The Statesman. — London, England, 1821-01-22 00:00:00

revolution in the Peninsula ; tliongh they are well aware, that notwithstanding the seeming unanimity among the constitutionalists, a portion are decidedly ' hostile to the progress of free principles, and have only yielded to the late changes in the hope, by the aid of the clergy, of effecting a counter-revolution, or of en larging the powers of the monarchy. By this time, 'you will have ascertained the views of the Cortes. As far as correct information has been received, the Patriots occupy the interior of the country, with the command of its outlets the Orinoco and the Magda lena. The sanguinary character of the war has pro minced an inveterate hatred towards the Spaniards, and the present resolution of this government is decidedly in favour of independence of Spain, notwithstanding the late liberal changes in that country. There are daily defections in the Creole rinks of Gen. Morillo, and before the termination of his campaign his force will chiefly consist of old Spanish troops, not exceed ing 4etttt►, scattered along an extensive sea coast. In • deed the Spaniards do not occupy any entire province, and some of the points along the coast has been lately occupied by the patriots, at the request of the Creole inhabitants; and if Gen. Morillo has not already sur rendered or abandoned the country, the probability that his forces will be confin-d to Caracas, Valencia, and Csrthsgena. His chief defences are at those points; while the last advice, say that Buliv.,r and Paez, at the 'head of an imposing force of infantry and cavalry. were advancing upon Caraccas. It will l►e a desirable event if the present campaign In terminating the war, shall allow so favorable a pe riod to establish the Constitution which the Congress is required to prepare at Cucuta in January. Its fea tures must be necessarily, for the present a subject of cunjecture, though it will pruhably conform, in the most essential articles to that of the United States. It will then become an interesting enquiry in what man ner they shall propose the extinction of their debt, and whether, upon the return of peace, and the establish ment of their independence, their army shall emulate the glory acquired by that of our revolution, in peace ably retiring to private life, without pay or substance? I fear that another author of " Newburg Letters" may rot find the influence of a second Washington to resist 11. traitorous eloquence. We should, however, hope t!gat these events may terminate as the friends of hemanity and free Government wish. 21t11 Oct. P. S. A vessel arrived at this place on tt:: 23.1 inst. from the mouth of the river Trer, on t‘.e main, about 30 miles east of !Apra: it hail been cantered fiy the Patriots, and was loaded with Co : part of the booty. We learn thus that the cam rign has actually commenced. The Patriot Generals I Ave advanced to the following positions Paez, in Calabozo ; Bermudez, in Feron ; 3lazero, in Ticaragua; lirdanota, in San Carlos. The Spanish Generals 310- i:".o, Morales and Torre, were invested in Caraccas.— The Gazette at Mompox and the Magdalena, says that St. Martha is in the possession of the Patriots. The Queer's battalion of 500, with their arms, &c. had p.►a=end over to the Patriots in Ticaragua. Bolivar was said to be near Cucuta, and I presume is engaged it an effort to free Maracaybo, as that furnishes the must di►ect communication with the seat of Congress. NORWICH FOX DINNER. A numerous and highly respectable number of gen tlemen (lined together on Frid tr last in this city, in celebration of the memory of 31r. Fox. It not being expected that there would be so large an attendance of gentleman thi; year, the dinner wa: not held in St. Andrew's Hall, as usual, it Ening considered too large; but, towards the hour appointed for dinner, so many gentlemen had assembled, that the dining room was cr.iiele(l. Such was the anxiety to be present, that six guit:eas were in vain offered for three ti.kets. About two hundred gentlemen sat down to an ex cellent dinner, but a want of room excluded many others. The F.ari of Albemarle was in the Chair, supported on the rigid by the Duke of Norfolk, and on the left by 3:r. Cohe, M. P. for the County. The other tables were headed by t;eneral Walpole and the 31avor of Norwich. Among the tlentlemen present were—Lord Bury, Sir T. ilecvor. Sir IV. Wyndham' Daßing, Sir R. P. * Joddrel, Sir E. Smith , Hon. W. Fitzroy, E. Keppel, J. Martin fluid. Esq. M. P., Ridley Collin/lie, Esq. M. I'., T. B. Ler.n.itil, M. P., Archdeacon Bathurst, Rev. %V. Neat - coa,e. Rev. C. Collyer, Rev. H. Wilson, Rev. I. L'Oste, Rev. P. !Nilson, Bev. L. B. Foster. Rev. U. Preston, Rev. -- Hugg, Rev. H. Hammond, Rev. R. F. Elwin, Rev. H. Dashwootl, Rev. C. Ilarity, Rev. Odell, Major Hussey, Captains Long, Worth, and Money, A. Bercor, Esq. * J. H. B. Follies, J. T. Southwell, .1. T. aurdon. .1. M. Smith, R. .Adair, N. Micklethwaite, J. H. Cooper. P. Hamond, Joshua Drighr, .1. Morely, Jirigg, Esq. Aldermen 31arsh, Leman, * Rigby, and Boling brohe, &e. &r. After dinner .Von noli►r Demise was snot►. The Earl of ALnemanut rose, and addressed the Sleeting. This was the third time that be had the proud distinction of filling the chair at a meeting of his friends, who were anxious to express, in the warmest end most he.►rtfelt manner, their high admiration of genius and elotineace, worth and talent, and their re gret at Its loss—in a word, to celebrate the Memory •f Charles James Fox—{loud applanse)--to express their approbation of the political principles which he professed, and their determination to► adhere to them. His Lordship wet duly srusible of the high honour of being thus selected to preside on so glorious an occa sion ; it was an honour which he prized more than any which p river could bestow.--(Applause.) Yet, though elated with his situation, he did not forget that, with out the assistance of those aronnd him, be as Chairman; would be inefficient ; but he knew that he had only to ask for that support and it would he readily granted him. Trusting, then, that they would not forget that on themselves depended the pleasure of the evening, be would proceed at once to the discharge of his ditty. In the exercise of his discretion as Chairman, he had made some alteration iu the prder of the toasts of the evening, and particularly in that which was more im mediately the object of their meeting—" the memory of Mr. Fox." His reason for doing so was this--his own inclination, as well as a proper attention to the wishes of the company, would induce him to propose, at as early a period of the evening as possible, the health of an Illustrioss Personage, whose wrongs and persecution had excited their strongest sympathies, and &teased the indignation of the country.—(Loud and repeated Cheers.) Being well aware that the health per"( WNW repeal ~.- "IN / . • 6 0 / T'!E STATES ' of that Illustrious Personage would call forth the mos rapturous marks of their loyalty and approbation, he thought it better that the memory of Mr. Fox, which was to be drank in solemn Silence, !Ilionltt precede ra ther than fallow it. On 'the general character, both public and private, of Ale. Fox, be did not feel it ne cessary to say a single word. That subject bad been so fully ereered into at the last meeting., that it was fully and firmly established in the minds of all who heard him, and, the more it was heard, the more it was admired and respected. Ile would therefore allude to Mr. Fox with reference to passing events only. He appealed to all those who hail known that great and good man, whether his honourable nature did not abhor tyranny and persecution ? What, then, must have been his feelings, had he lived in these days ? The Noble Lord concluded by proposing— " The Memory of Charles James Fox." which was drank in solemn silence. This was fol lowed by the song—" When Fox," 1 1 / 4 .c. which was sung last year. The :text toast was " The King." I The Earl of ALFIC?fARLE said, he now came to that ' toast to which lie had before alluded, and it was a subject upon which he was extremely anxious to say a few words. Indeed, as Chairman, be hail a right to occupy a small portion of their time upun it, as it was not a usual toast, and because it teas now proposed under circumstances the most extraordinary. Know ing, however, the anxiety of those around hint to ex press their feeling on this subject, he would abstain for the present from making any ob-triations, and would propose " The health of her Majesty the Queen."—(Loud and rel eated chenille). lie re quested one moment's patience. Ile had something to add. which was of vital importance. He pro posed " The Queen. and may the voice of the nation never cease to e thunder in the errs of her persecutors, until her Majesty is placed in the full possession of those rights and privileges to which she is entitled as Queen Consort of these reallll4." _ _ It is impossible to describe the enthusiasm with which this toast nas received. The whole company stood up, awl the cheering was kept np for several minutes. Silence haring► been obtained, the follow ing song was sung :--- SONO, COMPOSED IT MR. /RIF•T of mowincti.—Alß, " THE 1111ARD . S LEGALIA oil. hail ! Stnr of Ream% tho' foes may surround thee, The arm of a nation is lifted fu save; The threat,: of the a :cited •:hri II 'trier confound thee. _....... . While thronged in the beartsof the good and the brave. Tho•slander and tyranny basely are leaguing To blast thy fair honour and sully thy fame ; When justice unveils their infernal intriguing, The day of the triumph shall plungethem la shame. The tyrants behind thee, unfrirnded, forsaken, A t ictim their malice might safely pursue; But thy wrongs rind tin - sufferings anon shall awaken The vengeance that is to their infanty due. Ron er'd be the shades of thy kindred who preichsd In glorious conflict with England's pr I foes ; And dear in our memory ever be cherish's! That child whose afft cassis once solar'd thy woes. Then, hail ! Star of Brunswick. their virtues ►eflected, 'Midst danger and trial beam bright! in thee; In thy truth, in thy fortitude. firmly protected, Thy cause is the cause of the just and the t►em In vain would thy base persecutors dissemble, The voice of a nation is raised in applause ; Let villainy shake, and let tyranny tremble. The i►m of a nation is raised In her cause. (This song was received uith great app!anse). The Earl orAIMEMARLE observed, that the nest toast which he hail to propose, in his opinien, followed of necessity that which they had just drank ; it was a corollary following from that proposition, and a con clusion arising out of it ; be meant the dismissal of his Nlajesty's present ministers..--(Loud cheers). Upon • subject which he consider II of vital importance, he hoped he might be permitted to make a few remark-, having forborne to speak upon the former toast. Hut before I.e did so, he wished to say one or two words in ann-er to a double charge which hall been made against himself--a charge by his political opponents that he was always too ready to put himself forward at County Meeting', while in Parliament he contented himself n ith giving a silent vote----and a charge made by his friends of nut haying been active in promoting a County Meeting in Norfolk, on recent events. To the first charge he would answer, that it did not snit his retired, or if they would have it so, his idle habits of life to take an active part in the debates in Pa liament. Ile bad nu ambition to gratify, no object to attain, and he felt that hr attending in Par- Lame .t he could do nu good. Besides this, he would say, without meaning any hostility to any party, that all the talent, the eloquence, anal the power of argas a ut was in the hands of those wilt whom he had the pleasure of agreeing in politics. It would therefore be a waste of time in a second-rate provincial performer like himself, to pretend to the place of a principal actor. I;ut in the county it was different. ' Is this county be came forward, nut because he thought himself able to go a single step farther in support of Freedom than those who beard him, but because in that county he, front the act ident of birth, stood prominent. Ile felt it his duty, as well as a ,pleasure, to come forward on every public occasion, and a gratification to meet his friends, particularly on finch occasions as the present. Ile came forward on every such occasion, cheered whit the hope of meeting their approbation, in his endeavours to support the Constitution on the one hund, or the just pre.ogatives ist . the Crown on the other, as either may need sup port.—(Applause.)—With respect to the charge of lukewarmness in mot 'lev e ling convened a County Meet ing on recent events, he at tale, pleaded nut guilty. He would say for hiuteilf, as wen as for bie Honour able Friend near him (Mr. (AR) who was implicated in this charge, and *in the oath, boat with whom be should be happy to sail in fair, weather or in foul, that this was the first time a charge of lukewarm. ness had been made against them. They did nut wish, as it was said, to " lead the County," bat they were ready at all times to call a Meeting; they were ready to do PO new, if it was the wish and will of the County itself.—(Loud cheers.)—He repeated that neither was his friend (Mr. Coke), nor himself, nor the county, lokewarm on recent events. The ob ject of calling a county meeting wyt to express their abhorrence of the rate disgritrefisUpers lion of her Majesty; and secondly, to pray a dismi I of his Ma jesty's Ministers. lint the simple answer, o the charge of nut calling the meeting was this, that the county had done both ; they met sad decided cti both points, not in a hole and corner, sot in the private room of any private or public-house, but they-did it in the county Court, where the High Sheriff presided in the face of the day, and in the face of heir opponents, if they dared to come forward and oppose them.—(Ap plause.)—How, then, could a charge of Inkewarmness lie made against him, against his lion. Friend (Mr. Coke), or against the county ? On the subject of the late proceedings against her Majesty, he was ready to admit, that he went to attend those proceedings with a mind prejudiced on the question. He had heard the various tales of ribaldry and obscenity with which her Majesty's name bad been mixed up, and he did not hesitate to say, that he believed them to be true. He, however, found, upon inquiry, that they were the foulest fabri cations of perjury, and subornation of perjury ; that they were the result of the darkest and most malig. cant conspiracy that ever entered the human mind, and the more atrocious, as it was directed against a female who sr.►s ►destitute, desolate, and distressed.— (Cheers.)—He knew not which of the Ministsr• ad vised that act of injustice, he had a right to look at it as the act of the whule; it was an act worthy of ' them, anal bore the stamp of their character. Their conduct towards her Majesty, and to the country, were of a piece ; and looking to the former, he most solemnly declared that the proceedings against her Majesty had a greater tendency to spread immorality through the country, to bring the law and religion of the land into contempt ; to degrade royalty, and to agitate and disturb the public mind, than all the measures of all the Radicals in the country, even though their number exceeded the creation of the most timid imagination. lie did not snp pose the company understood the meaning of the word radical ; fur himself, he did not distinctly understand it. If they vere to judge from the language of those who were determined to sup port the present Ministers, right or wrong, a Ra dical was a man who :disapproved of the conduct of those Ministers ; who thought that their dismissal was necessary to the safety and well-beingof the coun try—who thought that not only a change of men but a change of measures was indispensible, and that a change of men and not of measures would be only a change for the worse—that a Radical was a man who thought that a total change in the Administration was necessary ; who thought that this change could not be brought about by any set of men, however willing to stop the torrent of ccrruption ; who did not pos sess the confidence of the country ; who thought that this confidence was only to be obtained by measures of conciliation ; by restoring the Constitution to its original purity; by repealing all laws restrictive of the liberty of the subject, and particularly the six Acts lately passed ; and who thought, further, that a Reform in the Representation of the people in the Commons House of Parliament must inevitably take place before these things could be accomplished.— (Applanse•)—lf this was a correct definition of a Radical, he gloried in the title—(Loud cheers,)—and if numbers were necessary, l►e was convinced that the great body of the sound and loyal population of the Country were of the same opinion. There may be some persons called Radicals who meant mischief. Be it so ; but he could not admit this without recollect• ing the measures taken by Ministers to make such Radicals. He could not forget the Green Hag con spiracies; he could not forget the (Hirers, the Castles, and other miscreants who hail been employed to create disaffection in the Country, in order to serve the pur poses of Ministers. If Radicals did exist, be could not believe that they existed in any considerable num bers. Some persons having been reduced to t'istress by the real-administration of Government might have been driven to desperation. The great body of the people, however, were loyal and well affected to the Constitution; and it was because they were loyal and well affected, that they so strongly and gene rally expressed their indignation at the conduct of the present Ministry. After exposing at length in a very masterly manner the base and odious measures of the Administration, the Noble Earl hoped that his Majesty would listen to the voice of his people, and concluded, by proposing— " The Dismissal of the present Ministers, who have alike proved themselves the enemies of the Throne and the People." This toast was drank will► loud anti repeated sheers. The Ltd of 011:m t I.E next proposed " the Health of the Duke of Sussex," which was received with en thusiastic applause. His Lordship, after explain:ng why this toast was PM proposed before, read part of ~ letter from his WTI! Ili; imess, in which he stated that illness alone prevented his attendance at the Mee ing. His Itoyal Highness added, that in spite of the threats ahnse of a part of the Picas, he still gloried in the principles hy which the Meeting were actuated when he had the pleasure of meeting them last year. The nest toasts were—" The respectability of the Crown, the durability of the Constitution, and the prosperity of the People." " The Constitution, according to the Principles asserted at the Revolution." _ _ 14heriff of the county of Norfolk." " The Mayor, soil Prooiwrity to the City of Norwich." The MAYou returned thanks. The Earl of I.IIEMAIILE, after pronouncing a glowing eulogium on the public and private charac ter of the Bishop of Norwich, proposed " the health of that Reverend Prelate." It was received with nu bounded applause. Archdeacon BATnestsr, in returning thanks, assnr ed the Meeting that his father fully participated in the feelingr and principles by which they were actuat ed. The Reverend tientleusan made some pointed ob servations on the persecution and cruelty which had been exercised towards the Queen, and regretted that so ft,' lientlemen of his cloth were to be found among leer defenders. Lord ALREMARLE said, that the next toast he would give was "A Reform in Parliament." Dr bad already said so much on this subject, that it would hr nseless to, add any thing at present ; be was daily the more con vinced of the necessity of a Reform, and come it must, sooner or later. His Lordship then proposed A speedy' and effectual Reform in the Represents, tion of the People in Parliament," with three times three—(Much cheering.) Song, " lien Block." The Marl of ALIIIIMMILIt, in proposing the Duke of Norfolk's health—(Cherring,)—said, he could not ven ture to speak of his tirace as he felt; one thing, how ever, he would venture to sav, that he was, as far as the unjust restraints under which he laboured would permit him, always ready to stood forward la support of the !iffhts and liberties of the people.—(Lond He then gave " The Duke of Norfolk, and may the hereditary N, bilitv of the country ever consider it their highest h o . nor to support the rights and liberties of tiie peo p l e. —Ol uch applause.) The Duke of Nottrot.k warned thanks for th, h onor they had done him. There mks no din who wore mired, or who was lICOre utiCiutlS to support the ptio. ciples of Mr. Fox than himself. lie a•ltueate.l civil j religious liberty, as, without it, neither the Throne n or the Constitution could be safe. The next toast was " A P;eotly repeal of all L aws which in any degree a ff ect the sAcred rights of coo. 'derive." The Duke of NORFOLK, in proposing the health of b;, Noble Friend, the Chairman, said he would nut attempt expressing Icliat he felt on that WC:116011. As a public and a private man, his Noble Friend stood stniivalied, (We caning describe the enthusiasm which followed this observation, it lasted for several minutes.) Th e N z: . :e Duke cumplionemed his Lordship upon the peculiarly pleasing and effective manner in which he discliargyi the office of Chairman. lie had been at many public dinners, but never did he derive inure real pleasure than on that occasion. "The health of the Earl of Albemarle" war drank with nine times nine, and was followed b►• the luu•l M and nsua general applause we ever uitnessed in a publi c dinner. The Earl of ALUEMARLE returned his ackowisi t• ment in a very itaterestiug manner, and then pe orns ,.,i the health of a man who was known to them all, and o f whom therefore he would not say one word. "The health of Mr. Coke." (tlentlemen, said his Lord ship, I can't recomenentl him to von, as good wine nerds no bush, so the name of .Ir. Coke needs no eulogy.) The cheering which followed this toa3t was continued for a consitletable time. Mr. Coat: returned thanks in a speech of considerable length, which we regret that our limits do not allow us to give. We cannot however, forbear noticing the man ner in which it was concluded, " One word," said hr, with respect to Parliamentary Reform. He bad been his whole public life an advocate fir it, and during that time he bad been ashamed of the company lie had kept. The House of Coninmns had become more daily corrupt a Reform in Parliament must take place, and he would use a strong word, a Radical Reform. If a man were ill, he would require to be radically cured. tie for oae was for a Radical Reform of Parliament; I,r that tent of Reform which would give every man a vote who paid direct taxes. Ile did not wish to see such places as Cal tle Rising send. two Members to Parliament, while Man chester, Leeds, and other populous towns were unrepre sented. The Honourable lientleman, after severe( rf. marks on the late proceedings against the Queen, which lie strongly condemned, concluded by saying that his constituents might depend on his support, as lunge they acted on the principles which brought thew tuge- Hier ou that occasion." An excellent song was then sung by Mr. E. Taylor, to to the air of •• Itt:LE BRITANNIA." The Earl of ALnest.t R E apologised for the absence of Messrs. Smith and Homey. lie then gave— " The Members for the lily of Norwich," which was drank with applansr. The Noble. Earl said, that it had been the firm deter mination of Lord Erskine to attend the meeting', but be was unavoidably prevented from doing so. He had reciei: ed a letterofrom Lund Erskine on the subject, but not wish. ing to communicate it to the meeting without his Lord ship's consent, he wrote to him to that elect. To Ma letter we received an answer of which the following'was 'as extract : I' Nothing can give me more satisfaction than your adverting to my last, or stating my sentiments as con tained in it, whir!, I never can change ; and I am alai , out, beyond measure, as I have been supposed, with our friend iltrey and others, to have slackened iu the cause of Reform, that the public should know, that from the time I seconded the motion fur Reform in ISIO, up to the present hour, I never doubted of its justice or yokel!: and I am happy to see that the country is disposed so io us justice ale°. I think that all who arc sensible of the necessity of Reform should unite with one voice, and with spirit and prudence united also, to carry this great and saintary measure into effect, as there is "'''Y an n . • portunity of doing co, without subjecting its hued aid Independent supporters to the base calwuutes so tfiltl4 ! poured out against theta." Ilk Lordship then read the extract from Lord Ers kine's letter, to which he at first referred, as follows: "I should have been delighted to have been at vote Meeting, at Norwich, on the 19th, but 1 ant unluckily engaged - un lousiness Mat eau neither be deloycd a'r pet by, and which will occupy toe between the lith and tlst of next month. There surely never was a time when the principles of Fox ought more to be commemorated than the present. The government is at this moment administered in /leveed opposition to the universal sense and wishes of the nation. Yet unless the influence of popular opinion shall he found stronger than the influ ence of the Crown, we live umler an absolute monarch 3. The time, therefore, for reform is not only come, hut is collie with unqualified safety. There is no party that deserves the name of one, which seeks to invade the Constitution; and your Meeting at Noru ids last year, and one that I hail the pleasure of being present at in Edinburgh, prove that it is not Radicals, mane worthy and eirligh•ened persons are ridiculously calleti, that desire this reformation, but the people of England in all classes and degrees. As to the late disgraceful proceedings that we have Lien so long daily parties to, troth as they regard the proceedings themselves, and a free press, which has so happily exposed them, they place the genuine unadulterated Trial by Jury on higher ground than ever. There is, in fact, nothing e:se left t p i us j but bow long it may be left to us, is a matter of will and courtesy in the Crown, unless there is a balance to it in the House of Commons." The MAVOR proposed " the health of Lord Bury," which was received with much applause. Lord Bees' expressed his gratitude for the honour done him.—The following 'feasts were then given:— " Lord Holland, the Representative of the name and principles of Mr. Fox." " Prosperity and unanimity to the new Representative Governments of Spain, Portugal, and Naples; and may the arms of any power which dates to interfere with their risiug Liberties, be turned against itself." WW I three times three.—(Applause.) Song, " Fall, Tyrants, Fall." "The health of Mr. Ridley Colborne." Mr. COLOUR:4E returned thanks. Mr. COKE proposed "the health of J. Macdonal d . Esq., M.P."—(Loud cheers.) Mr. Macooxsi.o, in a loud and able speech, said, he begged to return thanks, and concluded 6y remarking• that whatever might be sought for by a ten' wen , th e great body of the le were anxious for a moderate and ronstitutionar e rteform. lie it reeteuitiered. that Animal Parliaments and Universal Suffrage had not been sought for until all moderate demands for Reform Ibad •e . l t r h e e t y Wa sa ted w I t y he re t fu lw ard se . o kh o e mmo pmi n ol s e would oat it be w sa: if was, and what it unglit to be—a eke& upon the ow' administration of Government. The next toasts were—" Karl limy, and ear Men as throulthout England, who adhere to the principle of Mr. Fox." " Barrett Litiaartl, EN. U. P. fig Ipswich. -644 I 1 1 , 1 - I '. ■ , .