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 commercial enterprize, and acted as a grievous tax upon the poor. Although the measure caused a deficiency in the post-office revenue at the time, it was more than compensated by the impetus which it gave to industry and commerce, and the lapse of a few years has proved that it was founded in wisdom and upon sound principles.

Her most gracious Majesty, Queen Victoria, was married, to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, on the 10th of February, 1840. This union has been productive of much mutual happiness, and conducive to the welfare of the nation; and the universal prayer of her loyal subjects is, that they may be long spared to each other, and that her Majesty may live long to rule over her devoted people.

The issue of the Queen's marriage has been as follows-

1. Princess Victoria, born 21st November, 1840.

2. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, born 9th November, 1841.

3. Princess Alice, born 25th April, 1843.

4. Prince Alfred, born 6th August, 1844.

5. Princess Helena, born 25th May, 1846.

6. Princess Louisa, born 18th March, 1848.

7. Prince Arthur, born 1st May, 1850.

8. Prince Leopold, born 7th April, 1853.

In the possible event of her Majesty's decease during the minority of the heir-apparent to the crown, Prince Albert has been appointed, by Act of Parliament, Regent, and guardian of the queen's issue.

In August, 1812, a treaty of pence was negotiated, with the Emperor of China, terminating the inglorious war which had been carried on for about three years, a war in which success was attended with little honour, and which was induced by a traffic injurious to the bodies and souls of men. By the terms of this treaty, the Chinese were compelled to open, to British merchants, five of their principal sea-ports, and to pay the government of this country 21,000,000 dollars to defray the expenses of the war.

It is said that the Queen has become much attached to Scotland, and, for several years past, her Majesty, accompanied by Prince Albert and the Royal family, has annually visited