The National Register. — London, England, 1820-01-09 00:00:00

-4 I 7. 1 " Fr ire.. T-~, =-ra. i It ChV MEM:IIIY 14FL UEII CE. ••••- M. Cottu, who stands high in the annals of French literature, was deputed by the French Go vernment some time ago to visit England for the purpose of possessing himself of every information on the subject of our laws. He has published a large volume on the subject, " De l'Administration de la Justice eriminelle en Angleterre, et de l'exprit du Government Anglais•" The remarks are very good --those on our criminal law are too long for our present purpose; but his description of Parliamen tary influence is too just to be passed over. He guys,— " In England public tranquillity is founded upon the equal means of attack and defence possessed by different parties; and it is on this account that Par liament always evinces so much difficulty in adopt ing any changes that are proposed in the constitution of the kingdom. This body understands, as well as any other, the specious good which those changes promise; but it is restrained by the fear that their consequences may derange the relation 'of powers actually sulnisting,destroy the political equilibtium, and throw the whole systera into confusion. Ad. verse pretensions are balanced in the actual state of things ; and k is in this that the wisdom and per fection of government are to be fund. Whatever tends to disturb that even state is absurd, and may cause the destrtiction uf the political machine. " Every Englishman is therefore exalted by this reflection—that it is only by his eourage and de votedness that he can preserve his rights, as well as Isis property, for ever threatened by the attacks of innovators. He well knows that the loss of his liberties would soon lie followed by the loss of his property, and there is no reason why the one should be respected more than the other. He is, in con sequence, always ready to defend them, either with his person or his purse. Very unlike us French men, who, accustomed peaceably to enjoy the fruits of our industry, or the inheritance of our fathers, rely on Government for the care .of protecting them : the English, on the contrary, make this care the first of their duties, and the meet important bu siness of their lives They are born, as it were, soldiers fur this kind of warfare, and their whole education is directed with a view to- render them capable of managing it with success. Such is the true source of their so much boasted . patriotism. I would not wish, however, to dispute what is culled their public spirit, and the disposi tion which they manifest to sacrifice all their pos sessions to the defence, and even to the glory of their country; but this sentiment thin!, uodresses itself to powerfully to their hearts on critical occa sions, is not that to which I. conceive. we ought ex clusively so attribute the ordinary precision with which they perform their civil duties. Thispreci sion flows from their individual interest, and the opinion entertained by all—some that their liberty sad others that their rank and fortune and privileges depend on the uninterrupted exercise of those rights which they derive fsom the constitution. It is this feeling which prompts the chief proprietors in erery minty eagerly to procure their names to be enrolled on the list of grand jurors, or in the com mission of the prace, and to charge themselves with the painful fut.etions of the magistracy. The same sentiment renders those who enjoy the elective franchise so jealous of rights, ia which, as I shall afterwards prove, they find a daily source of at. tention and benevolence on the part of the first gentry in the country ! and inspires petty juries with so generous a devotion to their duties, in the assurance ohith they have, that by these means their fortunes, liberties. and lives, are secured against all the assaults of power and tyranny. " It is also from a similar motive that the sons of fanners, or proprietors of moderate fortune, are de sirous of registering themselves amongst the Teo enapry, and form a hotly of cavairy, svhose principal object is to keep the peasants and artisans in sulior dination ; and that the sons of more wealthy pro prietors place themselves at. the disposition of the sheriff, in order to serve as special constables, when ever public tranquillity has been disturbed by any sedition. °ace clothed with this temporary office, they are seen to precipitate themselves, armed only with a sitnple stuff, the distinctive sign of their authority, into the midst of the must temultous as semblages, endeavouring to disperse them by exhortoions ; and if they culvert prevail, urn sting the disturbers at the peril of their lives. And let it not be supposed that the offer which they make of .their assistance may be quite illusory, and that in of dangee it may be easy to withdraw t which they have contracted.— sheriff they should not instantly disorder, they would not 'fail aa the restoration of anus- THE NATIONAL REGISTER. quality, as guilty of negligence in the exercise of their functions • and they would inevitably be con. demned to mak e IL reparation according to their means, and to their culpability. "All these cares, embarrassments,and dangers, are not felt by the English as oppressive burdens. but are regarded as the necessary consequences of their liberty, and are converted into a sort of occupation into an object both of interest and pleasure. Their rights and privileges become even more estimable in their sight from the fistigues attending theqt, as a child is often more endeared to its mother by the sufferings. whieh its birth occasioned, and by the inqnictude produced in its tender age. Without the sort of agitation which results from these differ , ent causes, they would perish in their vast mansions with abundance, happiness, and ennui. " But all the sacrifices which 1 have described are as nothing when compared with those' made by the principal country proprietors, whether to pro cure their own election as Members of Parlia ment or the election of their friends and depen dents. ‘‘ When I formerly heard in France of the im mense sums which the English expended in order to be returned to Parliament, I found it difficult to imagine what was the equivalent advantage to be derived from their nomination, or what recom pence it could procure them. Where, indeed, was to be found the compensation for one or two million of livres ?• This formed a problem which I could not then explain ; bu.t at that time I was unac quainted with their manners. Accustomed to pass their lives on their estates, the first want which they experience is that of public consideration—not of that modest considera tion founded solely on an esteem for private virtues, but of that brilliant and envied estimation which is the fruit of credit and power. Then, as the strongest evidence of this credit is to be named Member of Parliament, there is nothing which an Englishman is not ready to sacrifice in order to at taro it. "An election to serve in Parliament has more over this particular attraction—that besides its being the most certain mark of the actual influence which the member exercises in his district, it fur nishes the means of acquiring a new influence, especially when he happens to be in the interest of the Ministry.. He then becomes the dispenser of all the vacant employnients, in his own county. There prey not, perhaps, be one that will not be granted to hisrecommendation.—emlesiastical bene fices, offices with sod without duties- annexed to them, posts in the excise, favours of every descrip tion ; nothing is refused, and the Ministers reap the double advantage of thus drawing eoser the bond which attaches the member to their cause, and of assuring to thee/selves the continuar.ce of his sup port iu the next parliament, 'oecause the numerous services which he ha , rendered in his county have already prepared his re-election. " There are: several great families who,_ devoted in this manner to the government from father to son, appear to have contractcd with it a secret en gagement, by virtue of which they hold themselves bound to employ every in::ans in their power to procure the return to parliament of a relation or a friend, upon the condition that in ex change for the sacrifices they make they shall have almost the absolute disposal of all the offices in their county.. Thus, when Lord Loruutale, for example, spends 30,0001. or 40,0001. ire order to bring about the election of his son, or oue of his depend ants, to a seat in the House of Commons, it is not so much the honour of repres , mtation that he pur chases at so exhorbitant a price, as it is the crown itself of Westmoreland. " In the cities and comities where the ride of op position is embraced. a return to Parliament is not less eagerly sought after, inasmuch as it is a shining token that die successful candidate is looked upon iu his district as the ehiefof his party, or as the man most competent, by his talents and his influence, to oppose, or perhaps defeat, the enterprizes of administration. " But as this much envied milk with electors, like all other popular affections, is extremely subject to alteration, it is only by a continual COMIC of benefits that it can be preserved entire; and it is thus that the love of authority and supremacy, which amongst all other nations is the most fre quent cause of public misfortunes and individual grievance, becomes in England an inexhaustible source of good offices and of protection. In order to form easily a conception of the whole extent of the benefits which those who aim at in fluencing elections engage to distribute over their counties, it should be known that the right .of voting is not confined in England as in France to r small number of citizens. It belongs to every citizen who possesses 40s. of revenue (freehold, (about 48 livres French); and in some char tered towns, it is only accessary to be a part irf the corporates body, to enjoy tbo elective franchise: so that it may be said, with the execp.. tion of the low people, whose influence over elec tions is still very considerable, as 1 shall hereafter show, that every citizen has a right to assist in the appointment of members of Parliament. ( To be comtionted. pabe moment of danger► it Orem the obligation whi k If at the call of the eller .tepait to the seene of dit, 1. ♦ blibeverely guithiliedi , - FROM LAST NIGHT'S GAZETTE. WIRITTHALL, JAN. 7. His Royal Highness the Prince Regent has been pleased. In. the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, to appoint the Rev. James Campbell to the church and parish of 'l' air, in the pre bytery and county of Peebles, in the roma of the Rev. Jams► Nicol. deceased. Ilia Royal Highness the Prince Regent* bas been pleased to , approve of the nomination of Charles Wray. Esq. Banister i,r Law, to be Recorder ot Kingston upon Huh. ST: JAMES'S PALACE, PEE. SS. His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence has been pleased to. appoint Dr. Willuun kluntgomery Boyton. of Spring Gardens, Westminster, to be one of His Royal Highness's Physicians in Ordinary. BANKRUPTS. E. Hurry, Freeman's Coun,Cornhill. merchant. Solicited Messrs. Swain, Stevens, Maples, Pearce, and Hunt, Fri:dance Place.. Old Jewry. J.l). Fowles. Freeman's Court. Cornhill. merchant. Sobs. Messrs. Swain. Stevens, Maples, Pearce. and Hunt. Frederick% Place, Old Jewry. J. Taylor, Hedon, Yorl,dealer. Sol. Mr. Hindman, Basing ball Street. J. i'ecll,Blaskltestli Hill, Kent, carpenter. Soh Mr.Sandoen, Slade's Place, Deptford. 1. B. Belcher, Hatfield Broad Oak, Beam linen draper. Sol. Mr. Comerford, Copthalleourt, Throginorton Street. T. Nek...tnp, Cattaton Street, warehouseman. Sols. Mesas. Walker and Ilanikin, Old Jewry. W. Ares. Walton, Nortolk,spotor. Sole. Messrs. Smith an& Lae ford. Drapers' Hall. J. P. Butler, Bilston. Stafford, baker. Sol. Mr.. W. C.Smith„ Aldennanbury, Postern_ I'. E. Bartlett, Banbury, mercer. Sole. Moots. Merrick and Broderip, Red Lion Square. G. Payne. NeWgate Street, batter. SM. Mr.. Oldham, Earl Street, Blaeldriars. s S. Lacy, Liverpool, brasier. Sol. Mr. Wheeler, Castle . . Simpson, Stretford, nurseryman. Sole. Messrs. Hurd and Johnson, Temple. A. Milligan. N olverhampton. tea dealer. Sol.' Mr. S. Chester, Staples tun. W. Wynn, Dean Street, Soho, watch maker. Sob. Messrs. Palmer and lemma. Bedlotd row. D. Gerra.d. Old Cavendish Street, milliner. Sol. Mr. Nowell, Essex Street.' ii-Fellers. Burnley, cotton spinner. Sole. Metre. Hurd sad Johnson, Temple. J. Livesey, Fornworth, paper maker. Sul. Mr.Maddowerolt,. Gray's Inn. W. Bradfield, North Elutharn, Norfolk. baker. Soh. Messrs. Dixon and Son. Gray's Inn. E. ALtddoek, R. Quinn, and J. Uniacke. Liverpool, marebasus T Sob. Ma.sui. Lows seal Boner, Southampton Buskiings. DiVIDKNDS._ _ _ Jam 19. A. Graham. riulingdon.. Lanassier,. draper-49, J. Lamb, Great James Street, Bedford Rue., tailor-29. W. Woods. Naughton Street, Clare MArket, coal merchant—lS. J. Gottreux. Atincurg Lute.. broker-IV. J. Junes, Upper Brook. Street. Grosvenor square, tailor—go, 'f. Iluirues, J. Harris, and J. 1). English, Long Acre, coacn 11..1. Rase, Camomile Street, mat:taut—N, A. H. Ulu . . Great Prescott street, Goodanan's Fields, nu.reliamt-29, C Sundials. Devon kuare. merchant—w, T. Sunmer. rreston. corn mer chant...Ye,. i, W. and F Ik.vvy, Allman Cow Wharf, Christ Cittuch..Surrey. coal narchano.-7. R. Broadbent, Manchester. victualler-5, G. And G. Evans, !lieu Street. Southwark, hop nieictiant—t, .1. Ciunerau, 11141 . mM:stet, nicultant. IKS to be granted Jan. x 9. T. Ambrom. amid T. kaaell. Hotolpit lane. wane merchants-. J. Wrangle. Amirell. lienturu, coach mater—lt. Hunt and J. Sharp. iotiMaru Sereet, brukot—lL Can.:to, Froine Selwood. Soinerftt, linen d.aper—H. Ossald. Bcccta. Suifolk, twiner—. F. S. 1ii.117kM4.11. Iluukuuti. tiiniun„don. Z..iiiner, Weihouk Meeet, Cavenui,ii Square. m ?chant—W. Pre4 and J. Laitience l'oanutt, Lam:, corn fac;.ors—L. Lyonty. Lower Saadwell, Ur_ wer—J. Onekely and E. Clementaim, Mar ket Bosworth, Laice.ter, hosiers—J. Armitage, Wakefield. York. woolstapler—W. anti J. Delray, Coal Exchange,cork factors. lout if *tacks. rfauk Stock (►tuutuut 0. per Lew. Red. 6 loop. 3 per Lest. 64 per Crut. LIM, 7%4 Allah& Wald, pal Strut. 7 ki India Muck 4 per Lehi. 65* I Exchrquer Btllw is. die. prr Crut. N. 4%, 103} 1 Lou'. lur Ac. 69i Lung Aou. 17i. Loiter% I tehetx £l9 Iffe. THE NATIONAL REGISTER. LOllOOll. SUNDAY. JANUARY 9. ...11... In pursuance of our promise, we this day give copies aud abstracts of some of the recent extraor dinary enactments, and which we have no doubt our renders- will peruse with great interest. We mean to , give the remainder as soon as we can procure copies of the Acts themselves. As to giving ab stracts or copies of the Bins as they are introduced Of as they proceed through the two Rouses, we think it nearly useless in eases of importance ; for in their progress they are often so changed that the person introducing them can scarcely recognize them.. From the " Searching for arms Act," which ' we give to-day, our readers will perceive, that an Englishman's house is nu longer his castle—that upon the information of any ON V person, however , infamous he way be, a magistrase may issue a war- Sant to *each for arm* by day or seed i • nd 40 1 ~~