CHAPTER X.

Abolition of Slavery.--Abridgment of the Apprenticeship.--The East India Company's Trade is Thrown Open.--Commencement of Ecclesiastical Reforms.--The New Poor-law.--State of Ireland.--Agitation against Tithes.--Coercion Bill.--Beginning of Church Reform.--Sir Robert Peel becomes Prime-minister.--Variety of Offices held Provisionally by the Duke of Wellington.--Sir Robert Peel Retires, and Lord Melbourne Resumes the Government.--Sir Robert Peel Proposes a Measure of Church Reform.--Municipal Reform.--Measures of Ecclesiastical Reform.