PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.

IN pursuance of our engagement, we continue our exposition of this important question. The Postponed Subject we select for the present Topic is the

Oipromatic arrbirc.

The Diplomatic service is divided into the Ambassadorial and the Consular. The proper functions of the latter are confined to mercan- tile matters; unless where, in the absence of an Ambassador,. the Con- sul interferes for the protection of persons and property. The Ambassa- dor represents Majesty, and his business principally relates to the grand affairs of state. The differences in the titles of these functionaries merely involve considerations of etiquette. An Ambassador is en- titled to a reception differing from that to which an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary can lay claim, as he, in turn, takes pre- cedence over a simple Envoy or Minister. In several of the following Tables, the reader will find some slight discrepancies if they be compared with.the amounts in our late SUPPLE- MENT. This arises from the whole having been recast, and a few of the items having been found to belong to other branches of expenditure. There is also a charge for Exchequer and Treasury fees, amounting to upwards of 7,4001., which is omitted altogether in the present..

SUMMARY OF DIPLOMATIC EXPENDITURE. Aran ASSADORTAL SERVICE.

Salaries of Ambassadors, their Secretaries and Attaches, and

£

Allowance for House-rent

139,800

Outtit and Equipage of Ministers at Foreign Courts

3,530

Extraordinary Disbursements of Diplomatic Ministers at Fo- reign Courts 18,043

Special Missions 5,368

Expenses of Entertaining and Conveying Persons of Distinc- tion, Ambassadors, Sc 2,089

Presents to Persons of Distinction and Ministers at Foreign

Courts 7,547

176,377 CONSULAR SERVICE.

Salaries of Consuls in Europe and America

50,525

• • • the Levant, Sc.

11,000

.... Barbary 10,700

Conveyance of Consuls and Consular Contingencies 7,588

79,813

Total of Diplomatic Expenditure £256,190