The National Register. — London, England, 1820-07-17 00:00:00

...,• • , 226 COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL. On Thursday a Court of Common Council was held for the dispatch of genreal business, wnich was very numerously attended. IX TRODUCTION OF THE MILITARY INTO THE CITY. Before the business tit the d..y was guise into, Mr. Alderman W'AITHMAN TOSC, to bring before the notice of the Court one of the greatest intasione af the rights and N is ileges of the City of Loudon which had ever been contintied. Dialog the deliberation of the last Common Hall, at which the Lord Mayor presided, troops of dragoollN were assembled on the skirts of the City, and one of these soldtets, an orderly serjeaut, was in waiting on the outsnla of the Hall. it was said, to receive orders as to their disposal. The worthy Alder man pr. ceeded to state, that he had himself, on his way house, met some of the troops. He had seen statements in the public prints made by the Lord Mayor; lan he now wished to ask a few questions of his Lairdshipre- He asked whether the troops were assembled solely at the instance and desire of his Lordship? Or whether they came from and at the sole older of the secretary of of Stale? And whether arty or what passed Upoll the subject ? The LORD MAYOR shortly replied, that the troops were sent at Ills particular rctlocst, anti mot at the in stance of the Secretary of State. Mr. Faecal. said, he never rose for the perlOrmance Of a moire painful duty than on the present. occasion.— BM it was all imperems ditty, the performance of which he owed to his fellow citizens, to introduce to the Court a motion respecting the introduction of a military toce into the city. The LORD MAYOR—" Not into the city, Sir." Mr. FA , ELL—" Well, near the city." During the time his Lordship had sat in the Chair, there had been no differences between them ; but on an occasion like the present, courtesy must not be an obstructitin.— Whether.any of the reasons given by his Lordship could justify the proceeding, was fur the consideration of the Court, who had every reason to make allowances for the discretion to be entrusted to a Cold' Magistrate. They were even disposed to overlook mistakes ; but the ein ploymem of military force by a magistrate was a matter which involved the very being and birthright of Eng lishmen. He would not say one word ou any thing but that which they were bound to notice as the represen tatives of tne city, and the guardians of the freedom and privileges of their fellow-citizens. Could it be allowed that the 10,000 free and good men, as they were anci ently styled, of the Livery of London, should be over awed in their deliberatimis by a military force? Never was there a question which eo deeply affected their rights. If they recurred to their history doting the days of the Star Cnamber, and the tyranny of the Stuarts, when their Recorder went to report the speech of an honest individual, and for cluing so was put in prison, they read of every description of tyranny being practised, but they never heard of any military mice being assembled to overawe the citizens of London in their deliberations. (Cries of hear, hear.)—lf constitutional bodies, like the Livery of London, could not be allowed to deliberate without the presence of a military force, who could say that if this precedent were passed over unnoticed, Com mon Councils might not hereafter be intimidated in the same manner, should some future fearful Lord Mayor, frigotened by a little clamour, choose to have soldiers posted its the avenues of the Court•—(Hear.)—He did not mean to throw any disrespectful observations upon the general character of the military, because he was aware that they had not sunk the character of citizens im that of soldiers. After some further observations the Speaker concluded by moving a string of Resolutions, expressive or the senumeuis contained in his speech. Mr. OLDHAM, in rising to second the mutton. said, that personally no one had a higher esteem for the pri vate character of the Lord Mayor than he had ; but he hoped he should be the last Mall who would suffer sen timents of that nature to influence his sense of public duty—he concluded by expressing his hearty concur rence with the Resolutions. The LO RD MAYOR declared, that in the course which he adopted he had been influenced by toting bat a powerful sense of duty, which pointed out to him the surest means of preserving the peace of the metropolis. It had been insinuated that he had proceeded to the measure now complained of, with a view of overa-ving the Lis ery. Very different, indeed, was his mo:ive.— His object was to secure to that respectable body, to which he owed so much, an uninterrupted freedom of discussion. The peace of the city had remained un disturbed. 'I he measure might have created an mildew , sant feeling in the heats of those 6, titheren to whom Ins political views were adverse, but there was no insult unfolded, and tio pritieple of the Cutistionion violated. Under all the cirentostances, he felt dirt he had faith fully disc:hug( d his duty, although others might I VC discharged theirs cuitscietniously io a very daft:mot manner.—(Hear, hear, hear.) Mr. Oncost said, he was sorry it had taken place.— (Hear, hear!)--flout front his seed he believed this, that howet cr unfortunate the business was, the Lord Mayor had no idea of overawing the Livery. Mr. T. N. WILLIAMS said, there was no reason for passing a vote against his Lordship, as if he had been guilty of an Act of High Treason. .1 he Resolutions were most violent. ills Lordship_ had probably acted ham an apprehension that her Majesty was coming to the Hall with a notorious Alderman —:Cries of order.) Mr. J. tatinmis. " A notoriously good Alder man—brave Alderman Wood."—(A iaugh and cries of hear.) Mr. Alderman WATTHMA:ST said, that every thingthat presented itself fornedied a strong ground 01 repreTheu sion against the conduct of the Lord Mayor. In the City of London there always existed the greatest jealousy of military interference. A coy magis.rate had even 'shined to the Secretary of state, because a few sol- diers had marched through the streets. The Lord Mayor ought at least . to hate called his brother ciaeis • THE NATIONAL REGISTER. traits together, bc i ore he determined upon such a course. As to the placards, it was well known that no placards appeared until after the meeting, and those placards were copies of an article in a ministerial newspaper. He con cluded by saying, that the citizens must no longer be insulted, ant the Court he had nu doubt, would express their unanimous sentiments in favour of the Resolutions. Mr. WILLIAMS, the tirtenH ELT!, said, the Chair ought to be filled by a man of thorough independence, and the moment it was LI that be who occupied it was not one of that character, he should he no longer entitled to it. Ills Lordstnp had an idea that his con duct might go abroad as all example to the country. Ttte LORD MAYOR.—" Yes." Mr. ‘VILLIAMS continued. Then he hoped God would prevent it ever being followed.—(Hear, hear.) — He thought there had been too great a feeling for a long time between theMatision House and the \Vest-end of the Town, and there was an awful exainple in the A ianches ter proceedings, which should have preveuted the desire to have the service of soldiers. It was true the military were not within the but a hint might have soon brought them to au offensive situation, and the slightest fracas might hate occasioned a deluge of blood. Mr. FAvbit. rejoiced at the unanimity that prevailed. If the Lord i\layor had intended to overawe the Livery, he was guilty of an act of treason against them. If such an intention had been aL owi d by his Lordship, that Court wiaild have felt very little hesitation at removing him, fiir every man who attended a Common Hall would be under fear of military authority. After some further observations the question was put and carried in the affirmative unanimously. The LORD MAYOR laid before the Court the Address voted on the 14th of June, and her Majesty's Answer. Ordered to be insetted io the Journals. FROM TUESDAY NIGIIT'S GAZETTE. I.mto CHAMBERLAIN'S OFFICE, JIILY 11. Orders for the Court's going into mourning on Sunday next, the 16th instant, for the late Princess Dowager of Orange, viz.— The Lathes to wear black silk, fringed or plain linen, white gloves, necklaces, and ear-rings, black or white shoes, fans, and tippets. Undress—White or gray lustrings, tabbies, or dainasks. The Gentlemen to wear black, full trimmed, fringed or plain linen, black swords and buckles. Undress—Gray frocks. The Court to change the mourning on Sunday, the 23d inst., viz.— The Ladies to wear black silk or velvet, coloured ribands, fans and tippets, or l'lain white, or white and gold, or white and silver stuffs, with black ribands. The Gentlemen to wear black coats, and black or plain white, or white and gold, or white and silver stuff waistcoats, full trimmed, coloured swords and buckles. And on Thursday, the 27th instant, the Court to go out of mourning. BANKRUPTCIES ENLARGED. M. Ackroyd, Leeds, Yorkshire, earthenware manufacturer, from July la to Aug. 1:1. E. Green, Leeds, earthenware manufacturer, from July is to Aug. 12. 1. Wilby, Ossett, Yorkshire, merchant, from July 15 to Aug. 11. BANKRUPTS. R. and W. Denson, Chester, curriers. Solicitors, Messrs. Philpot and Stone, Southampton Street, Bloomsbury. W. Blackburn, Blackburn, Lancashire, shopkeeper. Sol. Mr. Wiglesworth, Gray's Inn. T. Burlingham, Worcester, glover. Sols. Messrs. Bousfield and Williams, Bouverie Street. J. Dyer, Frome Selwood, Somerset, cordwainer. Sol. Mr. Williams, Red Lion Square. D. Hawkins, Sheffield, York, innkeeper. Sols. Messrs. Darke and Co., Red Lion Square. T. Thompson, Newcastle upon Tyne, joiner. Sols. Messrs. Marriott and Co., Gray's Inn Square. It. P. Cruden, Gravesend, slopseller- Sols. Messrs. Gregson and Fonnereau, Angel Court, Throgmorton Street. T. Brennand. Bread Street, Cheap•ide, warehouseman. Sols. Messrs. Bourdillon and }Lewitt, Bread Street. G. J. Swain, Mansell Street. Goodman's Fields, warehouse. man. Sol. Mr. Jones, Size Lane. J. Wilcox, Towcester, Northamptonshire, innkeeper. Sols. Messrs. Longdill and Butterfield, Gray's Inn Square. J. Warwick, Rotherhithe, ship builder. Sols. Messrs. Tyr rell and Son. Guildhall. J. Welch, Nantwich, Cheshire, shopkeeper. Sol. Mr. 'lViglesworth, Gray's Inn. DIVIDENDS. July 15, J. Walker, Harp Alley, ironmonger -15, J. Wood roof, Gun Street. Old Artillery Ground, turner-IS, It. Groning. Broad Street Buildings, inereltant-15, It. Hodgson, Fleet Street, oilman-22, G. Whitehead, junior, and G. Clarke, Itasinghall S'reet, Blackwell lota factor—August 1, It. S. Walker, East Smithfield. colour manufacturer-1, It. Macdonald, Frant, Sussex. shopkeeper-1, N, Davis, Gloucester Terrace. New Road, Whitechapel, merchant-1, D. Ilockly, Brook Street, Holborn, goldsmith—', It. flees, Chatham, draper-1, J. H. Prior, London Road, Southwark, corn dealer-5, S. L. Cur lewis, King Street, Covent Garden, tador-7, 'l'. Booker, Fns worth, Southampton, miller. CERTIFICATES to be granted Aug. 1. C. and J. N. Ilayles, Portsmouth, grocers—W. P. NI. Croft, East Sheen, Surrey, builder—A. and J. Manifold, Liverpool, tanners—J. Matunson, Huddersfield, merchant—J . Goodie:, Knutsford, victualler —J. Broagliton, Linthivaite, fork. hire, cloth merchant—J. Hancock, St, Jamcb's Street, cinch maker. Her Majesty the Queen is by birth the nearest heir to the throne of these realms, next after the reigning Family,—and though her succession to the throne is highly improbable, it is not impossible. Would it not be a strange event if, after degradation and divorce, her Majesty should ascend the throne. The Duke of Rutland, is consequence of the con trition expressed by them, has obtained 3 pardon for the four poachers who were sentenced to be trans ported for seven years, for poaching at midnight with tire-arms in the vale of Belvoir; and not only restored them to their distressed families, but directed that they should be fully employed on his Graces estate. It is said to be iu contemplation to take down London-bridge, and to erect a new bridge in its i.lace, to e.no:iq ooli of thrit arches. Empertal parliament. 110 USE OF LORDS. MONDAY, Jel.l( 10. THE QUEEII.—The Earl of LIVERPOOL said, he rose its pursuance of previous notice, to state to the House what course of proceeding he proposed to adopt with reference to the Bill applicable to an illiwrious person. He reminded the House that bctore the Bill came under discussion. Counsel were desirous of delay, and there was a disposition to extend that delay to eight or ten months. In consequence of the Report of the Secret Coin. utittee and the introduction of the Bill, application tif a dilferent nature was made—Coonsel in behalf of her Majesty had prayed their Lordships to proceed forthwith. The noble Earl did not state this as any inconsistency on the part of her legal advisers, as no doubt sonic reason was to be stated for that advice. He was ready to admit that a call having been made on the House to proceed without delay, his Majesty's Government were bound to answer, that till expedition, consistent with the administration of justice, ought to be used. Looking at the magnitude of the subject, and the public feeling, co ce, all nvenien ought to give way to a desire to do substantial justice. It had been a matter of consideration how tar justice could be done in a legis!ative pro ceeding against her Majesty without the assistance of the learned Judges, and the communication he hail had upon the subject confirmed his opinion that the House could not exercise its duty on this occasion in a manner sato factory to the public without the assistance of the learned Judges. instances were to be traced in which some of the Judges had attended the House without going to the Circuits. The House might dispense with the attendance of the whole of those learned Judges, and therefore did not want them all. There would be no opportunity before November to have all the Judges present, and even then their attendance would be inconvenient. liming enquired what was the shorte s t period at which the House could command the attendance of the Judges, he under stood that on Thursday, the 17th of August, they might have attendance of four learned Judges. It was, therefore, his inten tion to move, that the Bill be read a second time on the 17th of August. There were ether motions which the noble Earl meant to submit. lie was aware of the inconvenient season of the year at which this was to come on ; but he trusted their Lordships would feel the extreme importance of the case, and that they would attend, whether the result was favourable or unfavourable to the illustrious person, in a way that must be satisfactory. He could not believe. in a matter of so much importance, the Peers would not sacrifice their personal convenience to their sense of urgent necessity. On the question arising from the proceeding, the Lords could not vote by proxy, and us there ought to be a regular attendance, their Lordships would feel what they owed to themselves, the illustrious person, and the interests of the country at large. There only remained one question to require further observation, namely, how far the anangement would be satis• factory to the other side. lie expressed a hope, if there was any proposition to come from the illustrious person, it would be in a few days.—The noble Earl then moved, that the Bill be read a second time on Thursday, the 17th of August. lie also gave notice, that he should move that a copy of the Resolutions be I sent to her Majesty by the Usher of the Black Rod, and that the Howie would allow Counsel to be heard at the Bar on the 17th of August. Earl GREY did not object to the proceeding suggested by the noble Earl. It was most desirable to have the assistance of the Judges, at the same time he threw out for the consideration of the noble Earl, whether it would not be consistent with substan tial justice to allow her Majesty's Counsel the inspection of the papers containing the evidence, in order that they might prepare for her defence. A list of the witnesses should also be furnished. He admitted, that every Peer was bound to attend the House on the day for the discussion of this important subject, but lie did not see why the Judges could not attend at an earlier period. The noble Earl expressed a hope that no delay would ensue after the 17th of Angus. Lord HOLLAND, before he offered any remarks to the House, moved, that the Standing Order, No. 47, be read, The Order, bearing date 3d Aprilis, 16241, was accordingly read. It appeared, that the llouse, sitting as the High Court of Parliament, ordered persons accused to be furnished with all the means of defence, viz. copies of all proceedings, pro and con. also Counsel. &c. Lord HOLLAND then said, if the order was correct, it was imperative on the Lords to communicate the substance of the evidence to her Majesty. In Itie3 that House was in a singular situation :—a proceeding had been instituted against Lord Treasures Middlesex. A Secret Committee was appointed in the Conunons, to enquire into the elate of certain provisions and stores, and rd Middlesex was put under accusation. A Coin mittec of Lords drew up articles of impeachment. Lord Mid dlesex then presented a petition for copies of the depositions, and an order was made that lie should have them, to enable him to prepare for his defence. 'These depositions consisted of the body of evidence taken at the bar of the House. After the publication of the ..bove order. it would be for the House to say, whether copies of the papers before their Lonlehips ought to be delivered to her Majesty. According to every principle ofjustice, copies of ..he contents of the Green Rag ought to be evunnunicated to the ! judges of the case, viz.—Every Member in the House, before they proceeded. In ordinary cases of prosecution the depositions I of witnesses were often taken in the presence of persons accused, ' and when the party was on trial, copies of the depositions were given to the Judge. lie wished to know whether the Attornee- General was to be furnished with the Green Bag. The Secret Cononittes had not. as was usual, gone into detail of the evi dence ; but, on the contrary, their Report was no inure than a snminary of the evidence, and advice to adopt a certain mode of occeding. The Queen could have no knowledge from the resort of the evidence in support of the charges, and his noble friend's proposition for furnishing a list of the witnesses was right upon every principle. The Earl of LI V ERPOOL said, the most regular way to consider precetlects would be to appoint a Coninottse for that purpose. The Noble Lord had messed to a standing order; it was. however, doubtful how far It applied to this question. In another instance on the Journals of the I louse it would appear, that the Bishop of Rocluader petitioned for permissiou to inasst papers furnished by the House of Commons, and the petition was rejected. The Lords in this instance were all of opinion, that the judgment of the House would not be given upon depo sitions. It must depend on oral evidence. In granting a list of the witnesses, a thousand obstructions to justice would inter vene. Lord ELLEN BOROUGH stated some inconsistency in the argument of the Noble Lord, who contended that tile Green Bag ought to be known to the whole llouse. Those Noble lords on a fomier day argued, that the !louse, bitting as Judges in Parliament, and the sworn advisers of the Crown, could not see the documents without pre judging the question. Lord I I 01.1. AN D explained. Lord ERSKINE said, he had long been an admirer of sub• stantial justice, and he was satisfied that the Honour of that House was a security for the faithful discharge of their duiy tu this important inquiry. Whatever the evidence against her >ia• linty might be, he should act with justice, and a firm adherence to truth, without respect of persons. Ile contended that thie cause was analogous to a case of high Treason, upon whic!ti was uniformly the practice to supply to the party accused a of the witnesses. Their Lordships should, in his opinion. give every indulgence where analogies existed, and he put it to themr whether the privileges of Parliament could be at all entlangervo by . an er u p tagreemen o permit her Majesty to have what was. quired upon h rt In fact, lie thought it the duty of tin Lordehips to ohmic the application.