A Handbook of English Politics for the Last Half-Century; Being an Outline of English Political History; Chronologicaly Arranged with Full Lists of (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 edition. Excerpt: ...of William I., King of Prussia. Bismarck becomes his chief adviser. The Boers of the Transvaal form themselves into a separate state. Jan. to May. Secession of ten of the states of the American Union, who form the Confederate States. April. Beginning of the American Civil War. June. Death of Cavour. July. Defeat of the Federals by the Confederates at the battle of Bull's Run. 1862. After a long series of engagements Lee and Jackson force M'Clellan to retire behind the James River. Lord Elgin Viceroy of India (to 1863). Parliament resolves (on the motion of A. Mills) that those colonies which enjoy self-government shall be responsible for their own military defence. Cobden refuses the office of President of Board of Trade, which is offered him. Budget. Gladstone adds 4d. in the of income-tax to incomes over 150. The Phoenix Club, under O'Donovan Rossa and Stephens, having become the nucleus of Fenianism, Rossa and others are tried and condemned, but released. Jan. A treaty of commerce between France and England, negotiated by Cobden, is signed. Feb. The Government scheme for remission of wine duties is introduced. March. A Government Reform Bill is introduced by Lord J. Russell, but withdrawn later (a). April. A Church-Rates Abolition Bill carried in the Commons but thrown out in the Lords. A Government bill abolishing the paper duty is carried on the second reading by 245 to 192, third reading by only 219 to 210. It is afterwards rejected by the Lords by 193 to 104. This causes much excitement in the Commons, as it is practically, though not in technical form, a Money Bill. Ultimately Lord Palmerston moves and carries resolutions which indicate that in future the Commons can guard their powers by so framing their bills as to...