Star. — London, England, 1820-03-03 00:00:00

Live language, always beautiful, and always correct, he tells us, I say, that a Representative Government, like the magnet in nature, is the pole of the civilized world, an.l that it is the best, and indeed, the only security, for the continuance of our most useful in stinoiols, and which Gentlemen may or may not continue, for aught I care, without a real substantial Representation of the People ; for how could I be certain that I would not be deprived "of them every instant, if I had not the security I speak of, wherein to confide ? The Noble Lard goes on to say that no thing can be mere stupidly disgusting than to be constantly told of the responsibility of Ministers as the safeguard of our Constitution. When his Lordship asks Did they commit one responsible act? I say, never. —Nor, indeed, could it be expected that Parliament would ever think of calling upon Ministers, since every act of the latter is sanctioned, and ordered, and commanded by the House itself. Could Parliament be asked to call into question its own acts? The pre sent system of Government is, a< his Lordship most truly remarks, a preposterous and dangerous combi :lath us of powers, which were provided by the Con stitution to be honest balances to each other. This, then, is that of which we complain, and the melan choly developement of the justice of our complaint is to be fhund in the history of the last Parliament— that Parliament " whose days were fow and sad in the land," but whose few days were yet exceeded— • • • • •, whose acts deprived us of some of our most valuable rights. The privilege of publicly meeting and declaring our sentiments to each other, immeasurably belonging to us, is now cut down by Act of Parliament ; and a man, when he does open his tips on any public matter, must address him self in a cautious whisper to his neighbour in the same parish. Then, Gentlemen, they have taken away the' right to have arms in our possession—a right that was intended to be indefeasible by the Bill of Rights at the period of the glorious Revolution—glorious i.n.leed, inasmuch as it asserted our right to the en joyment of an extent of liberty which we arc far from enjoying—glorious, inasmuch as it established the proud triumph of the great John Locke over the opposition of prejudice—superstition, and all the wretched engines of despotism, moral and political. So far it was a glorious Revolution ; but in our eyes it must ever appear an inglorious Revolution, inas much as it failed to carry into effect all those great beneficial principles which it established, and which the People had not only not enjoyed, but they suf fered a daily diminution of that partial advantage which accrued to them from this illustrious event. The doctrine promulgated by the Revolution was the doctrine ancred to by all the old Tories—the Swifts —the Bolingbrokes—thc Popes—the Shippen•, and a host of others, many of whom subsequently fell off front their attachment to it, when they found that adherence to it could be no longer of any public advantage. Such, indeed, I might say, was the doc trine of both Whigs and Tories; and Gentlemen, what soever differences might have divided these pa:ties, or might have been the means of splitting the country into parties at all, yet we are sure there never was at any time any difference of opinion as to the fact, whether we should have a corrupt Government or not. I myself have indeed been always anxious that these political names should be dropped. The occasions in which they originated, and which had justified their temporary continuance, have long since ceased to operate, and, indeed, have been obliterated entirely from peoples' minds, and, therefore, do I regret that persons should be found willing to keep up these titles, when the cause of them is so long and so justly forgotten. No, Gentlemen, the only rational , distinction which should fix our attention is between those who support the notorious, the openly conies sed, theriequently avowed, even in the House itself— corruption of Parliament, and those who are anxious to bring about a House of Commons possessing the same interest, feelings, and sympathy, as the People ; and being, in truth and reality, a Reptesen tation of the People. I own, Gentlemen, that I en tertain sanguine expectations upon this subject. I knew when I first enlisted under the banner of Re• form, that the consummation of this great object must he of long and-difficult attainment. Therefore, when I saw the cause sometimes retrograding, some times advancing slowly, sometimes stationary, and even hopeless, still, Gentlemen, I have been always • at my post, doing the little that was in my power ; being invigorated in my career, not so much by our success as by the consciousness of deserving, as well as by the satisfaction of finding my countrymen alive to the conviction,' thatsif nothing was accomplished nothing was omitted—that no expectation of theirs, so far as I was concerned, was defeated, and no con fidence abused—( Continued applause). This feeling, Gentlemen, nothing under HEavEs can take from me. I have been through life, true to my principles, to my King, and to my country—there is another point of far greater value—l have always been true to myself ! To the liege Lord of my dear native land • I •we a subject's homage.— Put in my bosom reigns another Lord, honour sole judge and umpire of itself!' (Applause). But, Gentlemen, something ton much of this,' it is not becoming for one to speak of oneself, but there are occasions which would almost justify a very great degree of latitude upon such an unplea sant topic. Gentlemen, it is to me a subject of the greatest delight, and is besides a strong encourage • anent, to find the spirit of liberty rapidly making its way through the world. This is to me a source of the deepest gratification, for be who loves liberty will not confine the blessing to any place, or any coun try, but will be always anxious to disperse it as far as society extends. Therefore, I rejoice that the Spa niards are at last roused from that lethargy in which they appeared to be involved beyond all hope. We find that the proud feelings, for which that coun ty stood completions beyond all nations, have taken alarm. We find that the free principles which she imbibed during our military intercourse with her, and which have been dormant since that has been reinstated. We find these principles at last awakened into active existence, and 1 have no doubt, from the knowledge that when once the feelings of lipaniArds are p operly roused, they will not subside unprofitably and tamely. I have no doubt. I say, that the result will be such as to give joy to every lend of liberty. Aad believe me, Gentlemen, that trom the peculiar circumstances in which she has been placed, the emancipation of Spain will do more for the cause of general freedom, than the same ex- • ample in any other nation could effect. Every inha bitant of Europe is materially interested in this march of freedom; for we know that at Vienna once was held a Congress of Sovereigns, whose object appeared to be to extirpate every feeling of liberty, and drive from the earth all those principles of free and useful government, which they did not forbear to fos . e.. themselves when they could turn the influence of them on the.people to their own account. But the people will never again be deceived, and I know o no nation in Europe, calculated to give a better les son to the bosoms of Sovereigns than Spain. She it is that teaches them that there is no real substan tial foundation in tyranny—(Great applause).—They must go hand in hand with the light of the age —they cannot hide the rays of intellect, no more than they can those of the sun from the world—the armies, the corporeal armies of the Kings are at rest —but the army of principles is on its march—it is irresistible, and will ultimately prove too strong for that of mere brute compulsion. Look to France, and you will see the same struggle going on there. As Lord Castlereagh is the Minister, not of England, hut of the Congress of Vienna, su is the Minister in France also Minister of the Congress, of Vienna, and eo on with respect to all the countries of Europe.— In consistency with the principles which have dic tated some of the late measures, which we had so much reason to deplore, is an attempt now made to excuse, by the perpetration of an atrocious crime in France, the extirpation of the liberties of that country. An absurd connection is pretended between liberty and an assassin, and the length to which some per ' sons go in endeavouring to establish this con nection, only prove that the blind adherents of power wish to throw dust in the people's eyes.— But they will not, cannot succeed. With respect to 1 : France, we know that she has lately enjoyed a de gree of freedom which she never possessed before— , and it is most material for us to reflect, that in that country, although the Representative System is very imperfect, although the elective suffrage is distri buted to few, yet it has, in its operation, proved sufficient to resist the corruptions which have existed in that country, With respect to South America, liberty is proceeding in that country with rapid stride. Its march is attended with wisdom, with moderation, and humanity, so that the enemies of freedom could not reproach the People of that coun try with those acts which dedraded the character of the French Revolution, and which, although they emanated from anything rather than the spirit of li berty, were sufficient to scare and terrify many per sons out of those principles of freedom which they had long cherished and professed. And, Gentle men, I shall conclude this sketch with mentioning last, although not least, the United States of Ame rica. It it with heartfelt satisfaction that I look to this fine country, forming, as it does, so eminent a part of the great map of liberty which I have laid before you. We should never forget that the founders of this great Republic sprung from among ourselves; that they were driven to plant in foreign climes those seeds of liberty, which they were not permitted to cherish at home, rising in so short a space of time from so scanty a be ginning to such an attitude of importance as they have attained. Why in my own life-time, I know that her name was too small, too trivial to attract almost the serious notice of Europe ; yet she has arrived at such a height of strength and power and importance, as to become, as it were, a component part of the civilized portion of Europe; and I beg, Gentlemen, you will not fail to reflect upon the Constitution of that free Government which carries into actual practice, with the most unbounded political profit, all those principles which have been long looked upon in this country as nothing but the chimerical speculations of political knaves or fools. In short, the principle of Universal Suffrage is carried into execution there, at least it is so in several of the States, and in others, the qualification of an Elector is so small as to amount almost to nothing. And this, Gentlemen, is practised with advantage in Ame rica, which, if it were practised in England, would produce, as we are told, the most hideous effects.— Gentlemen, I don't say that Universal Suffrage, in its most unlimited sense, ought to be adopted ; but I say, I would rather at once have the King nominate the House of Commons, than to have it formed as it is *by the Boroughmongers. To this Parliament I owe no allegiance."—The Honourable Baronet then went oil to compare the situation of America with that of this country, and concluded an eloquent Address, by an appeal to the feelings of the Electors of Westmin ster, as they valued their character, their country, and liberties, to stand the 'friend of that man who was hest calculated to succeed in supporting The Hon. Baronet sat down amidst loud cheering. " Lord COCHRANE'S health" was proposed, and drank with loud applause. " The Liberty of the Press," was proposed by Mr. THELWALL, in a short speech, and drank with ap plause ; as was also the health of Colonel WILLIAMS, and the Concentric Society of Liverpool. Sir FRANCIS BURDETT and Mr. HORHOUSE retired at half--past nine, but the company supported the conviviality of the evening to a much later hour. At the Cumberland Assizes last week, Mr. Justice' PARK alluded to the discussion in and out of Parlia ment, respecting Prison Discipline, and declared that, though not wanting in humanity, he was no visionary on that subject, but hoped the time would never come when imprisonment should be no punishment. His Lordship expressed himself friendly to a proper classification of prisoners ; to their due employment ; their instruction in morals and religion ; attention to their cleanliness ; ant to their real comfort ; but his ' Lordship could not entertain the idea that, when a pour man has his cottage broken into and plundered, the culprit should be placed in a better situation than the man he had injured. The magnificent Chapel which is erecting on the left side of Regent -street, nearly about midway be tween Pall-Mall and Piccadilly, begins to wear an aspect which marks its destination. The frame work of a lofty cupola in front is nearly complete, and part of the ornamental architecture of the pedi ment is finished. . The general style of the frontal decoration is pure classic, and it certainly will prove a conspicuous ornament to the magnificent approach to the Royal Palace from the North. The Rev. Mr. RvirroN, who, it is said, projected the establishment, will, we understand, be the officiating Minister. • N sam rT.V 7 1, 4 .7.71, 10 ,4: TUE CONSPIRACY. Yesterday morning, the conspirators, who stood committed to Coldbath-fields Pti on, were taken from thence to the Home Office, to undergo an exa• mination before the PriV) , Council. On Wednesday evening, Mr. Adkins, the Governor, received a writ ten order to have his prisoners at Whitehall at half past twelve, for which purpose several Pslice Offi cers, and an escort of military, should be in attend ance: In consequence of this intimation, Mr. Ad kins yesterday morning directed that the men should be shaved and prepared at the proper hour. They were, accordingly, all brought down to the Lodge of the Prison at half-past eleven, with the exception of Thistlewood and Monument. As it was probable they might be detained at Whitehall the greater part of the day, they each of them had a pint of potter, and other refreshment. Shortly before twelve, La vender, Bishop, Salmon, Taunton, and ltuthven, Offi cers of Bow-street, and Lock, one of the Patrole, ar ' rived. They immediately proceeded to handcuff the prisoners together, in separate parties. Wilson, Davidson, and Tidd, formed one diVision ; Gilchrist, logs, and Bradburn, a second ; and Shaw, Cooper,. and Brunt, a third. The first-mentioned three seemed to be in good spirits, and were laughing at some pri vate observations which passed between themselves. There was no appearance Of recognition between them and the other six. Ilradburn, who is a re• markably good-looking young man, was consider ably dejected, as was Brunt. Cooper, who is an Irishman, did not appear much affected. Dui ing the arrangements in the Lodge, Thistlewood, who was yet ignorant of the pe: sons who had been ap prehended, was, together with Monument, taken into the Governor's Office, and they were handcuffed to getter by Lavender. Four coaches were then drawn up to the prison gate, and the ai rival of the military escort was anxiously expected, as the Officers were not provided with weapons, in the event of any at tempt at rescue. At twenty minutes after twelve, the escort not having yet arrived, Mr. Adkins deter mined to fulfil the letter of his instructions, and set out for Whitehall. The coaches were, in consequenm drawn up, and three of the prisoners, accompanied by an Officer, were put into each. Thistlewood and Monument were then brought forth, and put into the fourth coach. There was a strong contrast in their appearance ; the former being very tall, and the latter very short. Thistlewood walked with a hur ried step across the court-yard, and entered the car riage as if anxious to he concealed from the eyes of curiosity. He was followed by Mr. Adkins and• L avender. The whole then drove off at a quick pace, tothe Home Office, where they arrived at a quarter before one. A considerable throng was collected round the outer gates of the prison ; but there was no expres sion of public feeling beyond that of a desire to see the conspirators. s The prisoners remained at the Home Office but a few minutes; and on being informed that they had been brought up by mistake, it not being arranged for them to be examined yesterday, they were in con sequence taken back in coaches to the House of Cor rection in Cold-bath-fields. The Lords of the Council had appointed to meet at the Secretary of State's Office for the Home De partment, at twelve o'clock, to deliberate on the charges against the prisoners, and to determine on the best and most proper mode of proceeding against them without interrogating the prisoners or examin ing any witnesses. The meeting was attended by The Cabinet Ministers, the Marquis Camden, Viscount Pal merston, Mr. C. P. Yorke, the Chief Baton of the Court of Exchequer in Scotland, the Honourable R. Ryder, Sir John Nicoll, Mr. R. Peel, Mr. W. liuskisson , the Master of the Rolls, and Mr. S. Bourne.. There were also present the Attorney-General, the Solicitor-General, and Mr. BAKER, the Magistrate belonging to the Police Office in Marlborough -street, who signed the warrant for entering the premises in Cato-street, and for the apprehension of the gang of assassins. Their Lordships continued in deliberation -till nearlyhalf-past two o'clock. Ings skill bears the mark of the blow which he re ceived from Westcott, in the stable. His eye is blood shot, and the flesh around it very black. He wore a great coat over his ordinary butcher's jacket. Da vidson was dressed in a blue coat, light-coloured breeches, and top-boots. The appearance of the whole was extremely shabby. Brunt is a short well set man, about f 10; his complexion sallow ; he has rather a meditative countenance, but the g eneral ex pression of his physiognomy is utdavouralle. A warrant has been issued for the apprehension of Harris, the man in whose house. Thistlewood was arrested. It will be recollected that this man was a type-founder, in the manufactory of Messrs. Caslon, and that his wife, during the bustle attending This tlewood's capture, contrived to elude the vigilance of the Officers, and slip out to give her husband notice of what was going on. Since that time Harris (the husband) has been " out of the way ; and it has since been asserted that he was the manufacturer of all the bullets found upon the conspirators. The Police is still upon the alert. Yesterday, Preston's daughter waited at the Office of the Home Department, as she was directed upon Tuesday last, for an answer to the letter which she addressed to Lord SIDMOUTH, requesting to have an interview with her father. She saw Mr. Hosnowsr, and was tcld by hith that she could not see her father till after Friday (this day); and if she would call again on Saturday next, she would probably have as older to see him. She waited in the lobby until her father was brought out after his examination before the PrivysCounLil, and he looked very anxiously at her, but they were not allowed to speak to each other. She had a bundle of linen ; and when her father was conveyed to Tothill-fields Prison, she followed him, and save the linen to the Governor. FUNERAL OF SMITLIERS. Yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock, the remains of the unfortunate Smithers were removed from his lodgings in Carteret -street, in the Broadway, West minster, and but ied in the Church yard of St. Mar garet's, Westminster, amidst a great concourse of sympathising spectators. It was too trying a task for his widow to undertake to follow him to the grave, and she was prevailed on not to attempt it.— The deceasrd's father and brothers followed as prin cipal mourners. They were succeeded by some pri vate friends, and a numerous assemblage of Officers and otheri belonging to Bow -street Office ; Mr. John • Lavender, belonging to Queen-square Police Office,. to which the deceased formerly belonged ; Mr. Arm strong and his son, both Officers belonging to the Po lice Office in Worship-street ; making, in the whole, cixty-seven persons, thus showing the last mark of re spect to a departed, active, and worthy Officer, who had fallen a sacrifice in the cause of his country, by • the hands of a ferocious assassin. _ _ _ The procession passed through thef•llowing streets; the windows of each howe were filled with specta tors of both sexes :—Tothill-street, Dartmouth -street, Great and Little Queen-streets, Great George -street, and through the grand opening leading to St. Mar garet's Church. The rush from the crowd to gain admission into the latter place was astonishing; but no accident occurred. The service was performed 1 -v the Rev. Mr. RoDEER ; and on Mr. Lavender, jun. witzessing the aged father of Smithers leaving . the Church, who was almost overcome by his Feel ings, the above Officer was so much affected as to shed tears. The Church-yard was filled with an im mense crowd of persGris of all descriptions, among which were nntnerOtts soldiers belonging to the' :;:cards. A general regret and pity seemed to per , vade the whole of this vast assemblage at the melan choly fate of this most intrepid Officer The proces sion then returned through Tothill-street to Carteret• street, when the Officers returned to the undertaker's, The whole of this funeral was conducted in the mcst, decorous manner ; and several Magistrates were amongst the spectators. THE EVENING STAR LON DON. FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1820. THE FUNDS. MCP OF STOCKS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK : Bank Stock 224 1 4, 3 per Cent. Reduced G 91 12 3 per Cent. Consols 68 SI, per Cent. 78 it per Cent. BSI/ 2 E per Cent. Navy 101 IA 1% 1 / 2 Bank Long Annuities 18 1 / 4 5-16 Imperial 3 per Cent. Anns. 68 1 / 4 India Bonds 14s. 15s. pr. Exchequer Bills (2d.) 2s. Is. dis. Consols for Account 69 1 / 4 GS 78. The Cato-street conspirators, who were yesterday taken by mistake to the Grace of the Secretary of the Home Department, to be examined, were again conducted there this morning, at half-past ten, and; are now under examination before the Privy Council.. They were conveyed in four hackney-coaches, eacls of which was guarded by eight horsemen of the Guards, two in front, one at each side, and four be. hind. They went at a quick rate, and did not at-- tract any remat kable assemblage of persons. Mrs. Thistlewood made application yesterday at. Lord SIDMOUTII'S Office, for leave to visit her hus band. She was desired to call again to-day, which she did, when leave was given, on condition that the • visit should be in the presence of an Officer. We are sorry to learn by our advices this morning, that the storm which raged with such violence yes terday morning in the Metropolis, was felt with nearly equal severity over the whole country, to the distance of between sixty and seventy miles, particu larly towards the West and North-west. In Bucks, Oxfordshire, and Ilampshire, the wind has commit ted great havoc among the farm-yards, and young plantations ; some houses have been unroofed and many cottages blown down. In the New Forest, some of its stateliest and most valuable ornaments have been torn up by the roots, and branches innumerable lie wrenched from their parent stems. Along the coast, the casualties, as we anticipated, have been nu merous. For particulars we refer our Readers to our Nautical Intelligence. BRIGHTON, MARCH I. The inquiries in Marlborough-row to-day, to learn the state of his MAJESTY, have been very numerous. The answers given have been of the most cheering and gratifying nature. His .MAJESTY'S complete re covery is confirmed by Sir MATTHEW TIERNEY, and nothing as appertaining to a relapse is apprehended. The northern blast to-day has been remarkably keen, with flyiilg showers at intervals, and his MAJESTY has not lit the Palace. Sir BENJAMIN BLOOMFIELD joined the Royal suite here very early this morning. A Supplement to Tuesday's Gazette was published last night, containing Addresses of Condolence and Congratulation to his MAJESTY, From the President, &c. of the Scottish Hospital; from the Fa.. culty, Physicians, and Surgeons of Glasgow ; from the Magi strates, &c. of the Royal Burgh of Dysart; from the Free holders, Justices of Peace, &c. of the County of Dumbzuon ; from the President, &c. of the Royal 130:ante Institution el Glasgow ; from the Proves:, Magistrates, &c. of the City of Aberdeen ; from the Deacons of the Incorporated Traces of the Ilurg,h of Canongate ; from the Incorporation of the Goldsni;-"s of Edinburgh; from tile Lord Provost, &c. of the City of Pertl:,; from the Ministers and Eiders of the Presbytery of Ayr; from the Master, Wardens, &c. of the St. John's Kilwilining Lodge of Freemasons; from the Gentlemen, Clergy, Merchants, &c: f the Town and Parish of Halifax ; from the Lord Provost, NJ:. gistrates, and Council of Edinburgh; from the Lord Provcrt„, Magistrates, &c. of the City of Ulasgow; front the Prover s Magistrates, &c. of Stirling; from the Brethren of DLr Castle Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, &c. The Duke of NORFOL K entertained a select party to dinner yesterday, at his house in St. James's-square. The Marquis and Marchioness of ELY leave town in a few days, for Tunbridge Wells. The Dowager Countess of Essex had a select card patty. esterday evening, at her house in Curzcil street, May-fair. The Second Ball at A Lstacies, took place on Wed nesday evening, which was attended by nearly 200 distinguished Fasltionables, am.rng whom Lady CASTLEREAGH shone conspicuous. ;75;.!. • ar vt; . bu to re wl de a bl .~-~