cavalcade of citizens on horseback, marshalled in due order. The president reached the Congress Hall a little before twelve; and after the vice-president had taken the chair, and had the oath of office administered to him, a pertinent address was delivered by him on the occasion. This ceremony being ended, the Senate adjourned, and all the officers of state, and judges, attended the president to the elevated portico erected for the occasion, where, in the presence of an immense concourse of citizens and foreigners, the president rose and delivered a speech of considerable length; wherein, after enumerating all the advantages of the constitution, and the flourishing state of their commerce and finances, he calls upon the assistance of all his fellow citizens in support of that government which protects every citizen in the full enjoyment of his rights, and is able to protect the nation against injustice from foreign powers. In regard to their manufactures, he says, that as they have the raw materials-the production of their own soil and industry-they ought not to depend, in the degree they have done, on supplies from other countries. He recommends that their great naval resources should be carefully fostered in time of peace, and that their land forces should not be neglected; but that it ought always to be held in view, that the safety of these states, and of every thing dear to a free people, must depend in an eminent degree on the militia. He rejoices that he enters on the discharge of his duties in the time of peace, and adds, that it shall be his sincere desire to preserve it, on just principles, with all nations, claiming nothing unreasonable of any, and rendering to each what is its due. After some well expressed compliments to his predecessor, he concluded a speech, replete with moderation and firmness, when the oath of office was administered to him by the chief justice of the United States. The oath was announced by a single gun, and followed by salutes from the naval yard, the battery from Fort Warburton, and from several pieces of artillery on the ground. Mr Monroe was the American minister in this country in the year 1793, and afterwards in France. He served in the first American war, and lost a leg in it. He is supposed to be rather inclined to the Washington school.

The British consul at New York, in consequence of the misery and wretchedness of those who had emigrated from Britain to the United States, has offered to them a settlement in the British dominions of Canada, or Nova Scotia, and issued a public notice to that effect. Passports have already been granted to 340 persons to proceed to Upper Canada.

April 7.-The Portuguese government having transferred to Brazil some seeds of the tea-tree, have succeeded in naturalizing this plant at Rio Janeiro. It is cultivated at this moment with success by several Chinese, who have gone there for that pur pose.

The Independent general, Marino, has entered into a treaty with the governor of the island of Trinidad, granting a free trade to his Britannic Majesty's subjects with the Independent districts of Venezuela, on con. dition that the Independents shall have the same privileges at Trinidad.

Most contradictory accounts are still received from this quarter of the globe. A letter purporting to come from an officer connected with the revolutionary army, to his friend at Philadelphia, speaks of the most horrid cruelties, and disgraceful enormities, practised both by Independents and Royalists, particularly by the armed vessels, without regard to age, sex, or country; that the streets of St Thomas were filled with refugees from the Main, who were existing on the charity of the island. Another writes from the head quarters of the army of the republic of Mexico: After exulting in their success both by land and sea, and the excellent disposition of the inhabitants, the letter concludes by saying, that "We are already on our march-our army is daily increasing-and I have no doubt that I shall soon write you from the capital of Mexico, after having fixed the standard of liberty in every house of that populous and wealthy city."

General Bolivar and Admiral Brion have declared the whole coast of the Spanis Main in a state of rigorous blockade.

The West Indies, and the whole surface of the Atlantic, is infested with privateer vessels under the flag of the South American Independents, which have committed great depredations.

The Portuguese took possession of Monte Video on the 20th January, without firing a shot, and have issued proclamations declaring oblivion of all past opinions; that the security of persons and property is guaranteed by the Portuguese army, and granting them a free trade with all nations.

The quiet manner in which this transfer has been effected, proves that an amicable understanding must exist between the gov ernment of the Brazils and the Indepen

dents of that part of South America which the Portuguese have invaded.

A British ship has been seized at the Havannah-when the captain was deprived of his sword-the specie and stores taken away and the British colours torn down and destroyed.

Asia.

EAST INDIES.

The Calcutta Journal, Nov. 6, states, that a fatal rencontre took place between Captain Heaviside, with a part of the officers and crew of the Hon. Company's ship Elphinstone, and a party of Malays, in the month of September, at Boroo, on the north-east of Sumatra. Mr Macdonald, surgeon, and the second officer, were killed on the spot, and several others left for dead. Captain Heaviside was desperately wounded.

The peace of the Peninsula is likely to be disturbed by the predatory excursions of Ameer Khan, who, at the head of an army of 80,000 Pindarrees, spreads terror and devastation around. As their only object is plunder, some of the Rajahs were desirous of calling in the assistance of the Company's troops, and a considerable force has been ordered to assemble under the command of Colonel John Adams, in the dominions of the Rajah of Berar.

We understand the Prince Regent has brought the most satisfactory accounts of the state of every part of India. Trade was brisk, and so far from there being a glut of British goods in our settlements, there was actually a want of them.

CHINA.

Accounts have been received relative to the mission to China. The embassy had returned to Canton; and though the presents were not accepted by the emperor, yet there was no reason to suppose that the good understanding between the two countries would be in any way affected. Trade was carried on as usual, and three China ships left Canton after the embassy had returned from Pekin to Canton.-This intelligence was brought by the Prince Regent. Whilst she was preparing, March 12th, to weigh anchor from St Helena for England, three large ships came in sight, and these proved to be the vessels so anxiously expected from China, namely, the General Hewitt, the Castle Huntly, and the Cumberland. soon as they came to anchor, an officer from the Prince Regent went on board the General Hewitt, order to obtain the latest intelligence from China respecting British affairs. Part of the presents intended for the emperor had been sold at Canton, and the remainder were put on board the General Hewitt, together with despatches for England. The three ships left Canton on the 5th January.

As

Imperial Decree,

Dated the fifteenth Day of the seventh Moon of the twenty-first Year (6th September 1816) of Kia-King, addressed to the Viceroy Kiang, and the Fuynen Jung of Canton, and received the fifth of the eighth Moon (25th September).

The English Ambassadors, upon their arrival this time at Tien-sing, have not observed the laws of politeness, in return for the invitation of the emperor. Reaching Tung-chow (four leagues from court), they gave assurances of readiness to perform the prostrations and genuflexions required by the laws of good manners (of the coun try). Arrived at the imperial country-house (half a league from court), and when we were upon the point of repairing to the hall (to receive the embassy), the first, as well as the second ambassador, under pretence of ill health, would not appear. We, in consequence, passed a decree, that they should be ordered to depart. Reflecting, however, that although the said ambassadors were blamable in not adhering to the laws of politeness, their sovereign, who, from an immense distance, and over various seas, had sent to offer us presents, and to present with respect his letters, indicating a wish to shew us due consideration and obedience, had not deserved contempt, such being also against our maxim of encouragement to our infe riors; in consequence, from among the presents of the said king, we chose the most trifling and insignificant, (which are) four charts, two portraits, and ninety-five engra vings; and in order to gratify him, have accepted them. We, in return, give, as a reward to the said king, a Yu-Yu,† a string of rare stones, two large purses and four small ones; and we ordered the ambassadors to receive these gifts, and to return to their country (we having so enacted), in observance of the maxim (of Confucius), "Give much, receive little."

When the ambassadors received the said

gifts, they became exceeding glad, and evinced their repentance. They have al ready quitted Tung-Chow. Upon their arrival at Canton, you, Kiang and Jung, will invite them to a dinner, in compliance with good manners, and will say to them as follows::

Your good fortune has been small: you arrived at the gates of the imperial house, and were unable to lift your eyes to the face of Heaven (the emperor) great emperor reflected that your king sighed after happiness (China !!!) and acted

The

* Previous to coming to table, the guest makes a profound inclination, or actual prostration, according to the rank of the host.

+ Insignia of honour (a long carved stone) presented on days of fete to high mandarins and foreign ambassadors.

with sincerity; he therefore accepted some presents, and gifted your king with various precious articles. You must return thanks to the emperor for his benefits, and return with speed to your country, that your king may feel a respectful gratitude for these acts of kindness. Take care to embark the rest of the presents with safety, that they may not be lost or destroyed.

After this lecture, should the ambassadors supplicate you to receive the remainder of the presents, answer" In one word, a decree has passed; we dare not, therefore, present troublesome petitions ;" and with this decision you will rid yourselves of the embassy. Respect this.

NEW SOUTH WALES.

A

The advertisements in the Sydney Gazette are of considerable interest, in conveying an idea of the great improvements in every description of European manufacture of East India goods, West India produce, &c. They have their theatre, their Hyde Park, their races, and every description of amusement-England in miniature. new governor has lately been appointed, and it is said, it is no longer to be used as a depot for transported criminals, but that every encouragement is to be given to settlers, and that it is likely to become a colony of the greatest importance to the mother country.

HOUSE OF LORDS.

HABEAS CORPUS SUSPENSION BILL.

Mar. 3.-The order of the day being read, for taking into consideration the amendments made by the Commons on this bill, the Earl of ROSSLYN said, he disapproved of the original framing of the bill, which placed the liberties of the people of Scotland in a very different and far more precarious footing than it did those of England. In the former, an inferior magistrate was empowered to act under the bill; whereas, in the latter, a responsible minister, or six privy councillors, only could act. So far he approved of the amendments; but of the measure generally he disapproved. After some discussion, the amendments were agreed to.

Mar. 4.The royal assent was given, by commission, to the Habeas Corpus Suspension Bill, the Malt Duty Bill, and several private bills. The Army Seduction Bill, and Treasonable Practices Bill, were brought up from the Commons, and read a first time.

NAVY AND ARMY SEDUCTION BILL.

Mar. 6.-Viscount MELVILLE moved the order of the day for their Lordships going into a committee on the Navy and Army Seduction Bill, when Lord SHAFTESBURY took the chair. The bill being gone through, was reported without any amend ment, as was also the Regent's Protection Bill. Adjourned.

TREASONABLE PRACTICES AND ARMY

AND NAVY SEDUCTION BILLS.

Mar. 7.-The Earl of LIVERPOOL moved the third reading of these bills; but on some ambiguities being pointed out by Lord HOLLAND, it was agreed to postpone the third reading of the Treasonable Practices Bill till Monday; and the Army and Navy Seduction Bill, after some opposition by Lord GROSVENOR, was read a third time and passed.

DISTRESS IN IRELAND.

The Earl of DARNLEY pressed the necessity of adopting some measure very

speedily for the relief of the people of Ireland.

Mar. 10.-Lord HOLLAND gave notice, that he would, on an early day, move for copies of the instructions given to the governor of St Helena respecting the treatment of Napoleon Bonaparte; and moved that the Lords be summoned on Tuesday se'nnight, which was ordered.

Mar. 11. The bill for the protection of the Prince Regent was read a third time and passed.

SINECURES AND USELESS OFFICES.

Mar. 11.-Earl GROSVENOR called upon their Lordships to agree to a motion, generally, for the abolition of sinecures or useless offices, to which he could not conceive any sound objection; and after a speech of considerable length, he proposed these four resolutions: 1st, That sinecures should be abolished, after the expiration of the lives during which they were at present held: 2d, That useless places should be abolished forthwith, or properly regulated: 3d, That places or offices should no more be granted in reversion: and then, 4th, He should propose a resolution in favour of some reform. The Earl of LAUDERDALE asserted, that there never was a period in our history when men in office were less corrupt, and perhaps never a time when the public was more corrupt; that the influence of the Crown in the House of Commons was far less than formerly, and abolishing these places would be no relief to the public bur dens. After some discussion, the question was put. Contents 5; non-contents 45; majority against the motion 40.

Mar. 13 Earl GROSVENOR presented a petition from Chalford in Gloucestershire against the corn laws, and praying for a renewal of the property tax; also one from Southwark, praying for the abolition of sinecures. Laid on the table.

IRISH DISTILLERIES.

Mar. 14. Earl DARNLEY presented a petition from Belfast, praying for the stoppage of the distilleries, which was laid on the table.

Mar. 14.-Lord DARNLEY presented a petition from Belfast, complaining of the distresses in the North of Ireland, from the scarcity and bad quality of corn.

SEDITIOUS MEETING BILL.

Mar. 17.-Lord SIDMOUTH moved the first reading of this bill, and the Lords were ordered to be summoned for Thursday.

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.

Mar. 18.-Lord HOLLAND moved for a great number of papers and correspondence, respecting the confinement and treatment of Bonaparte at St Helena, calling upon Government to vindicate themselves from as

persions thrown upon them in various publications, for their harsh treatment of the ex-emperor. Earl BATHURST denied that any unnecessary severity was exercised towards Bonaparte; and said that there is no other restraint upon his correspondence than what is usual respecting prisoners of warthe letters must be opened. The sum allowed for his establishment is equal to that allowed for the governor-£12,000 per annum; and he has, besides, personal property, which he may expend for his own com→ fort, if he find that allowance too small. His Lordship assured the house, that the inconveniences complained of were created by Bonaparte himself. The motion was negatived.

SCOTS APPEAL.

Mar. 21-In the case of Arnot v. Stuart, counsel were finally heard. Affirmed, with £50 costs.

The house went into a Committee on the SEDITIOUS ASSEMBLIES BILL, on which some amendments were made.

SCOTS APPEALS.

Mar. 24. Shepherd v. Waterson affirmed, with £120 costs to one of the parties, viz. Mr Harvey.

Macdonald v. Stalker affirmed.

SEDITIOUS ASSEMBLIES BILL.

Mar. 25.-The order of the day for the third reading of this bill was read. Lord ERSKINE objected to the bill as unnecessary, and considered the existing laws sufficient for every purpose. The Lord CHANCELLOR supported it.

Lord SIDMOUTH

introduced a clause to prohibit public meetings within a mile of Westminster Hall, with the exception of meetings at CoventGarden and Southwark. Several Lords objected to this clause, when the house divided. For the clause 111; against it, 23; majority 88. The clause was of course annexed to the bill, which was read a third time and passed.

Mar. 26.-In the Scots appeal cause of Walker v. Weir, their Lordship's decision was, that the case be remitted back for further consideration.

The Naval Stores Bill, and the Exchequer Bills Bill, were read a third time and passed.

APPEAL COMMITTEE.

Mar. 27. The Earl of SHAFTESBURY presented a voluminous report from the

Appeal Committee, the recommendations in which were agreed to by the House.

PROTEST,

On the motion, that the consideration of the Habeas Corpus Suspension Bill be put off for three months, being negatived.

Dissentient, Because we concur entirely in the reasons stated in the protest entered against the second reading of the said bill on the 24th February last, and because the delay that has taken place since the bill has been hurried through this House, contrary to its established forms and standing orders, (in consequence of which unbecoming haste the amendments have been found necessary), has confirmed and increased our conviction, that this measure, which necessity alone can justify, is without any such justification. CLIFTON.

AUGUSTUS FREDERICK.
VASSAL HOLLAND.
SOMERSET.

Lords HOLLAND and DARNLEY entered a protest, dissenting from the resolution of the Lords, refusing the motion for the production of papers regarding the treatment of Bonaparte in the island of St Helena.

Mar. 28. The Exchequer Courts Bill was returned from the Commons, their Lordships' amendments having been agreed

to.

Mar. 29.-Mr BROGDEN, accompanied by several members, appeared at the Bar, and requested a conference with their Lordships on the subject of the amendments in the Seditious Assemblies Bill, which was granted, and the alterations agreed to.

Mar. 31.-The SPEAKER of the House of Commons attended, with several members, and heard the royal assent given, by commission, to the Seditious Meetings and Naval Officers' Half-pay Bills. The House then, on the motion of the Earl of LIVERPOOL, adjourned till Wednesday fortnight.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

GAME ACT.

Mar. 3.-Sir E. KNATCHBULL wished to introduce a bill to alter and amend the Game Act, which was to prevent persons from going out at night armed to destroy game. The bill was brought up and read a first time.

SEDITIOUS ASSEMBLIES BILL.

The SOLICITOR GENERAL rose to move the second reading of the bill for preventing seditious assemblies. Of the various means, he said, employed by the fomenters of discontent, one of the most efficacious was, to call together a number of persons, to inflame them by harangues, to persuade them that the evils arising from the circumstances of the times would be remedied by their application to Parliament, and to persuade them that they had a right to force Parliament to comply with their de mands. These meetings, which might be turned to every mischievous purpose, the

bill was intended to control, by some regulations precisely of the same kind as those adopted at other critical times. After some discussion, and some remarks from Lord COCHRANE respecting the imprisonment of a Mr M'Arthur of Glasgow, who had been afterward released, the bill was then read a second time, and ordered to be committed

to-morrow.

SEDUCTION AND TREASON BILLS. Mar. 3.-The Army and Navy Seduction Bills, and the bill respecting Treason, able Practices, were read a third time and passed.

PETITIONS.

Sir FRANCIS BURDETT moved that the petitions which lay on the floor, signed by nearly a million of subscribers, should be received. (There appeared to be nearly a waggon-load of petitions; they lay in a heap, and almost covered the floor of the House; it is understood there were 600 of them.) The SPEAKER.-Bring them up. (a laugh.) Sir Francis, on the suggestion of the Speaker, agreed to the propriety of proceeding with the petitions some other day.

PRISONERS AT GLASGOW, &c. Mar. 4.-Lord COCHRANE, seeing the Learned Lord Advocate of Scotland in his place, begged to know if the statement was true, that some of the persons imprisoned at Glasgow had been discharged, there being no foundation for any charge against them. The LORD ADVOCATE stated, that he had received no information on the subject. Sir FRANCIS BURDETT said, he had received a letter from Glasgow, stating, that the persons apprehended, and afterwards liberated, had been taken up on the evidence of spies. Several petitions for reform were presented by Lord Cochrane, some of which were objected to, and others ordered to lie on the table. The SOLICITOR GENERAL moved some new clauses in the Seditious Assemblies Bill, pro forma, and the House adjourned.

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY.

Mar. 5.-The CHANCELLOR of the ExCHEQUER moved a grant of £200,000 on account, for expences of a civil nature in Great Britain, which formed no part of the ordinary charge of the civil list. Agreed to.

Lord PALMERSTON moved for £500,000 as a further sum for the expense of the land service, with the exception of the troops in France, and in the territories of the East India Company. Agreed to.

SCARCITY OF FOOD IN IRELAND. Mar. 5.-Mr MAURICE FITZGERALD moved for an investigation into the amount and state of human food in Ireland, with a view to determine whether it might be expedient to stop the distillation of grain in Ireland. Mr PEEL thought he should be able to satisfy the Hon. Gentleman and the House, that a prohibition of distillation would not lead to the result which he anticipated from it. The question was not

merely whether they would prohibit the distillation in Ireland; the trade with Ireland was free, and, consequently, such a prohibition would give to the English distiller a preference in the Irish market. It should be considered, that one of the evils attending the stoppage of the regular distillation would be the stimulus thus given to illegal distillation, which would probably cause, on the whole, an increase in the consumption of corn and, as it would at least be a month before the stoppage could be affected, he was persuaded that the proposed measure would not save one barrel of corn, but be productive of mischief rather than good. He should add, that the Irish Government had taken all practicable means in its power to obviate the dangers of scarcity, especially by taking upon themselves the responsibility of admitting American flour, which the letter of the law did not permit. At the suggestion of Sir J. NEWPORT the motion was withdrawn.

NEW COINAGE.

Mar. 5.-Mr BROUGHAM moved for copies of some correspondence which had passed between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and certain Magistrates in the country, respecting the new coin, and expressed. in strong terms his indignation on discovering the letters W. W. P. on the reverse of the new coin of the realm; adding, that Cardinal Wolsey having impressed upon the king's coin a cardinal's hat, this was made one of the articles of impeachment against him. Mr W. W. POLE declared, that if there had been any such correspondence as that alluded to by the Hon. and learned Gentleman, he had never heard of it. With regard to the letters W. W. P. the learned Gentleman ought to know that he was authorised, by indentures, to put what private marks he pleased on every piece of the new currency. The question was put and negatived.

EQUALIZATION OF WEIGHTS AND MEA

SURES.

Mar. 7.-The CHANCELLOR of the ExCHEQUER, in reply to a question of Sir George Clerk, respecting the general equalization of weights and measures, assured him that a measure was in progress for the purpose to which he alluded. A commission had been issued, and the whole was, for the present, under the superintendence of the Royal Society.

POOR RATES.

Mr CALCRAFT presented two petitions from two parishes in Devonshire, in one of which the Poor Rates amounted to 18 or 19s. and in the other to one guinea in the pound to the landholders;-that in one parish, containing 575 inhabitants, no less than 497 were receiving parochial relief, and to this he begged to call the attention of Lord Castlereagh. His Lordship said, he was convinced a great part of the rate would be found to be wages paid in the shape of poor rates; a system which ought to be discou