Star. — London, England, 1809-04-07 00:00:00

'.~~~ .. FLOWER MAYOR. - • ' A COMMON COUNCIL, holden in the ChAml)ir I 1 of the Guildhall of the City of London, or. Thursday, the ' day of April, 1809, Resolved unanimously, That this Cour: has, on frequenc °tea o., evinced its detestation of the Poblib - Abuses, which have ..1 found to exist in various Departments bi - th State, and it :not but equally condemn the corrupt Practices developed by late Investtgation.before the House of Parliament. rttsoived, That r•WYLLTNI LLOYD WARDLE, Esq. having, un ee by Ministerial hreats, exhibited serious Charges against • late Cornmanthl• is Cliief, which have been clearly substan :ed, and which have, in fact, induced his Royal Highness to re a Situation of which he is unworthy, is entitled to the esteem Id gratitude of this Court and tiie Country. Re , otved unanimously, That the Thanks of this Court and the .eeclom of thi- City, in a Gold Box; of the value of One Hun tred Guineas, be presented to Gwy IN 3a LLOYD WARDLE, Esq. grai:ful testimory of the high sense they entertain of the zeal, !tepidity, and patnotism, which is so eminently evinced in that .luous and laudahl..! undertaking. Resolved, That the Thanks of this Court be presented to Sir IANCIS BURDETT, Bart. (Seconder), Lout FOLKSTONE, ,NIU Er. WHITIIR EA D, Esq. Sir Swai3er. RONIILLY, Knt. Gene ral f ERG('S'MN, HARVEY CEIR/STIAN Costae, Esq. Alderman, and one of the Representatives of this City in Parliament, and the rest of the 19.5 Independent Members who, upon the important question on the Conduct of his Royal Highness the-Dake of York, attempted to stein the torrent of Corruption. Resolved, That as a considerable number of those who voted - :!n favour of the late Commander in Chief, on the 18th of March last, hold lucrative appointments at the pleasure of the Crown, a vote of acquittal tinder such circumstances must at all times appear extremely equivocal, but when given, as in the present instance, in direct contradiction to the evidence produced, which-led to a decision so contrary to the legitimate expectations of the people, affords ground for apprehending that the decision has arisen from that preponderating influence of which this Court before his complained. Resolved, That these and other Public-Abuses call loudly for constitutional correction and redress, and evince the necessity of a radical and speedy reform, as essenti.l to the safety and-security of the just prerogative of the Crown as to the ancient and una lienable rights of the People. Resolved, That the foregoing Resolutions be signed by the Town Uerk, and published in the Morning and Evening Papers. WOOD 11-10RiE. COMMON COUNCIL. Yesterday a special Court of Common Council was held, for the purpose, as the Requisition stated, of returning thanks to Mr. WARDLE, for his late manly and independent conduct in Parliament, and other matters. The proceedings of the former Court having been i read over, and a great deal of ordinary business dis- I posed of, the requisition was read. Deputy GOODBEHEAE said, that it was not neces sary for him to state that the question which lie was about to submit to the Court was one of very great importance. This was a point on which, extensively promulgated as it was, there could be little difference . . of opinion. The late proceedings in Parliament had deeply engaged the attention of every part of the ern pire. Since the Revolution, no decision had been given in the House of Commons so important as the fast. The Common Council of the City of London had given many proofs that they were alive to the interests of the country. They often assembled to signalize the bravery and successes of various Corn smileless by land and by sea,and to pour out to them the tribute of their thanks, in testimony of remark able services. This was a duty most congenial to their feelings, and one which he was persuaded they would discharge with equal alacrity and pleasure on the present occasion, for on none was it better de served. No one could deny that Mr. Wardle had de serted well of his country. The services he had ren dered to it were far more extensive than any it could derive from victories, however brilliant and decisive. However great and glorious these might be,theywere not attended with permanent benefits. There was no time in which the bravery and talents of British officers was more conspicuous than during the pre sent and late wars ; but unfortunately the-. e was none in which the exertion of these qualities produced less advantage to the country. We. had, it was true, glo rious successes to boast—but when we came to wind tip our accounts, we found that there was an immense loss of property, and often ut territory against us. It might be worth while to consider to what this was owing. If they would take the trouble to trace the history of the last 50 years, they would find that some secret influence always prevailed to trample down the interests, and insult the feeling of the country—some secret schemer always found means to thwart the views of those who wished to recur to the genuine principles of the Constitution. It was to this secret influence that they owed the loss of America ; it was to this secret in fluence that the late and present war was to be attri buted. There was at one time a hope that this dan gerous and unconstitutional spirit would he destroy ed. A Combination of characters, among which were m a ny who were most respectable for talents and poli tical consideration, had met to form rules and regu lations for the conduct of the Government ; but un fortunately they sere soon drawn within the vortex of the Court, and the plan was entirely frustrated. The principle of secret influence outlived the attempt to destroy it. Its operation became more powerful than ever. This was soon seen. It joined with the Continental Governments in the abominable plan of destroying the liberties of the people every where.— It succesded in preventing peace; for peace and tran- 1 quality are not the grounds on which corruption fat-'I tens and reposes. This system attacks every branch of the Government, and almost overpoises the liber ties of the people. When they find a man contending ; against this system, and not only successfully strug gling with it, but carrying as it were victory in his i hand, they could not appreciate his . Services too highly. It was this fatal influence that brought about the union with Ireland—tlntt robbed that country of her liberties, and tranplanted an hundred Members into the Legislature, to give, perhaps, a death-blow to the liberties of England. It would behove the Meeting he had the honour of addressing, and the whole Constituent Body of this part of the Empire, to have their eye lipon a Legislature so consti tuted. He made these reflections because he loved the Constitution, because he wished to support it and live un d er it, Mr. Wardle, he conceived, was parti cularly entitled to the thanks of the Court, and in short, of every person who wished well to the Constitution. He came forward, not assisted by any of the public servants, by those whose duty it was to detect and prosecute peculation. Not one of these lent him a hand— no, they all sided with the pees it accused. In this situation was Mr. Wardle placed, depending on and supported by nothing but the goodness of csusen - In this lamentable situa.: l ion be had conducted himself with a perseverance, a courage, and a zeal which had never been exceeded by an?. of those brave men - whose .eminent services had been the object of their t.)tarilcs and rewards. He trusted that the countr y w o uld L eap the adiantagres* of the spirit excited by the 'eAttion of these admirable qualities, and that they should not again see Parlia ment dissolved for the purpose of taking advantage of the worst passions of the people. If, when ano ther election should take place, the people would re tain and give full effect to the - spirit that now pre vails, and which Mr. Wardle hadllie merit of have ing first roused, the *courittt*nright yet be saved.— , Unless that spirit should continue to prevail, he much feared we should be unable :1d stop the torrent that was ready to overwhelm us. The Tyrant of Europe. would be enabled to subdue us through the mediiim of our vices. The salutary example established by the conduct of one virtuous and resolute individual, he trusted, would not be lost sight of—that it would have its due effect both with the Government and the people. He trusted that where charges *Were again brought forward, no attempt would be made tOquasli or divert them by such excuses as they lately heard.; that they should hear nothing of rnaking certain al lowances in favour of distinguished rank, of conceding • a little to dissipation. Having, he feared, trespdssed too long upon the indulgence of the Court, he would • now proceed to read the Resolutions he intended to. propose. They were such as he trusted would meet . the ideas of the Meeting. There were no means . more effectual of communicating the sentiments Of the people to the Legislature than by such declatialions on such occasions. The example of, the .Cquyt .9f Common Council was looked up to by the tehole country, and he trusted they would not forfei; 'the ' good opinion that was entertained of them, an the great consideration in which their Proceedings,lin ac count of the superior means of information within. their reach, were held. He trusted that on this, as on every occasion, the good watchmen of the City of London would do their duty, and that their rePotts and vigilance may be the means of preserving the liberties of the country. Mr. Goodbehere now read his Resolutions, seven in number, and concluded with. moving the first. - Mr. MILLER seconded it in a short speech, in which he was scarcely audible below the bar. He said that the Thanks of the Court were particularly *due to Mr. Wardle, and that it was to such nien as him, and not the leaders of parties, by all of whom he was deserted, that the country should look up. He insisted on the necessity of a radical Reform in Parliament, and urged, as an argument in support of it, that 92 Commoners and 17 Peers returned 368 Members of the House of Commons. He recommended the ex. ample of the virtuous electors of 'Westminster to the rest of the constituent body of the Empire. It had appeared that the Duke of York had thought proper to discard Mrs. Clarke ; and it would be also better for the country if he would also discard . Mrs. Carey, as coeirrion report stated he- had done ; but he (Mr. Millar) ' understood, she • was only sent out of the way; about ten miles from towni : a dis tance which might be exceedingly coneement for l a summer's excursion. This was surely a eirctim•- stance which was much to be lamented, because frem.i it the immorality of the Duke's conduct still appeared to continue as before. The question on the first Resolution .havitig been put, Mr. S. DIXON observed, that as far as expressing thanks to Mr. Wardle, though there might. be some 'slight shade of difference, he was persuaded there. ! could be no material disagreement in opinion. Tnj ithe Resolution which proposed that, he vas as willing I to accede as any man, but he would not consent to go farther. As little could he concur in some of the observations of the Gentleman who brought.forward I the motion. There was nothing new in them. They were little more than the same dull tedious asseitions or prophecies of the ruin of the country, that have prevailed for many years. But, notwithstanding these prophecies and assertions, the country ,was still alive—still existed the envy and wonder of the world. , As little could he adopt *the apprelienglon thk we were to be conquered through the medium of our vices. As Gon was his judge he believed:there was Inot on the face of theglobe a people so truly virtuous as that of this country. With respect to. Ireland, he I was convinced that that country had already felt, and , would yet feel in a stronger degree, the advantages of its connection with this country ; and they Who en deavoured to sow disunion between them could be no friends to either. As far as the giving the Thanks of the Court to Mr. Wardle, he trusted_ k t,hey would be unanimous. He must, however, object to making this a party question. He was sorry to see, on such an occasion, a party spirit introducing itself into the court, and a set of men endeavouring• to ride into popularity upon the shoulders of Mr. Wardle. He found himself obliged to reject that Resolution which poriposed to give thanks to Lord Folkestone, Sir F. Burdett, Mr. Whitbread, and others. There was hardly one of these, with the exception of the Noble Lord first mentioned, who displayed 'the least zetil in support of Mr. Wardle. They must all reealect the cold and cautious manner in, which, 11.4 nugioe was seconded by Sir F. Burdett. There was also, an Honourable Member in his eye (Alderman Conibe), who from the part that he first took in this business (he had no other guide than the newspapers) he really believed was one of the most strenuous supporters of the late Commander in Chief. He could not easily forget the evidence which the worthy Alderman was said to have given on that occasion—that he came forward with an assertion directly opposite to that ofl Mr. bowler, whom the worthy Alderman acknow ledged to be a most respectable person, and highly deserving of credit. From all this he was induced to believe that the worthy Alderman was quite on the other side. Deputy KEMBLE said, that in reference to the late proceedings in Parliament, he must take that oppor r airy of expressing his indignation at the expression attributed to an Honourable Member (Me. Yorke) that thereeicisted a jacobinical conspiracy in this coun try. No combination or conspiracy of so abominable a kind did exist. The country was never More i or united than A this moment. He was ashamed to see men of fortune of all parties grasping A -envy thing they could catch. For himself, he loved his King---he venerated. him—he would lay down his life for him ! He also loved his country and the con-' stitution, and would lay down his life in7support.and•! defence of both.. if the country was true AO itsglf, it might defy the tyrant of the world. iste. trussed- i ' : , . . ~ that they itistliffhave tto'party spit among 4im.— Hilegicl tiB3ahjettion thit the thanks •of tlie - CONt' ehautd be glven'to'Mr. Wardle,,,hUt he did On 4411 - ao see the conferring of these thanks made' a party .question. What were Ministers to them ?He could' perceive little difference. between them. They all appeared to act upon the same system. 'Tlielast re mained so short a time in power, that they were not able to feather their nests. The present, he was per 'ended, would make good use -of their times, and scarcely leave a feather behind their. And by Whom .would they in all probability be succeeded ?- , Why, by some few.men of fortune and independence, and by an immense number of hungry and destitUtelieo ple,—persons gaping for food, with empty bellies and •empty pockets. What could the country gain by the accession of men of this description to power ? He hoped that every thing like party would be removed from.this question. He conceived that the only oh. ,pct altheir meeting was to return thanks to Mr. Wardle ; ' and in the propriety of conferring that dis tinction on that gentleman he most cordially concur red, and was therefore among the number of those who signed the requisition. He did 'so with pleasure, for he thought that the firmness and perseverance of that Gentle Man deserved every honour that could be conferred on them. He was deserted by every body, and still he had the courage to goon. To be sure, he afterwards received support, but little thanks were ilue'tA those who gavelt. When certain Menibers - Sa*ltlaat he was seated 'as on a rock, they rallied tiotthd Fitt He wit:Of 'opinion they owed a *on- cint deal to Mr. Wardle„and that the adva ntages 'tsresulted from .the, investigation he bid :citised,.i 1 1 rold be felt not only in the Governircent &Vim: ; hl its, but in ethers ; he. trusted they •skiSuldlie.)felto I even in The City. With respect to the Indral.t 4 tin- duct of the Duke of York, he would adinit that 'the country had nothing to do with it so long as it was removed from the public eye—but when Once' it Wa's ' broUght forward—when it was made prominent= when it appeared that it was the chief source cfgrer l abuses in a great branch of the public service; not to ' notice it was impossible. It was impossible not . to notice the perversion of language with which that . fa- , tal and immoral connection had been described.-La! Mfs. Clarke was said to be under the protection of the:Dtike of York. The protection !—How were i plain men to understand this phrase ? would, they i not say, •what a good man is this Duke of York— i Only see, he has come , forward to assist some poor widow, the deplorable relict of some worthy man, with a houseful of children.—But the charity of his 1 Royal Highness, it appeared, was not of this pure.' and disioterested nature, Ile hoped that this kind I of misapplication ofwords would never descend &opt ; the ranks of higher life to those of the ' Common I Council, and that the only females to wham they • should extend THEIR protection would be their wives. He trusted that the lesson which was read to the Duke of York would not be thrown away upon him, that he would seriously endeavour to reform, that he would lead a new - life; and that, forsaking his for-1 mer courses, he would ga home and make the poor little Duchess as happy an:. comfortable as she de-4 served to be. He concluded with -cordially assent- ing to the Resolution of Thanks to Mr. Wardle, i and the honour by which it was proposed to accom pany it, and expressing his determination to oppose i khe others. , , Mr. Alderman Comm: said, that it was neCeisarY to clear himself from the imputation of having, acte4 , with duplicity. When the charges were first brought,,: forward in Parliament, he. had the same feeling. an4l 'the same hope that many other Gentlemen entertaiit-d ed, that the Duke of York would come out from the; trial pure and unsullied. .When, however, he had ! he. the evidence, it was impossible for him to shut his ears against it, or against the conviction that k produced. As to wh:it he had mentioned about Mr. ; Dowler, he allowed that it was not the duty of that Gentleman to tell him any thing about his private . affairs, but having been told something that appear- , ! ed contrary to his public testimony, he. thought it Ile- cessary to mention it. i 'T • • :. Mr. GRIFFITHS spoke a few words- in support of the vote of thanks to his friend Sir Francis 'Bur- dett. He knew him to be a good' father, a good husband, and a worthy man , and that he had been brought down to attend his duty in the House; al though he was at that time labouring under a severe illness: , Sir C. PRICE thought that the first of the Resolu.l tions was so self-evidently true, that there was no voting against it. He took that opportunity of stab , ing, that when on Saturday List he offered himself to the Livery, in order to vindicate the vote he had given, he could not obtain a hearing: It was the first of April, mid he supposed the Livery meant to make a fool of my Lord Mayor, or theilkßepresenta tives. (Murmur; of disapprobation.) He on that day felt very anxious to , express his sentiments, especially.' when that Gentleman, who was the leader of the.day (Mr. Waiihman) facetiously introduced the story of the ass and the lion. ' (4 I laugh.) AlthOugh that Gentleman came to the Hall, attended by: his myrmi don:— ( Loud tries of order, order.) • • Mr. GRIFFITHS rose and said. - 64 Although I sup ported Mr. Waithman's motion, I hope will not be considered a myrmidon." (A loud laugh.) - Sir C. PRICE * in continuation, said, he certainly did not mean to describe that worthy Gentleman as a myrmidon. What he had wished to state to the Livery was, that he had given the evidence the most serious attention that was in his power, and hardly ever quitted the House of Commons during the seven long nights that it was under investigation. After having discharged his duty in paying the greatest attention to the evidence, he felt himself in the situation, cf brand Juror, and feeling himself in that situation, it was the firm conviction of his mind that the Duke of York was not guilty of either pirruptir, Ox wilfu ll y conniving at corruption. . this opinion hisiwo col leagues coincided. At the same time he thought that the Duke had been highly census, irt other parts of his conduct, and thak Parli4FlFloo2t. to ' have recorded that censure. . ••• • • i • 1 h he! VI beep . Mr. WAITMIAN said, that alth ough . a . desirous of remaining siletit upon the question of the first Resolution, Which„, he supposed, would have. been unanimously agreed to, yet, after ttie effusions which he had heard from a Gentleman en the other side (Mr; Dizon)•, he found it impossible to . prcserve silence longer. Gentleman had spiikett with. • considerable petuldnce of the butin*bt,ingpro!ighv .forward as a pwrty. sititstioa ; . Ilisrbdieved he wt id be mild; . • ate .a.'lttss- to:- prove Ite 'b'ad also toritikeettit that we and a rich nation; ftriethat we ha( tory is the course of the pr sent were old stale obstrtiAtions, which 1 ctistoined to prodtettelon'all occasions, of the virtue of the people of this cot doubted the virtue of the people •-•.but to see was, some virtue in the !Govt hear.) For his own part he was.entir( with either of the great parties... He close enough to know the little selfi: ‘vhiCh they acted, and'te see, that whi pokier, therilerimutWthe same: Al he would not allow, that it was any nected,with:a*-ti; and when he ret , to ColOtiel Wardle,` it Vkas trot for bei with any part)', bid for having acteL man. He thedght a much greater d was due to hitnAin to any body else, originated the business, and gone such perseveraw, it.a time that hi support. The Gentleman on the otht he often heard that the Country was it remained flourishing. He never h( in thit . Cinlit shy that the country he W-otild give his opinion that..it was pid strides to ruin under the present The very sane argument, however, Urketi in all the other countries that fallen in consequence of the abuses any their Government. It might have Switztyland, in Prussia, and- in Swed I.Vho•Complainecf Of the • corruptions Mani, fou•kre always•talkingof our; corruptions; 'but you see that we and , flourishing nations" This ar with eqfial justice have been urged tries up to the very moment that tit( place which brought them to destruct .which . led to the explosion might ha' 'standing, and easily pointed out, bt came on in 'a day. He did not lc which could lead more to the horro) tion. than the decision of the Hou: upon the late ' occasion. Many peo) that all which had .come out upon thr to the Duke of York, and not to tht This was not; however, .any new di part of system which had been lid( on for a great number of years. Sim , had been brought • forward against who had since been reinstated in his oils by the present' Ministry. It migt alsb, - that the Duke of York would sooi 4.. - audit was not quite dear that he was ment the actual Commander-in-Chi sons who were loudist in talking against the House of Brunswick, were the utmost possible injury to that Hot , ing those abuses and corruptions wt 1 the Crown as well as the Country. ' I of the City of London had in forme great influence upon the country al really thought that the salvation or di country might depend in a great manner in which the City of Lon duct itself upon the present occasioi LOndon had; upon farmer occasion - s, Revolution, - spoken in much : bolder: tcas~ pow laroposed; At that time pos4 their petitions, and seized ~014 theltevolution ; very soon IgeOpre at that 'time very roughly 'Cott , &Most as roughly, he believed, handled when they went up to dress to his Majesty . - -This right of sentiments boldly, and addressing . 111 not taken its birth from party moti trtfly of 'English growth. It was a was the chief foundation of the Eng and the main support of our fleets almost every nation on the Continent effects-had already taken place whir be appre'inded in revolutions; anc: no other means of saving this count: 1. rum, but o have a House of Comm( sensing the people. There were two fence -set pp for the Duke of York, tirely inconsistent. The first was, tha) legs thoughtless young fellow, who suspect any of those corrupt practu carried on under his nose. The secs defence was, that he was a great Col had dune. wonderful things for the Army: Now it appeared to him, the thoughtless man that some 'dew it was impossible that he could be .mander that others said he was ; was a great General and Commap, possible that he could be excused folly. It appeared to him, that the conduct of the worthy Baronet (Si and his - colleagues, was much of thi tion. If they had really acted from pi tious ntives in giving their votes Duke, It folloWed that they were not Understand that which almost the nation capable of reading, writi could understand most Clearly. If , case in which they had Co:omitted thi they might have been perhaps forgiv be recollected that their conscience: Lions of their mind had always follen nistration. Those Members who wi pable of discrimination should never He found it necessary to make anoi ..in consequence of the reflections ,thrown out against the conduct of the turday last. It was certainly impo: merous an assembly, to controul the viduals in the same way in which it smaller meetings ; but, upon the *hi. was as respectable and decorous an had ever seen in that Hall. The He C. Price),had talked of his bringing to !uptibrt him. He should, howe' that he and his friends had done all procure him and his colleagues a p. Phis was, however, not easily , to , must be recollected that in those gre, the people the object %%as, rather to lugs and the sense of the public upop wbich i they had already thought of in their own minds, than to be like assembly, taking the matter up of. A CON of the titti day of A esolved t , vince be... 1 found I ca :not but I the late Inv, • Atsoived, by the late Col tiated, and v sign a Situ4t and graritucl Re olved Freedom of dred Uuinei in grar:ful t intrepidity, arduous ane Resolved FRANCIS SAMUEL \V till I ERG('S' and °lie of I rest of the I questUm on attempted tr Itesolved In favour of last, hold lu vote of acrit extremely in direct cot decision so I affords grow that prepon complained. Resolved, constitution: a radical ame of the just F Lienable righ Resolved. MINNS t o se d yw.o: n tto vn :se when e.t e emrrn re it crime r ni atlyel ehia t r e. e. ca; they e oti s !I s e wane ItTeoe; n3rinh c. 0 ~k 0 we were a. grea t • ar, y had lost no te r n, e d iA :edb- e e tdfii urnes Itl takingul_gg i nt a seen rhneucveedenidesict,lawo:i tnsf andib I.nlhct i t erat l tot t mych . dk m nenett.t : :_r e ea l Ass th l r i o k u e z a h a vie l tiith.ast. se, from his 1: av ing he had but littl e ther side said, th, t t • heard any person 7y was ruined, but sent Government. r, might have been hat 'have actually- and corruptions in Lave been said in weden, to any one s of their Govern- if the danger from we .continue great argument might .. ;ed in those chin. the explosion took action. The causes • have been of long but yet the rzin : know any thing errors of a revolu- ause of Ct.mmcn s people bupposed the trial Went only the Parliament.— discovery, bat a nfortunately acted aCcusatutis st Lord Melville, . is Majestrs Conn. % night besupFoied, . soon be reinstated}'. was not at this mo. ',hief._ Those per: of a conspiracy • wore in fact &Lt . by . support. which 'endangered.. The Corporation' 1711- times , a .v.ery at large, .4 r destruc t ti 4 nkaio: - .t measure .on. :the )radon shou s rd con - ion... The City. ms, and before ibe di t laceu4ge. ne . ihe crown op-7, theit charipri, lowe a a. The. han'dled by tote ved, as the city to present an Al.r. ig . exptelthg their„,, • tot; zs, but.jt 'w24 a principle Whiclt English clitAacter; is and arrniei. In ent, all the dreadfia. which were most to and there . were .no untry front similar nmons really repre- two grounds cf de. which were en- that he was a harm- o did not know cr ictices, which were e second ground of t Commander, and Le advantage of the n, that if he were escribed him to be, be that great Com- ; and if he really ladder, it was..irn- -1 on the ground of the defence of the 'Sir Charles Price), the same &scrip- pure and conscien- es in favour of the re fools who co4lcl iost every matt in riting, or thinking,' if this was the only i the same mistake, liven ; but it would ices and the convic- Bowed every admi- were utterly inca- rer have his vote. — mother observation, s which had been the Livery on Sa- npossible, in so nu- the feelings of indi- it could be done in whole, he thought it I an assembly as be Hon. Baronet (Sir ig myrmidons d.)wn vevei, remind al in their power to t patient hearing.-- :o rbe done ; and it great assemblie , cf to collect the feel pop 'groat questi , : • and deterinini like a deliberal.re I if it were a coS