The Statesman. — London, England, 1810-06-22 00:00:00

•.. SIR FR.I.VCIS BURDJTT. The avowed intention of Ministers, and the preparations made by the Friends of Sir FRANCIS BURDETT, left no doubt that his release from the Tower would take place yesterday. The Pro grammer, or Plan of the Procession, we gave on Wednesday. Every possible publicity was given to it, and the morning dawned with a sanguine expec. tation of a most brilliant display. The weather was delightful, and every thing bore the most flat. tering appearance. Although the procession was not to form until about one, the people began to repair from the West end of the Town to the city, so early as nine o'clock. The population of the town was increased by a great influx from the suburbs ; and, indeed, from distances of many wiles, all attracted by the preparatory means adopted to give interest to the scene. The streets, however, however, did not display any appear. ance of bustle, until about twelve o'clock. At that time, the several volunteer corps had mus tered on that respective stations, and the regular troops made their appearance in almost every di rection, either in small parties or in large bo dies.. The 12th regiment of Light Dragoons marched into town from Essex, and passed through the City, and along the Strand, to the west end of the town, where they remained dur. ing the course of the day. On their arrival in the Strand, opposite Catherine-street, they were met by a large party of Sir FRANCIS BURDETT'S friends from Soho, amounting to upwards of 500, walk ing hand in hand, and two by two. They all wore the Baronet's lamas, via. a purple ribbon, inscribed with various appropriate mottos, such as " Burdett and Liberty," ." Burdett and In. depcndence," " Hold to the Laws," &c. kc. They were accompanied by a full band of music, with colours flying ; and at the moment when they cello in contact with the 12th dragoons, were march. big to the national Irish air of " St. Patrick's Day."—Tbe band of the 12th dragoons immedi ately struck up " God save the King," and both corps proceeded for their respective destina tions without further nutice.—The 12th dra. goons were soon after followed by the 14th. —They both mustered very streog, being not less together than 1,500. Every thing had now assumed the hue, complexion, and appear. ance, of the expected procession., In every hack. ney-coach, stage-coach, or tax-cart, that passed in the line between the Baronet's house, in Picca dilly, and the Tower, a distance of between two and three miles, the horses and drivers were deco rated with bunches of purple ribbon. The whips of the drivers, and bosoms of the driven, boasted similar favours.—Parties paraded the streets, to the dulcet sounds of marrow-bones and cleavers ; all uniforai and emulous.in the great work of ce lebrating the release of Sir FRANCtS from the Tower with appropriate splendour. The west end of the town appeared to be forsaken, and the ,whole line of the Strand, Fleet-street, Cheapside, Leadeahall.strcet, and the Minories, was filled • with au influx of visitors. In this motley mass, the ladies appeared to predominate, as well in numbers as in spirit. Purple, the colour of the Baronet's favours, was the order of the day. In honour of it, some of the fair pedestrians wore purple pelisses, others purple shawls, or hats and bonnets, but none less than purple ribbons on their heads, 'lend their lovely waists, or on their still more lovely bosoms. The windows in all these streets, and the balco nies also, shared their full proportion of spectators, principally elegantly-dressed females, all eager to see she passing spectacle, of which they had heard so much, and which promised so much gratification. Even the churches, and public buildings . were crowded, St. PAUL'S formed one of the most . • splendid and interesting scenes that could possibly be imagined--the great gallery, the grand portico, and every part on which any person earuld Nand; were filled with persons of rack, mostly Ladies, and the Cathedral seemed nearly covered with BURDETT favours. The carriages destined to form a part of the cavalcade, and also the led horses, added considerably to the eclut and variety of the passing scene. They were profusely °mamma ted with purple favours, the demand for which exceeded the supply. Mr. DONNE'S shop, in Great Russell-street, Co. veut-garden, was a great emporium for, this arti. cle, with which it furnished the friends of Sir FRANCIS on their way from the west to the east end of the town, to an extent almost incredible, fur the votaries of the Baronet were not content with weariug his favours in their hats and at their bosoms, they had bunches of them at the ends of their sticks, and of their whips, and their horses' heads and furniture were covered with them. One o'clock was the hoar appointed for the Gentlemen 'who meant to join the procession, to feria at their respective stations, vit. the Pedestrians on Great Tower-bill, the Gentlemen on horseback in Moore fields, and the carriages in the Minories,—By that time, a great • proportion of the shops in the in. tended line of the procession, were shut, and some of them barricaded fur defence, against the ea. pcctcd pressure of the crowd. TUE STATESMAN. The display of beautiful females in every quar. ter was such as could not have been equalled in any city in the world. In every convenient situation waggons, carts, and chairs, were filled with well dressed females. In many places scaffoldings were erected. The sides of all the streets were also nearly lined with teams and carts, which were filled with men, women, and children. The North and West side of Tower-hili were immensely crowded by people of every description. Tho ramparts of the Tower were filled . by soldiers, chiefly in their slop dress, and without arms. They were fre. quently cheered by the people on Tower.hill. When Lord AlozaA appeared on his way to the Tower, he was received with acclamations. His Lordship remained a short time in the Tower, and when he came out, he communicated to some of the principal persons concerned in conducting the procession, that Sir F. BURDETT had crossed the river, and proceeded to Wimbledon. This com munication was immediately announced, but there was a general indisposition to believe it. After a long and anxious suspence, a soldier in the Tower called several times through a speaking trumpet—" He is gone by water." A little af. tcrwards one of the constables, with much diffi culty, assured the people that Sir FRANCIS Bua- DETT had gone by water. A t half past four o'clock three placards were suspended over the gates of the Tower, with the following inscription : " Sir FRANCIS nu aoarr left the Tower by water at half past three o'clock." The appearanco of this notice soon spread the utmost . consternatiou among the whole people as sembled. Mr. Sheriff Wool), and Mr. Sheriff ATKINS, a last came to the Tower gate. They then entered the Tower, where they remained about a quarter of an hour, when they returned and informed Major CARTWRIGHT, and other Gentlemen, who were appointed to conduct the procession, that Sir Fearless Boanver had actually left the Tower in a boat, accompanied by two gentlemen. After a short consultation, the Committee at last determined to conduct the procession'to Sir FRA N. cis BURDETT'S house in Piccadilly, but it was at least twenty minutes before they could communi. cate their intention to the whole of those who formed it. Major CARTWRIGHT / and other Gentlemen, at last led the van, and proceeded through St. John's. street to the Mineries. They were followed by several Gentlemen on, horseback, four a.breast, and a budy of the Electors of Westminster on foot, six a-breast, as well as a number of car. riagcs. In the procession we observed Col. ,WARDLE, COI. BOSVILLE, Mr. WAITHKA2I,-Mr. Quirt, Mr. FAVELL, Mr. MILLER, and several other Members of the Court of Common Council, as well as Liverymen. Mr. COWLAM, the linen. draper, rode a beautiful cream.colot. d Arabian, richly decorated, inscribed with the .ames of the Members of Parliament who spelt,: against commitment of Sir F. BURDETT, as ,yell as of Sc. •reral Aldermen and Members of the Court of Common Council, who had lately distinguished themselves by their speeches against the claim of the House of Commons to commit Sir FRANCIS BURDETT. We understand that Sir FRANCIS BURDETT had, previously to the arrangements made fur the pro. cession, signified his unwillingness to accede to . that measure, and that thc immense crowd which collected on Tower-hill in the early part of the day having rendered it scarce practicable to fol. low with regularity the plan of the procession which had been adopted, he resolved to withdraw privately from the Tower. Sir FRANCIS BURDETT was enabled to leave the Tower within a few minutes after the prorogation took place.—This was accomplished in conse. quence of a previous arrangement, by which a sort of telegraphic communication was established 'between the Parliament Mouse and the Tower. A Messenger stood at the bar of the House of Lords during the whole ceremony of the Com. mission. The moment the last words by which the prorogation' was declared, wero pronounced by the LORD CHANCELLOR, the Messenger ran with all speed to Westm(ns.ter.bridge, where a signal was made by a flag, which was repeated at another station to the Tower, and thus a notice of the termination of the Session of Parliament was conveyed sufficient to authorise the immediate li. beration of the Honourable Baronet. Sir FRANCIS entered a boat from the Tower Stairs, whence we understand he proceeded to Putney Bridge, where his own carriage was wait. ing fur him, which took him to his house at Wim. blcdon. We also understand that Lord MoIRA sent a letter to Lady BURDETT at Piccadilly, in. forming her that Sir FRANCIS BURDETT had gone to Wimbledon, and that he wished her to follow him there as soon as possible, which she accord. ingly Mr. JOHN GALE JONES was liberated from New gate about four o'clock, when he took a hackney.coach, and _proceeded to join the pro cession at Tower.hilr; as soon as he was disco. vered, his name was chalked upon the panels. • • Soon after this the horses were taken from the !carriage, and he was drawn in triumph by the populace. He was received all along the line of march with loud and 'ahnost uninterrupted cheers, the Ladies waving their handkerdilefs, and the Gentlemen their hats. lie one or twice ad. dressed those around the carriage, but we did not distinctly gather what he said. He looked pale, but his countenance was cheerful, as well it might, for the people shewed that they triumphed in his liberation. Mr. JONES'S Lady and some friends were in the carriage with him. Mr. CUWLAM on his white horse, which was richly caparisoned, and led by two assistants, at. tracted universal notice. He bore in his hand a large blue standard, with the motto in gold Ittters, " Hold to the Laws." The Baronet's house was the rendezvous of many persons as early as nine in the morning. The crowd increased every hour, and by five in the afternoon, the way was closely blockaded. ♦Wed the news reached Piccadilly, that Sir FRANCIS had Jeft the Tower by water,, and that he had pro. ceeded to Wimbledon, a general disbelief of the information prevailed. The doubts ou the sub. ject were soon removed, and though many of his friends were offended at the disappointment, a large majority approved of the Baronet's conduct. The procession reached Piccadilly about eight o'clock. The banners which came in succession, were " Independence and Virtue." 66 The Con stitution." 46 Trial by Jury." " Magna Charts." " Burdett and Freedom." 44 Hold to the Laws." The horsemen and footmen in the procession were at least 4000, and the carriages formed a close blockade. A carriage filled with Ladies in purple, attracted much notice. Carts, hackney.coaches, and other vehicles, were ranged on each side of Piccadilly. These were thronged with spectatori. The wall.of Devonshire.house, and other buildings, appeared covered with people; and over Sir F. Burdett'► door, we noticed Several chimue) -sweepers, with large bunches of blue rib. bons. The statue of King CHARLES, at Charing.crou, was also decorated in a very extraordinary man. ncr. A eliimney.sweeper sat on each shoulder of that Monarch's effigy, and the horse was a sup. port for eight or ten s in draperies of every hue. The pressure of the crowd became great about the cud of Clarges-street, and the blockade occa sioned some delay in the progress of the mails, which went up Arlington.street.—The horses were led, and with great difficulty a passage was made, through which they at last proceeded without ac cident. Abont nine o'clock a hackney coach ar. rived at Sir F. BURDETT'S house, which brought some of his property (rem the Tower. The po pulace entertained an idea that Sir FRANCIS Burt. narr had arrived in this coach, and they conse quently crowded round the door, but were soon after dispersed by the Sheriffs, and convinced that the object of their enquiry was not in town. Piccadilly was almost cleared by the efforts of the Constable and Sheriffs by ten o'clock, but the parties, which went off in various directions, ex claimed, " Light up,: Light up !" The summons was soon obeyedi and the town in a short dine displayed a general illuMination. The Strand was the acooe of tome noise and disturbauce. A large body of d►►stmen paraded with bells. The butchers also joined in the rude harmony with marrowbones and cleated, and the noise at one time exceeded all description. A mong the illumi►►atio►►s there were some devices, and the Words " Hold to the Laws," appeared to be a favourite inscription, which was brilliantly displayed. There was a very striking likeness of Sir FRANCIS BURDETT, in a transparency, at a window of the Review Office, nearly oppo.. site the Crown and Anchor Tavern. We are sorry to State that the harmony of the night waa disturikra by game btaettguards,, who at tacked the Office of The Morning Post, and broke some of the windoWs. The two Sheriffs, however, hastened to the spot, and soon dispersed the crowd. Mr. Sheriff WOOD addressed them : he told them, that if they,were the friends of Sir Fa rv. cis BURDETT, as they pretended, they would quietly disperse. They could do nothing more in jurious to his cause than create a tumult ; but if they were a hired mob, their conduct was consist. ent enough. He said, he was anxious to preserve the peace by the civil power only, but if they did nut abstain from riot, a military force would be called in to support the authority of the Magis. trates. A shout of applause followed. The She riffs rode on—the cry became general of honsc! home ! home! and the crowd dispersed 'instanta neously. We understand that the bye-law entitled to by Mr. PRENDtRGAST, in the House of Commons, on Wednesday, is one whereby the College of PhySicians refuse to examine any gentleman as to his competency to practice physic unless he has studied Medicine at some University for three years. This is of a piece with some other bye-laws which we have lately had occasion to notice ; and the public may depend we shall spare no pains to hold up to reprobeusino conduct in our estimation so illiberal. .• 1 ~,.% -~, M CLAIMS OF PARLIAMENT. TO THE EDITOR OF THE STATESMAN.. Six, —As far as my researches have extended into the Constitution of this country ; I have con. mired myself justified in concluding that the most dignified object of our veneration is the ac,' knowledged Law of the Land, to whose pars. mount author ity the splendours of the Executive Power, and the separate influence of ilithe;• House of Parliament are equally subordinate; that the next place in our respect is claimed by the dignity of the Executive branch of Government, invested with the administration of the Law, and the efa. dent tnauagement of public business; and that he two Houses of Legislature, separately coo. sidered, form the last gradation in the scale of dignity and importance. Out, in opposition to this arrangement, we dis. cover in the late proceedings of the House of Com. mons, an assumption of dignity . and power, supe. rior to that which belongs to the prerogative or the Monarch, or to the united act of the King, Lords, and Commons, in Parliament assemb:cd. It is remarked by Mr. Justice BLACKSTONE in his Commentaries, that a law once formally enacted by the British Legislature, is, in a manlier, (mai. potent within these realms, since no appeal can be made against such an instrument, to any other earthly tribunal.—Such l Sir," is the transcendaut authority of an Act of Parliament; yet obserto how the noble spirit of our Coustitutiou rises to a still loftier pitch, and whilst it subjects the peo- pie to the dominion of the law, submits the law itself to the higher controul of reasort. For, it is the undoubted right of every inhabitant of this country, a right which constitutes the chief dis. tinctiun between a free and despotic form of Go. veronica, a right which, springing from the very root of our Constitution, can never, whilst English liberty is more than a mime, such MI alteration or shadow of change, to discuss pri. vately and publicly the expediency and policy nf any branch of the law ; to expose by argitinuit ha unconstitutional tendency, and to recommend such improvements as suggest themselves to his tinder. standing. If this were not an avowed privilege of the people, what' would be the situation of that very considerable portion of the nation, who at this moment profess their disapprobation of the present confined and corrupt mode of assembling the House of Commons, and demand a purer and more equal representation ? or hoW could the public mind have . been authorized to interfere with such decisive. energy in the causes of African and Catholic Emancipation? There can exist no doubt thgt an English subject has an express right to question with impunity the propriety of any act of the legislature, or the existence of any alleged point of law, either by abstract reasoning, or by a reference to the Courts of Justice. Yet, Sir, the indefinite privilege of Parliament (which is de, dared, or in other terms, created by the autho. rity of the House of Commons alum.) arrogates to itself an infallibility posseised by no other branch of the law, punishing with indefinite im. frisotiment as well those who 'argue against the elistence or legality of their privileges, as those Who are desirous of submitting those privilege' to the decision of any regular Courts of Law. SO far inforior is the united act of the three legislative alma to the simple Privilege of Parliament. It will next appear how humbly the star of Itoyalty " hides its diminished head" bu(ore the surpassing lash of Parliamentary Privilege. In the first place, the prerogative' deems It no de+ gradation of its rank to appear face to face with the subject, in all legal disputes, at the impartial tribunals of the law ; nor dues it, under the pro% text of superior dignity, or of an apprehension that its just claims would not be respected in tho UMW forms of trial, pretend to take such Cases gs involve its own interests, under its uwti dime cognizauce. In the next place, it Is allows. ble to comment upon the conduct of the executive power, throughout all the departments of its duty, in terms of pretty strong animadversion, as the daily language of the public tongue and pea suffi ciently , testify. But such is the distrait which the democratic branch of government entertains of entrusting its privileges in the hands of the pee. ple, from which it proceeds, or such the predumi. nance of its dignity, that it refuses to confide its • rights to that grand and sacred depositary of the •laws— the breast of a J ury ; ur to condescend to litigate iii those Courts where the Sovereign is not asliattied to appear.' And such is the superior saucily which, according to the provisions of pri x vilege, surrounds the person of a senator, that language of disapprobation, which is irreproach, ably correct when addressed to the high function. % aries of the state, becomes, when applied to the erring or guilty senator, the summary passport to. Newgate or the Tower !—So inconsiderable is the dignity of the Crown and its officers, in conipari. son with the indefinite Privilege of Parliament. Now, it is not my intention, Sir, in the present letter, to enquire how long or how often powers like thesti have been exercised by the House of Commons; nor whether they have acquired a prescriptive validity, by the long period of their continuance; but, according to my appreliensiou, whether legalized or nut, they can never be recon ciled to the true standard of the Constitution. I will take an early opportunity of observing upon the principal arguments advanced in support of these obnoxious privileges, exclusive of that de rived froni their antiquity, Which, in the case of bad law, I have always considered as enhancing the necessity of its abolition. .. I am, Chester, hoe 15th, 1810. R. .-,. ..',.. propow We ha ! ed ‘ i Par end qter aPP We In add' then . rani in • of \ - app The a APPI Arri 0 .. "RIC EWA y per I per I 4 per 5 per t ~_ i7PC~~ vile', an,l .