The National Register. — London, England, 1822-01-27 00:00:00

.1a .1. .1.. - 1 - CO - RFOIS FOX DINNER. On Thursday last the %V hilts of Norfolk celebrated by a public dinner the anniversary of Mr. Fox's birth da y , at the Assembly-rooins, in Norwich. Above TOO sat down to an elegant dinner at half-past five o'clock. Lord Albemarle presided. On Isis Lordship's rialit sat his Royal Hisliness the l)tske of Sussex; on fiis left Wa Grace the Doke of Norfolk. There were also present Lord Bury; T.W. Coke Esq. M.P. Wits. Smith, Esq. M.P. ; Reverends ArCht:C3C , Oll Bathurst, and R. Odell ; Aides men Bolingbroke, Finch, and Leman ; Shea Graves; Major Hussey ; J.W . Tontitown, --Gunnison, and J. Bloom, Esqrs. &c. &c. The company so far exceeded the number for which accouintodation was provided in the Assembly-rooms, that a tble was laid the music-gallery, at which a number a of gentlemen sat, who were m i able t o obtain seats elsewhere. As soon as the cloth was removed, and Noe isais Demise, sting by several gentlemen amateurs, The CHAIRMAN rose and sail, that he had the honour of presenting himself before them on that day as Presi dent at their table. In reading the newspapess contain accou of uteetiogs of this description, he was in the habit nts of finding a set Of cut and dry p h ra ses and sen t dissents, delivered by gentlemen who filled such an office as that in which he now appeared. A Chairatian usually commenced by expressing his regret at the situation iii which he was placed, his inadvqoacy to fill it, and the bitterness of his regret that the chair was not filled by the many fitter persons whom he saw around hint. Now he was not impudent enough to twist phrases of that kind with such an air of muck modesty. (Langhter and applause) Not that lie was unaware of the rank and SIM:MINI Of those around him, and his own c omparative insignificancy—not because he 113 W near him high obi and and respected friend (M but r. Cake), who ought wa)s to fill the highest place so that county (applause); because he was so impressed with the on podance of the anniversary they had assembled to commemorate, that the warmth of Isis ft-eines got the better of his judgment, and his pride felt a gratification whica was irrhai es l table a l in a ccepting the distinguished (Aiello which he bp voluted. •L'itis feeling obtained such a tlo nnn i tttttt over him, that he almost forgot every thing which he twain to re inianber : still, however, there was one thing which he could never liaget, namely, the kindness which they had always shown hint in the county, and which upon many occasions he had abundantly expellent:sal front those whom he had the honour to address. Their considerate assistance was never withheld from 1 • , and he trusted it would not fail to aid hint now. (Hear.) lo presenting himself for the fourth time as their ctiairinati to contuse morate the anniversary of M r. Fox, he was aware that he possessed both advantages and dis utruotages. Amongst the loniser, was his eilliSClWlSilesS that they wont 1 con done to overlook his u ttttt trout inadvenciscies. lie i n til not now to impresa on them how touch more it depended upon themselves than their Cliairutats, that this meeting shonld pass over convivially; he knew they Cattle like ni.n determined to be pleased with the indulsence of liberal, sound and constitutional feelings. (Hear, hear.) Among the disadvantages with which he had to contend, was the tedious uniformity of having, for the 4th ti else co u me, to go d over the :Mlle old beaten track ; but what l l do? The stability of the subject left Min no other course than to go over die path he had already so often trod with them. Many year, ago, iiiere was a reverend or right reverend prelate who favoused the public by the publication of a volume of his poems: the public, it seemed, did not think a great deal about dietn—not so the prelate (a laugh), lot lie was so pleased with his first poetical essay, that he determined upon treating . them with a second volume, which lie called "An imitation of himself." (A laugh.) He was afraid that as Chair- Man he should fall into the prelate's error, and be again exposed Herre necessity of travelling a vapid beaten track. epeated, how could lie do otherwise? On a former occasion he had congratulated them on the pre sence of au illustrious mei Aber of the House of Bruns wick, and he had to perform the same gratifying duty now. (Loud cheers.) If he had then expreased the pride they felt, that that illustrious citizen of Norwich was ever mindful of the great principles which placed ced his family on the thr one of thew r e alms, what el he now to say, but to repeat the same juts tribute to that illustrious personage, woo still remained so provokingly steadfast to his principles. (Laughter and applause.) — Near bun also sat the hereditary Earl ISlarshal of Eng land, who set the high example of Ins station at the head of the nobility, to uphold the true principles ofthe CON stitution, and who ever felt it as his highest houour to be foremost in supporting the rights and privileges of the people. (Applause.) What could he say of their dis tinguished representative, Mr. Coke, but that which he had beets twig saying of hum wherever his mane appear ed? Ile had nu new line of politics--the old ones were too good to be changed. (Applause.) 11, seeing before hint so great an assembly of the rank and wealth of the c. witty, be could add nothing new to their gratification, he could at least assist in ,welling the triumph of their pt inelides fur great as were their preti ous MeetillKS (and the he spike mo com n a y), t any) t ic ic lieVer Istiowled SaW suchge of the greaie Otter p SS art the uf p present S , OSO and interesting ati asselalae ol of rank and the tatligittened yeomanry us o g f tile county. (Applause.) Ile saw them all (unl lIOW hit had Illmtethosis to say new, for it was out of the beaten mr.mck) 11101 ill as heretolOo• ; but unfortunately fewer lll pn t pockct. !Heat, bear.) I kuew ti n y felt the change, 1.. r what huite.a wan ot the I:OMM , ', did a n t?— (.hear, 'tzar.) Dia. was d mupic Oii which lie could tout dilate lot lie felt siodusig but auger and an 1,1 0 a . ,1 put the of L:lelt L AJIIIIIIch. lie W.IS 111. cure to oltservc t t icticacy oil such all OtS:a111011, or 10 SU ,0 1 ,feaa the wish Meth,' Oh ',tiger IN MCI' a rose in ilk OD tur OUI Wlltil he s poke of (A l iiiliatlive.) Was Ll 1. these eaIAMILICS, widen oppressed them all, that their thanks were due to the. pilot who weathered the storm the pilot who gathered the sturtat" Wad a irleild% eaduig of the I sita.u.sgs hear), and the was 'toil:. .a.~. _. 'j„n.~wr~l7 A • 0 THE NATTNAL REGISTER -------.. It was to the accursed measures of that pilot, as he was called, that the country owed its present calamities. 1 at ey were told, indeed, that they ou g ht not to grumhle th. because the war had terminated with glory—it @t aclii:ved triumphs for the nadon, and preserved the liberti of Europe. Was that the true icture of the ICSOII ? es NO. Where hol the rights of tiePpeople, or the condition of the world, been bettered by the measures of the Ministers ? Had they contributed to makea the Br the ie Usti respected abroad, or had they ur prosperity, or pitted the altecuotis, of the people at home? Had they secured the confideuce of an enemy, or established the lampiness of a friend, in any (planer of the globe? No—the historian would look in vain for the accomplishment of such achievements; he would vainly seek any of these advantages, hot in their place he would find the establishment of a " Holy Alliance," (hear,) the huerties of nations simpressed by the sword, and a Ferdinand replaced upon his throne. • This was the sys tem which had cost the beat blood and treasure of the country; it was fur this that they owed their thanks not only to the pilot that ' gathered" the storm, but to the crew who succeeded him at the helm of the vessel. — (Hear, hear.) —Very different were the principles of that great man whose anniversary they were now celebratinir, this was not the time to point out in detail the contrast between Fox and Mr. P:tt ; but as he had hoed the twiner in his life time, and revered the principles which lie had left as the Lest record of his fame, he might be permitted to dwell shortly upon their character. It WAS saitl that the present Aliiiisters, though inferior in talents to Mr. Pitt, were yet the successors of his principles. It was true that they had succeeded to the pilot who ga thered the storm, and were determined to stick to the last plank of the ship which they hail nearly reduced to a Wondering condition; but inferior as were their talents to efiect any good fur their country, they were Capable oh doing it infinite mischief. (Hear.) They hail assisted in gathering the storm, but the people wuttl.l, he hoped, still weather it, by a firm and legal exercise of their rntights and privileges. He saw around him men who would assist in the relief of the people, and who would that night pledge themselves to do their duty to their country. In calling their attention more immediately to the @stain object of their meeting— namely, the cotuntemoration of the principles of Mr. Fox, it was lOOlCCcstiary for hint to dwell the on ßritish their accor dance with the great principles of Constitution. (Hear.) The public and private worth of that great nuan had endeared his memory to Ku t ylish- MIN amid his fame MUM ever rest upon the contrast which his °pillions presented to those of the melt stho had brought the country to its present situatiou: his pre dictions now fulfilled, had utthappily been slighted when they might have averted the evil. The benevolence of his amiable and expausive mind, and that sagacity which he displeyed in the knowledge of I att affairs, never cowed into the constitution of the ministers who wielded the tlestionet, of the country. Were such sentiments con genial with theirs, that blot and stain which now dis graced the annals of Eualishineti—the Manchester mas sacre—would never have fallen upon them. Mr. Fox been heard, they, woold nut have to lament the passing of the accursed Six Acts, uor would they have to deplore the introduction of the abominable aystein of spies and informers, who created and aggravated the evils against which it was said they were embodied to act. (Hear.) If such a mind as Mr. Fox's had ruled the councils of Great Britain for the past year, that outrage upon decency, that gross violation of public morals, against an unhappy a. d illustrious female, would never have happened, nor would the military murder which had occurred, when the last outraae was of to her manes, havedisaraced the annals ul their history. (hear.) Had the authors of these manifold and bitter calami les possessed the atatestuati-like vigour of Mr. Fox,guitled by his sagacity, they would have known that Englishmeti were more esily led than driven, that kindness and af fection were a always snore powerful engines l'or a peal Government to command their feelings, than the iruu rod of power, and the constraint of coercion. (Hear.) " Far better far, 64 By wiuning ways to coupler willing minds, " And let persuasion take the place of force." But it was tine to rofit by the great example of Mr. Fox. In the poetical language of Mr. Taylor— " We come to his tomb; but not to weep, " ' Pis freedom's holyday we keep " This should the 'meted altar be, "')torrid which we vow to liberty." (Applause.) The Chairman concluded by proposing "The ',Memory of Chalks Janies.Fox," which was drank in respectful silence. The next toast Was-- . The King and Constitutioti." The CHAIRMAN tcould not delay the company a moment, in anticipating their gratification at the health which he was about to propose. They all knew the illustrious personage near Wm, whose public and private character had rendered him au deservedly dear. The former was known to the whole c tttttttttttttt by the in tegrity of his political life ; and of the value of the latter he could give them the warmest assurance, if they would take his opinion, from his private experience of the fact No titan possessed warmer feelings, or a kinder heart; no matt entertained inure benevolence for his country. — This ;was not the language of flattery, but of truth. —" The health of t he Duke of Sussex." His ltoyal Highness the Duke of SUSSEX rose, and was for some time interrupted by the lotus cheering of the company,. He said that he should follow the exam ple of their noble COJIMIaII, and express his feelioes without wasting time ill :stitching idle compliments. He always conceived that acts spoke better that verbal as suraticee, and by his act, he alone st i,urd to be jueged. He assured them that the gratification and kinthieas ire had always experienced amongst them would [weer be forgotten, and he knew that their mutual feelinas brought them together with 'delight to promote their public sen timents. He knew how difficult it was to dilate upon political subjects at a convivial inettitig. TWO years had di pied since he had to pleasure of useetitigHWlll before at lOC cvlandawa mil this anniversary. Theu, as maw, hand and heart had gone with them ; and their late int ceedings had convinced what, indeed, he could have hall no don ht before—that the hest sentiments per vaded the yt.ontatiry of that resin etable county. Their conduct had et cued in his mind a variety of reflections, and kindled in his heart the warmest satisfaction. It had shown him the honest and innate desire which they felt as Englishmen to do what was right—to protect theroselt and to uphold their Constitution. •He had sometimes heard, and in courts of justice, that truth was a itnel. lie had not, hotvever, heard that truth was high treason; on the contra ty, he believed truth often to be the best preventive against treason. (Hear, hear.) — In glancing at the public life of Mr. Fox it was imp*. bible to ovoid taking a re tros p ective view o f the wars that had taken place in oppinition to that great statesman's sentiments...—The Royal Duke here took a luminous re view of the origin, progrtss, couclusion, and effect of Ilia Tate ruinous wars, and ended by saying, that lie was per fectly convinced, and he spoke it without pledging him self to specific details, or shutting out particular qualifi cations, that a rational reform in Parliament could alone save the country. He was only repeatini there what he had before said in the House of Lords, when the bead of a party, which at the time was shackling his friends with their support, declared that those s ho called for reform were J 3eOllllS. lie (the Doke of Sussex) denied the 'wide Lord's assertion, and challenged him to meet the friends of reform,. and ate then which were the teal and best friends of order and the coast itutiou. (l Lear, hear.) His Royal nighties* expressed his cordial t oncurrence in the opinions of the yeomanry of the county of Nor folk, and his ttianks to that *occults for the kindness which they had shown him. The Chairman then proposed—" The respectability of the Ciown, the dittabllit7 of the Constitution, autt the prosperity ttl the Pcaple,' and it was tollowed by — "The cause for which Hampden fell in the field, and Sidney died un the scaffold.' Drank with three times three. The CHAIRMAN said, he should now take the oppor tunity of adverting fur a moment to their late county meeting. 'there were some gentlemets present front other parts of the country: and to them he would ex press his hope, that they thought the late county meeting had put things upon the right footing. The distress of the country was great and general, and the direct and indirect taxation was almost overwhelming.—(Hear.)-- A reduction in the latter, he feared, was unattainable without a reform in the represcutatiou of the people itt the Commons House of Parliament. (Applause.) His worthy friend (Mr. Coke) and himself, had taken this view of the subject, and deter ttt itt ed to avow it at the late county meeting. He then complimented Mr. Ald. Tnurtell upon the frank and manly manner in which), like an honest and intelligent mail, he had conie forward at the late meeting to avow his change of sentiment. — 'rite moment the worthy Alderman saw reason to alter his opinion, he did not hesitate to avow the change his example would, doubtless be followed by thousands of others throughout the coital ry follow hint they would, follow Link they must, and the sooner they did, the more credit they would obtain. The noble Chairman concluded by proposing " the health of the High Sheriff, for his prompt manner in calling the county meeting together on a late occasion, to exercise a great constitutional right." The High Shrrili 's health was drunk with great applause. The Chairman then proposed "The cause of civil and teligious liberty all over the world." The next toast was the health of "our respected and beloved Bishop," (loud applause) a man whose person, the Chairman said, he could never approach without reverence, or whose name he could never hear men tioned without feeling the strongest and warmest elllo. tions of friendship and respect. He knew that the sea siments he tittered produced a responsive echo in every breast which felt them, and he took a wrung view of the great object of the meeting, if allusion to the merits of such a man were deented either irregular or *welt aant.—(llear, h e ar.) Such a character was ponlic pro perty, anti could only be named to be vetierated.—(Great applause.) rite Bishop's health was drank with great enthusiasm. The Res • Aichdeactin BATHURST, HI rising to ac knowledge the copliment Just pia(' to his revered other said that the grateful emotions which he felt, deprivedi him of the power of giving utterance to the setitiments which he felt on the occasion. Ile hoped they would give hint credit for feeling a gratitude which he could nut express, and attribute to inability, rather than disinclination, his deficiencies at such a nonnetit-- (Applause.) " The health of the Duke of Norfolk, and may the ancient hereditary Nobility of this country ever consider it their highest honour to support dm rights of the peo . _ pie." The Duke of NORFOLK. in rising to return thanks, as sured the meeting that he felt drepsy sens ible off u t ime honour they had conteri eti u p on him, and Medi gratel for tile tramper w twi the had dratik his health ; nail Inc moic tat, wheu he Mt , tha t c 1111 l plimeut associated, as it was bee, with the groin mu tt ddlusitin of the great principles of Mr. li mit the only principles to the adoption of *his Is the country could now look, if not for indemnity fur the past, at fur security for the future. (Applauve.) thy , them atom could the country yet Ise saved. When the Chairman proposed " A spe ed y Repeal of all laws which teas to tiny degree to abridge the sacrEd rights of Couscience,:aid our thanks to w o ve of the Clergy a who ho signed from this diocess the first petitiou to rarliaareut in favour of religious tolerat• an d called up The Rev. Archtteacou Bathu rst rote, The it.,. Mr. COLLielt, who said, :is hue of the Clergy of that diocese wow had sigurd the poll in favour of the Catiitilte, thaw s be owed them his warmest at kuoaledguieuts for the complitneht they had just paid those who had at petitioned. lie had never signed a paircr with greater pleasure in his life, that, he had that petition; end lie trusted that they would never he without a clergy la that diocese to support a measuie so essential to Cathilet emancipation in the present iliac of things, or tine Jul awl tweel.likry Uptill every principle ut it 110 and reason.' • Dia Royal ilighittss the Duke ut Susses then ittse, sad Veforiefiir g t_ .o . - : , t