The month of April of this year was distinguished by the death of the famous George Saville, marquis of Halifax, who had survived, in a good measure, his talents and reputation.] [Footnote 067: Note 0, p.67.The commons resolved, That a fund, redeemable by parliament, be settled in a national land bank, to be raised by new subscriptions; That no person be concerned in both banks at the same time; That the duties upon coals, culm, and tonnage of ships be taken off, from the seventeenth day of March; That the sum of two millions five hundred and sixty-four thousand pounds be raised on this perpetual fund, redeemable by parliament; That the new bank should be restrained from lending money but upon land securities, or to the government in the exchequer; That for making up the fund of interest for the capital stock, certain duties upon glass wares, stone and earthen bottles, granted before to the king for a term of years, be continued to his majesty, his heirs, and successors; That a further duty be laid upon stone and earthen ware, and another upon tobacco-pipes.

This bank was to lend out five hundred thousand pounds a-year upon land securities, at three pounds ten shillings per cent, per annum, and to cease and determine, unless the subscription should be full, by the first day of August next ensuing.
The most remarkable laws enacted in this session were these:--An act for voiding all the elections of parliament men, at which the elected had been at any expense in meat, drink, or money, to procure votes.
Another against unlawful and double returns.

A third, for the more easy recovery of small tithes.

A fourth, to prevent marriages without license or banns.

A fifth, for enabling the inhabitants of Wales to dispose of all their personal estates as they should think fit: this law was in bar of a custom that had prevailed in that country--the widows and younger children claimed a share of the effects, called their reasonable part, although the effects had been otherwise disposed of by will or deed.
The parliament likewise passed an act for preventing the exportation of wool, and encouraging the importation thereof from Ireland.