The National Register. — London, England, 1820-10-01 00:00:00

COMMON HALL. SWEARING IN THE SHERIFFS. On Thursday the Livery assembled, for the purpose of swearing in the Sheriffs for the ensuing year. The Hall was thinly attended. The LORD MAYOR entered the Hall at ten minutes after twelve, and Alderman VVaiihnian and James Williams, Esq. Citizen and Goldsmith, were sworn into office. Alderman WAITHMAN then came forward and stated, that it would nut be necessary for him, as Sheriff, to repress his public opinion; but he would never allow an political feeling to interfere with his official duties. —Haying declared so much, he had little fear of being able to act to the satisfaction of those around.—(Ap plause)—and he was convinced of the itioulgence of his fellow-citizens. He thanked the Meeting for the con fidence reposed in him, and trusted that he should be always deserving of their approbation.—(Great ap plause. Mr. WILLIAMS declared that he should exert himself in the new office to which he had been appointed, and as he considered it ministerial, he should not allow an atom of political feeling to mix with the duties to which he was called. (Applause.) Immediately alter the ceremony of swearing the Sheriffs had concluded, the LORD MAYOR Caine forward and informed the persons assembled to witness the ceremony, that at one o'clock a Common Hall would be held for the purpose of receiving the Answer of her Majesty to the Address of the Livery. THE QUEEN'S ANSWER TO THE ADDRESS OF THE LIVERY. The LORD MAYOR briefly stated the purpose for which he had convened the Hall, which was to receive the gracious Answer of her Majesty to the Address of the Livery, voted on the 30th of June last. The Common Crier then came forward and read the Answer of her Majesty, which has already beets in meted. It was received throughout with the greatest applause. Mr. FAVELL then stepped forward amidst cheers, and said, he thought it unnecessary to take up the time of the Livery by any lengthened observations upon the most gracious Answer of her Majesty; but it was highly consolatory to observe, that the unbounded confidence with which her Majesty had thrown herself upon the generosity of her subjecis, had not been disappointed. (Applause.) Mr. Favell congratulated the Livery upon their choice of Sherith for the ensuing year, and entered into a warm encomium on their public principles and ability. He concluded by moving, that the gracious Answer of her Majesty should be entered upon the Jour nals of the proceedings of that Hall. The motion was carried in the affirmative unani mously. Mr. TIPPER came forward and said, he felt it his duty, before the Livery separated, to put a few questions to the Lord Mayor, relative to the conduct of his Lordship upon the present occasion. He wished to ask his Lord ship why this Common Hall had nut been called in the usual manner, and due notice given to the Livery, and why that particular day was chosen/ He was sure, that if the orifice of the Common Hall had been properly given, the assembly would not now be so thin—it would be a meeting, bildi as was seldom before witnessed in that Hall. He thought the Chief Magistrate was bound to give some explanation upon these points. The LORD A.AYOR said, he believed that there was nothing in the stinunous out of the usual course, or wanting towards the Livery, in the manner of convening the Hall. With regard to the choice of that day, he hail to say, that as he was inhumed that sonic attempt would be made to bring forward this subject to-morrow (this day), when it was considered by some that such a sub ject could not be legally discussed, he had though: it proper to obviate that-diniculty, and prevent any thing like tumult, by convening the Hall that day. Ever since he had come into office his object had been to conciliate and conduct every thing as smoothly as pos sible. His Lordship assured the Livery, that those were the only motives by which lie had been actuated upon the present occasion. Mr. TlPPett said, that if the Hall was satisfied with this explanation, it was not for hint to dispute its ade quacy. v(Cries of "we are nut satisfied.") That being the case, lie thought that the SUMODDOIIg Officer, or someone who could explain this strange and anomalous course of proceeding, should ermine forward. At this moment the Common Cryer stepped forward and dissolved the Hall, A wutin altercation look place upon the hustings, between the Lord Altior and Mr. Lipper. We all recollect with what promptitude Majochi, the Italian shipmaster, and his mate, deposed that they had seen BeTami and the Queen sitting on a gun, on the deck ofthe vessel and kissing each ether. A British Lieutenant, in a coffee-ream ut Leith, reading this part of the evidence, suddenly started up, and with the honest emotion peculiar to a British tar, exclaimed "It is all a d—d lie ! I was on board the whole of the time the Queen was there, and d—d a gun was on the deck of the vessel at all, nor on board [of her, except a very small swivel, which was stationed aloft. This honest fellow set out a few days ago, to London, as one of the Queen's witues.,es. The French papers state that the accouchement of the buchess of Berri, to which so much importance is attached in France, has nut yet taken place.— Her Royal Highness is said to enjoy excellent health. We learn from our Correspindent at Calaid, that M. Schaniani I ivola, Italian Courier to the Queen of England, had passed through that place on tna way free& London to Purls. THE NATIONAL REGISTER ELECTION OF LORD MAYOR. On Fii 'ay a Common Hall was held for the purpose of electing a Lord-Mayor for the ensuing year. I'hc Hall was numerously attended. In the gallery of the hall, a considerable number of Ladies sat, attended by Mr. Parkins (late Sheriff) Sir Gerard Noel, and Mr. Pearson. The Common Serjeant read over the names of the several Aldermen who had not yet served the Office of Lord Mayor, and the Lord Mayor and Aldermen withdrew. The names were then put up, and the unpopular candidates were received in the oboe! manner. Alder- men Maguey and Heygate had a few supporters. The name of Alderman Thorp was receivad w►th cheers, — (Cries of " Wood, Wood I" The Common Serjeantsaid, he had received instructions from two of the Livery to put up the name of Alderman Wood. This was accordingly done, and the name of Wood was received with shouts of applause. The public voice and chew of hands were decidedly in favour of Aldermen Wood and Thorp, and the Sheriffs (Waithman and Williams) declared that the chew of hands was in favour of the two popular Aldermen. The election was made by the Livery in less than ten minutes. The Court of Aldermen were occupied in de termining upon which of the two to fix their election upwards of Italian hour. Upon the return of the Lord Mayor and the Aldermen, The Common Serjeant said, that the Sheriffs had reported the names of those elected by the Livery to the Court of Aldermen, and that the Court of Aldermen had elected John Thomas Thorp, Esq. Alderman and linen-draper, to be Lord Mayor for the year ensuing.— (Great applause.) Alderman Thorp was then invested with the chain of office by the proper o ffi cers, amidst the applause. of the multitude. He stepped forward between the two Sheriff (Alderman Waithman and James Williams, Esq.) on the hustings, and addressed the meeting. The worthy Lord Mayor Elect said, it was impossible for him to express the deep gratitude he felt at the high honour just conferred upon him. It was his lot to have to return his thanks to the Livery of London for many favours which had been recently conferred upon hint. This last honour was of the very highest description, and he trusted lie should at all times prove his sense of gratitude to those who had so distinguished him. Aware of his own unworthiness, he had notentertained an idea of being chosen to fill the Chair, out of the usual course, and had consequently made no preparation for the occa sion; but he knew his fellow-coizeits would make all allowances, and accept with readiness his plain but sincere assurance, that he would, to the best of his abi lities, serve the Office of Chief Magistrate. He had alreatly declared, that he entertained a proper feeling of his own incapability of filling the Chair as it ought to be filled, and he knew that those around him were aware of his defects; but they . acted upon their love of the principles of civil and religious liberty, which he had been always known to maintain. (Great applause.) The Lord Mayor Elect then retired, and the COIIIIIIOII Crier was about to dissolve the Hall, when Mr. Galloway came forward, and for some time, without the slightest interruption, addressed the Livery. He said, he lamented at all times the necessity that might exist for moving a vote of censure against a Chief Magistrate upon any occasion, but the duty he owed to his brother Liverymen, and his regard for the constitu tional principles upon which the :itizens of London were in the habit of acting, compelled hint to state, that he had a vote of censure to propose against the Lord Mayor. It would be recollected that Upon the 30th of June the Lord Mayor had, without the slightest cause or provocation, upon an occasion when the City of Lon don was in a state of perfect quiet and peace, called into the City a body of the military. (Loud groans, and cries of Shame !)—This proceeding, the Livery would agree with him, was unconstitutional. _ Here there was some confusion upon the hustings, and Mr. 'l'. N. Williams, of the Common Council, stepped forward, and appeared very anxious to take the place of Mr. Galloway, who, however, skewed no dis position to retire. At this moment Mr. Pearson and Mr. Wooler stood upon each side of Mr. Galloway, and urged him to persesere. Air. T. N. Williams held a paper in his hand, which, he said, contained an importain proposition, and which, lie contended, he had a right to submit to the Livery before any other motion should be made. Mr. Galloway said, he had but a few words to add before he should submit the motion. . . The Common Crier, while the Speaker was proceed ing, dissolved the Hall, by command of the Lord Al ayor. The uproar was then very great. The Lord \layur rose and left the hustings, attended by the city °dicers and followed by the aldermen. homingsand hisses were kept up for a length of time, and Mr. Pearson, after some conversation with other liverymen, stepped forward and said that the Civi c King had abdicated his throne, and the meeting could lint do better than call Alderman Waithinan to the chair, to preside while the meeting passed a vote of censure upon the Lord Mayor. Here it was suggested, that Alderman Waithman, having just acted as sheriff, it would be quite inconsist ent with his character as shsrill to take the chair, par ticularly upon such an occasion. There was then a general cry of " Alderman Thorp,“ atui NI r. Pealsou immediately movcd, that Alderman Thorp should be invited to take the chair. This proposition was adopted. A delay of several minutes took place, after which it was Staled that AlJrßuan Thorp had left Guildhall.— Mr. Pearson then informed the mesting that Alderman should be waited upon by a deputation, bearing the reqii.:st of the assembly. After the lapse of about a quartet of hour the deputation returned. Num bers of he livery had in the interim left tile hall. Mr. Galloway again cause forward and stated, that 311 the deputation had waited upon Alderman Thorp, and and signified to him the wish of the livery, and that the worthy altleimmi had returned an answer, thanking the meeting for the honour they had intended him; but representing that it would be extremely invidious in a permit who had been just chosen Lord Mayor, for the ensuing year, to take the chair for the purpose of heal. mg a vote of censure passed upon the conduct of the worthy magistrate whom he was to succeed.—(Ap plause.) It would indeed he impossible for him to reconcile such a proceeding to himself, and he trusted that his fellow-citizens would excuse him from f iling a situation which could not but be revolting under such peculiar circumstances. Air. Galloway said, that as this was the case, he ap:irehende,l it would be matter of sonic difficulty to procure a chairman, and lie was con vinced there was no disposition in the assembly to violate regularity. The conduct of the present chief magistrate upon this occasion, as well as upon that to which he had alluded in the obseravtions he had formerly made, was exceedingly reprehensible. If his Lordship had for a moment supposed that the vote almut to be pro. posed was one of praise, and not of censure, how gladly would he have waited to hear a speech of any length and extravagance. (Laughter and applause.) In the pre sent state of the hall, he considered that it wnuld be irregular to move a vote of censure, but he declared to the meeting, that he should arrest the first opportunity to bring forward the motion which he had prepared for that day. DIPOTATIO■ OW THE LIMIT* A requisition was drawn up, and numerously sigred, requesting the Lord Mayor to convene a Common Hall, to take the sense of the Livery upon the conduct of his Lordship, in endeavouring to overawe the deliberations of a former Common Hall, by introducing the military into the vicinity of the city. and also in abruptly dissol: yin); the Hall this day; and a deputation was appointed to immediately present it to his Lordship. The Lord Mayor, about five o'clock received the depu tation, consisting of about 30 gentlemen, in the Council Chamber, where he was attend.Al by the officers and several of the Aldermen. Mr. Galloway stated, that the purpose of their visit was to request his Lordship to grant the object of the Requisitionists. The Lord Mayor, at some length, defended his con duct in introducing the military, saying, that it was his duty to preserve the peace of the metropolis, and that he should do it by such means at hisjudgratent dictated. Mr. Tipper remarked, that the object of the deputa tion was not to discuss the question, hut merely to know his Lordship's determination ; and that, however, he might individually consider the proceedure unconstitu tional and improper, he should leave its consideration to the Common Hall. The Lord Mayor repeated his opinion upon that sub ject, and further added, that had lie known the purport of Mr. Galloway's motion, he should certainly have permitted it to be discussed by the Livery. Mr. Stevens thereupon congratulated his Lordship upon the unanimity of their sentiments, as seeing his Lordship had remarked he had disolved the Hall merely because lie did not know the tenor of the Resolution. Mr. Pearson denied the existence olsoch a right, and further observed, that he had himself at the time stated to the Lord Mayor, that the question related to himself personally. His Lordship finally appointed Monday, at 12 o'clock to answer whether he would call the hall; and a deru. tation agreed to wait upon him to knew his pleasure. Anecdote—A certain Prelate, now no more, hap. petted to meet, at a large party, his old collegiate acquaintance, the celebrated Dr. G., of coursing and classical notoriety, having oppressed the Doctor with a plentiful dose of distressing condescension, his Lordship, with a familiarity evidently affected, in quired of the Doctor, bow long it might be since they had last the pleasure of seeing one another; " The last time I had the honour of seeing your Lordship," said the Doctor, " happened to be when you was walking to serve your curacy at Trumping. ton, and I was riding to serve my church at Ches. terford, and as the rain happened to be particularly heavy, your Lordship most graciously condescended to mount my servant's horse, the aniraal not having been used to carry double, was a little unruly, and when your Lordship dismounted, it was at the ex pence of no small number of stitches in your small clothes; I felt not a little embarrassed fur your Lordship, as you had not then an apron to cover them, l'ut I remember that you soon sat me at ease, by inflaming me, that a sermon, inclosing some bleak thread and a needle, were three articles which you never travelled without; on hearing which I ventured to congratulate your Lordship on the happy expedient you had hit upon, for giving a connected thread to your discourse, and some polish, no less than point, to your arguments." His Lordship was never known afterwards to ask an old friend how long it was since he had last the pleasure of seeing him. Anecdole of Ali Pacha.—" My friend," said he one day to a young Greek ofJoannina, whose father had just died, " your father was a most respeetablJ man, I sincerely regret his loss; we were m os t in timate friends On his death bed he has, however, remembered me, and bequeathed to me his house, furniture, and gardens." " But, my Lord," ob served the youth, " that is more than thrce-I arils of my whole tbrtune." "My ehild,“ replied Ali, " th e i% ill of your father ought to be sacred to you, and if you have the impiety to disrei4urd it, I will cause you to be 111 . n,,e.?." No other alternative than obedience was lett.