The National Register. — London, England, 1819-11-22 00:00:00

MUTING AT GUILDIULL. A Common Hall was held on Thursday. pursuant to a Requisition addressed to the - J.4ml Mayor by several of the Livery. fee the purpose of taking into consideration the measures 'molted on by the Court of Alderintm. for the prosecution of the individuals aileged to hate con spired together, to produce a riotons obstotction to the election of a Lord Mayor, on last Nlichaelittas-tlay. and Eta adopting such measures as might be deemed neces sary in consequence. The doors were kept closed till past twelve o'clock. at which time the livery were admitted. At five minutes before one the Lord Mayor entered the BAIL attended by his officers, amid the cheerings and applause of the multitude. and retired to his chamber. in a b ou t t e n suinutcs his Lord?hip, Mr. Alderman 11'ooll, Nlr.Siteriff ktrkins, M. Alderman Waithinan, appeared on the hustings, and severally bowed to the Livery, who manifested the strongest signs of respect fur each Mr Sherilf Bothwell passed on to his seat. svithout presenting himself before the Livery. The 12otionoti Crier then made proclamation. After which the Lord Mayor came !toward anti said, " Getit!eitieti of the Lively-1 have the honour to Annotutcr that 1 have convened a Continuo Hall, in konsequelice of a recpiisition addressed to me, eery nu merously and reapectahly ‘igned, amid which you will shortly hear read by the proper officer. 'file only request I have to make to you is, that you will most im partially hear every gem letnau who presents himself before you ; and that in any remarks you may think proper to offer, you will confine yourselves as strictly as passible to the subject mitlzr consideration." (Cheering.) Mr. Favell then presented himself to the attention of the Hall, and was greeted with. the warmest expressions of favour. He congratulated the Livery that he had the pleasore of meeting them once more in their own anci ent Guildhall. Ile hoped they felt that they were once wore assembled as free citizens in the metropolis, and the heart of the British Empire.—(Applause.)-11 cell lain people had their wishes, the doors of tht it Hall would rust on their hinges.—(Applause.)—lf they had time yo dry up tiseir tears for the loss of their late Mayor —(A laugh)—he should with great pleasure offer his congratulatton on their good i fortune n his successor— iu chosen a Chief Magistrate of the most unsul lied character and honour, one who lied most readily acceded to their wishes in convening them together.— but, at the same time, he claimed it as the clear right of his Lordship, that, in complying with their' desires, he Should nut be held hound to give up any polttical sen timents of his own—that he should, equally with every eitio.n be allowed to think for himself—and he (Mr. ravel') pledged himself, that any resolution which thvy might adopt on that clay,. should not be considered as iiiiplicating his Lordslop's (minims. They had lately arms, but he knitted it would be long before they should see it again, that the political opinions of a Lord Mayor had been bar to the discharge of his civic duties.— lie w AS proud to lie able toot) that this;was not now time case. They had had Lord Mayors- of every v..rious but he recollected none except the last two who suffered them to interfere with, or obstruct the peiforionice of his duties to his fellow citizen.,— Aidermatt Christophei Son t 11..f0r examplepholl presided ewer them, but he hail never acted in that '13"1 were now suet on one of the most important qoestioTTl. which could be solnisisted to their consideration-1 question peculiarly interesting to the Livery, which comprehended one-third of the citizens of London a a question deeply interesting to the citizens at large ; a i t uestiosi, he might add, deeply interesting to all English men. It was not a question of partial or priva o con cern, but one that intimately affected the es link body of the Livery. They claimed the right of enacting i n to the consideration of grievances, or of questions arising out (tithe peculiar circumstances of the times, oat Mid summer day, oat Michaelmas day, and on every other day, on which COOllllOll halls were usually held. • Et was a claim founded oil their most ancient charters—it was recognized in Alagna Charta—it was established by Acts of Parliament—its exigency was deliberately acknows 'Aged by smite of the higheth legal authorities the au stale of England coukl produce ; he might nienti ssss the name of Serjeatit Glynn—and it was confirmed by long aad ancient usage—(Applause.)—Auld if tIWs right was seriously menu to be called iii question and opposed, lie knew of tio alternative, but that for all power and opportunity of entertaining such questions, they should be lest to depend on the arbitrary caprice of a Chief :Magistrate, and then the Livery of London wanted no snore Gagging Bills—(Great applause.)—But if any doubt existed on the siatiject,it woo certainly extraordi nary that no other mean, could be found for deciding the question but by the pubic prosecution of some of the most respectable members of the corporation, and some of their oldest and stesteetned advocates. Sonic of them he saw present, and he doubted not bus that they would shortly defend their own conduct with abi lity and spirit. He had been told there was a conspi racy on foot against the peace and property of the public. He feared indeed that a conspiracy existed—a conspiracy to overturn die rights and liberties of the great city of London. lie hoped, however, for its overthrow, and that the event would utterly disgrace the confederates. lie was &ad to ford that the cheap brought against his frtenils was no. for bribery and corruptiott.—(Laughter) —They were indeed so well known for their. matibi support of the rights of die Livery.; that such it'eharaCter ethild nave gained nu belief. Theelleul and from nfotir offending wa s , iii reality, the high and itidependrut man ner ti %%inch iney deleoded the privileges of metr brother loverymen—thoac privileges which 11311 beet' secured to the citizens through toe courage and virtue of their an cestors. He wasatunit to submit some rt'SOltiliOlib to th e s pirit and character of nitwit, hedosibted n o t, would Albeit twith their fibl crtricurrence. He invited Mote arlao disapproved of them to come forward and publicly titres. their teasoos for their dissent. He would read Itlsx Resolutious...they would be seconded by a gentle. THE NATIONAL REGISTER. man of great. honour and ability. - 0 e of the Resolu tions pledged the Livery to the support of those canoeist and spicityl persona woo hail orehiglit prosecutions over t.ecis heads on detendiug Me rights tit the Livery i ire need not remind them, willing as he knew them to comply, that the assistance of their pliries ought to ac company their good wishes. He illell read the Reso lutions, which were as hollows : Resolved—That the Livery of London, in Common Mill assembled, have an touthoubled right, on Mid suer, Ali diadems, or any other day, to discuss any matter of pub lic grietati .e. Resolved--That this Continuo Hall have learnt with surprise,that *Hemp!' are moo making to deprive them of this established and constitutional right ; and that the Court of Aldermen, without any prevmes intimation of such intention', have directed criminal proceedings to he commenced against several Liverymen, 71111011 e alOilli is ,011 e Of the magistrates and representative. in Pailiament fur this city, and afro against our of its slit, ills. • Resolved,—That the Conti of Aldermen, Common Council, and Livery of London, are sepal ate told di.totet ' bodies, possessed of separate and distinct powers ; that the Ciotti of Aldermen have tio authority or julisdietion over the privileges of the Lively,. who conceive the said proceedings to be on tinwarrautisule attack nut only upon their privilege's as Liverymen, but upon their rights as If.iigli,linien ; and, if the same should be cart ied into cf feet, must tend to the total subversion of such rights and leave them without any means of discussing or petitioning against public grievances, subject entirely on the caprice and arbitrary will of a Chief Magistritte, however he 'nay be unduly or cot ropily Mattel:red; and that it is therefore the imperious duty of every Lit otryinaii and every citizen of Landon to watch with jealousy and alarm this tinpue cedeuted and unwarrantable attack upon their rights and privileges, and to as. their strenuous exertions to resist every invasion thereof. Resolved,—That tha Coati of Common Council, as re. • presentative. of London, are bond, by their oaths as well as their duty, to protect their rights, and prevent any misapplication of the funds of the Corporation, fur 1 which purposes the Common Hall do theretore earnestly ,request their co.-operation and support; and the flight Hon. the Lord Mayor is mat respectfully requested to lay these Resolatious before the Court of Cuitanion Council. Uesulved,—That the Chamberlain of this City be di rected not to pay any expenses that may have been, or may be incurred, in such prosecutions ; and that the An tihero be directed not to allow any such expenses. Resolved,—That a Committee. cuusistiug of 26 Live rymen, be now appoitited to watch over the rillits of the Livery, with power to add to their numbers, and to take ouch measures as they shall be advised. Resolved,—That the thanks of this Common Hall be given to ME. Sheriff Parkins, for his manly, liodepentlent. anti impartial conduct at the Comment Haiti on Michael mas-day last. Resolved—That John Atkins, Esq., late Lord Mayor, by refusing to summon Common Halls, on Mice several - yeasions, alien regrind 110 to do by 'collectable Ment hes', of the Livery; t,y abruptly dissolving tau Common Halls, when Liverymen were about to ex,heos their upi- Mons ow subjects of great public importance; and by how alit:lupin% to depose the to of their ancient rights of meeting to discuss stud petition against public gilev ancra has shown a disregard to the constitutional rights of Et;gliolonen, and a marked contempt fur the feelings and eol ii ii ions of his fellow ellierllll. and call HO logger be entitled to their confidence and esteem. Resolved,—That the thanks of ties Hall he (Jeri, to ; .131111111e1 Pavel!, Esq., the Mover, and Allen Perriug, Esq , OrgoSecontler ; fur the able end judicious 1111111Uel in which 'they_ (autistic tit ward the itesolutiens "steed to this day.•-.... Resolved tumointously—That the thsnksof this Hail be given to the Right Hsu. the Loud Mayor, fur his readiness in calling this Halls, apd for his upright and impartial conduct in the Chan'tbis day. • Mr. PrAt rNG adlvatife/1!s• Having on the 2gt h Septem ber list, expressed itis W.rrA and cordial approbation of the Resolutions frot which iligresent proceedings had arisen, it was not surprising that he should feel great pleasure in seconding those before them ; they were, in spirit, the same, having alike for their object the support of the rights and liberties of the Livery. Mr. IVaithman stood fur Ward as the first resolution' was about to be pot, and was received with very loud applause. lie it col, he said, in a peculiar condition, as the question before them was in a great measure per sonal to him. He felt more difficulty than usual in addressing them, not from the scantiness, hut the too great abundance of topics. He might, however, very truly say, that he was not more interested than the other . Liverymen. However harassed and oppressed he Illiglit be by the proceedings which had been instituted against him, he could not but be gratified at the proud and elevated position in which those proceedings-had placed him, not to defend his own rights, but those of the Li very. They (the Livery) had placed him high in the ei‘joynient of Cit ic honours;. if he could feel for a mo ment that he had forfeited their confidence and former good opinion, he would immediately lay those honours again at their feet; but Is he hsel still the same estima tion with them,. he was determined to devote all his tune and energies ' .and all those advantages which their favour had placed within his reach, fur their use and service. They ought to allow something for the irritated feelcogs of their opponents, when the Livery chose bun as the itiotruutent fur destruyisig the abuses of the Cor poration, it was to lie supposed that the defeat would vai-kle mum the hearts of their enemies. Hence, as lie swoop', the present prosecutions, winch were directed ,erittally•agailist him, anti to (plash the rights of the City togyher. Trey (the Livery) ought to extend pity to the 'nut to say kontlile, but degraded oi.uation of Mt it Zdv rotaries. As these persons were nut present, lie Would folbear as much as possible to comment on their conduct. He had &tiered iroin most of t h e eorptsra. ,s to the duties of the AlagisirOy; he had proteoteti in A.ldedtuan Conolit's Case agalfist any pelmets' ex lissom Irons Use eivlc chair; he had hum the 1,6 , mile 1111 l nit o. opposilloll to that principle, done all in his i user ii. wore the election of toot excellent MAO. He and al ways, as far as lie could. assisted in maintaining th. dignity of tho Chief Magistrate, and had for that purpose My. ti made a ;mint or not tiut icing soy errors or differences of up as to politics but %% licit he SAW Ali attelultt spriitgt 4 Out twin prdtitcal , tet.ling. to (quail 11,c libvnirs of the City. be ft It tuulsett Limon' to stand tot ward hi , their d,feucc. (drpl.eure.) By some extiaurditaary means, 60111 t ttilotrisasUl4l JellCV,the secret procetelings• ol a COWL of AlUel tuella moo beau tin uiged. Nn woul.l leave it witn list sU ettilwis to settle ..14:ther the fact. were rightly stated in mt, is lid it truly stated, whether their procetditsgs were or were not proper. Lie had nu. opinion to line; but at ghoul the *thole of them he 'tad not been aiittwed any opportuntiy tit drleuce. lie came to the Cows, tour had to answer to charges which tie could not previously know the Alde;ttien them. selves were equally in the dark ; and in the expensive proceedings which had been instituted, they actually did not know vn what charge their case should be tountle.l. In the case of the meanest off er of the Court, even if they had a complaita against their Marshal, they could not proceed without calling on hint fur his deli:nee, ltd hearing every thits,, which he could urge for hiniselh But it was not so with him; he was allowed no defence, all she pruemings w ere nor even au intimation of trial; conducted in the dark, and whsle they knew that lie lying nu a sit k lied. (Shaun-, shame.) lie wmltl tell them the cause of all than Wale and rojitstice ; the ; ro secution egainst Mussel. and others, was C 4 11111 l 011 the 6th day of November; he said against others, but in fact, it was against all of theme; they were all impli catetl—(Cries of yes, we are 411 iu it—all, all.) lie was, as he before said, absent ; now it was so late oil Friay, before the legal opinions could not be procured for that purpose, that the summoning officer was knocked up out of his bed, at eleven o'clock at night, to receive iustructsons for calling the Committee at ten the next morning, they having to make their report by one o'clock the next day. The reason for it was this; Alderman Atkins brought the charge—(Groans)—Al derman Curtis seconded it—(Groans and hl:ies)—atiti Alderman Cox supported it—(Groans and hisses again). If they had waited till the 9 , 11 of November, Atkins, accordnig to elision), must have been struck off the C *nee, and the scissor Aldermen must have made way Ito others. Then how would the plot have gene oil They had no less than nine legal officers of their own, whose slaries were double the amount which had been enjoyed by their abltst pietlecessurs, and yet they thought tit to go out of the usual road to engage the Attorney sod Solicitor-General, and several others, to conduct these proceedings. It was odd that the persons who had thus undertaken to charge lion with promoting. disorder, were among the 1110S1 turbult lit its the proceed ings of that day. Ile would, however, ask aisy matt then present to say, if ever a Common Hall was seen in which the subject of debate waocontestetl, wltele there was less riot or tumult. For 1l i 11l self, no ntin ever heard him hiss or groan; it was his pride to come for ward and declare his opinions, and si he could lint meet his opponents in the held o. argument, he was always ready to give tip the contest.—Alter some waiter re marks, he reco 11111 l eisdetl the Lorry to he tints and tem perate in support of their liberties, and promised his humble co-operation in endeavouring toms; poet 1114111. After Mr. Ttiousost had spoken at great length, the several Resolutions were put and ea.ried almost ottani. 1111 l usly, there being but tour hands in the entire assem bly nett' up against them. Nit. CROOK then tame forward to propose three Rt.- solutions— Ist. A Vute of Thanks to Mr. Sheriff Par king, for his wanly mod indepenthut conduct ass Midlerlmas.day. 2d. A Vute ut Censure on the late LUIII Mayor. 3d. A Vote of Thanks so the present Loud Mayor, for bis upright and independent cuuduct aa a Chief Magis trate, and tar assembling the preload CURIMUII Hall. Mr. OLIVER seconded these Resolutions. The two first were carried by acclamation. Mr. Sheriff Parkins stood forward to retorts thanks. He said he hail no wish to trouble the meeting with any observations of his—he would rather wait until he saw what his antagonists had to say against him. Was it a crime to do his duty honestly and independently their eyes it was, liut it was a crime they could nut Charges were brought against him by a certain falterbo• He was called a Radical: it was unambiguous (Laisjliter.) A man may be radically good or ra dically bud. believed that that faction were Radicals in the latter sense. He was a Radical reformer of ali ases—be was a Radical supponet of the Constitutitin— he was a Radical friend to the , charteted rights of the citizens of London—he was, in shafie,7l Radical hog. Itshinan, who loved liberty and hated niipitifisison. (Ap plause.) He thanked Motu from Isis heart kir the towel. they had bestowed ott hint ; he felt honoured and happy, amid every hour of his life should be devoted to the honest and independent discharge of his duty. Mr. limit stow came forward, and uersisted for a lung tittle in addressing Ilse Livery amid tremendous hissing, iiiin c led wills partial applause. lie was pruct.eding at great length to CCUSIIIC souse ObSt:ndlitnls shaje in the early part of the proceedings, and which seemed to be too orderly, too limper, and not Radical enough for his taste, when the increased tumult obliged bins to desist. The vote of thanks to the Lord Nla)or was ►hen car ried whh acclamation. ...... Tire Lord Jlayor, in rewriting thanks, said he did 1101 coliCtlle 1 • self entitled to their thatilo, beetsuse • he felt he only discharged his dot) —that dirty he should he always m u st ha p py and most leanly to discharge. Ai the cowittetic.tatent of the proceedings he entreated Gentlemen to confine titernseltes to the business of lbe day—and not, us the lawyers say, to travel out of record. lie was sorry that set:ricotta' old not ot•se.ne that. He was •:Irry parn etriarly toner lob ItieWl Alderman A.kuts, crobWed. — (A laugh.)—Hr assured the Livery ht w. s st .OUS- - Ahltrinall Alkolit• %nal, his friend, ami nc iewnitsd 11111. (Avii.aU.C.)—A.4 a Arrgiatrair, the Al,.tritiati might .ititik at least that he was acing, right, anti he oat bony .ta see him censured.—tries or " Hot de are ttry Au! . 01 it, though we should lie eery sorry to censure yOU• He had options perhaps differvut to some respect from