The Statesman. — London, England, 1818-02-23 00:00:00

,_ £`y . , % M t •t a - o i l: - 6 0 1 • P M ' yrants abroad, and. dishonoured the English name, by trampling upon the sacred rights of the People to choose their own Government ; they had guarded owr liberties at home by suspending the Constitution on 'false pretences of alarm, and patronising the odious, system of spies, alike degrading to the Government and disgusting to the country. Ile did not wish to enlarge upon subjects of a general nature. Ile was Arend to say,': that be had the support of many whitse political principles diWerinl from his own, and what only tilt for the independence of their yeti," county. He declared that he also 'herald have lent -pipit feeble support to any independent man who should Mee come forward, without regard to hii politics, merely because he felt as a Wesimotland'man, end the piesent tieatment of the Court was such es no -free man could bear. Yet he thought he should not I.sve &oh feisty by them, hid he said nothing of those political principles which be had adopted upon the most deliberate reflection, which, he believed in his conscience, to be essential to the safety and glory of the errantry, and which he most persist in hold -ing as long as his reason and his life endured. But, to return to the defence of their adversaries, as urged -by their judicious adherents. The Lowther family, It seems, - were not only guardians of public liberty, but so kiadly watchful of the rights of the County .in particular, that they insisted upon relieving it from 'the whole trouble and responsibility of chusing its Re presentatives. And the reason given for this, was really ✓ag that he coed never have imagined had be 110( . Steenlt with his own eyes. It seems, •Westmnr. 'land h very little in point of extent—its inhabit-. •nts are few and poor—it Las no commerce—and Inay be content to rank among towns rather than counties. Little—poor—arid agricultural—a borough —(said Mr. B.) we shall show these insolent men. 'that Westmorland may be small—hut she has a great epirit—that her inhabitant* may be poor in money, but thit they are rich in the treasure of independence .---that we have little (rude, but ere determined never to increase it by trafficking in preferment and barter ing our Toles. Like a borough, indeed, we have too long been treated ; and had we not at length been roused, we might have lived to read an Address to the " Burgesses of %Westmorland, in the county of /Anther." Mr. B. proceeded to observe, that the ruble example now set by Westmorland, would, sooner or later, be followed wherever the influence of a domineering aristocracy 'wis felt. lle desired 4a be understood es making no objection to the fair preponderance, even in elections, of high rank and large family possessions. It neither could be, nor ought to be excluded ; it was a part of our mixed Constitution. Bat then it had limits set to its exer ' rise by the principles of that Constitution, and the ommon feelings of independence which every Englishman war proud of, while be continued `unbought by corruption, and unsohdtted by dis tress. Some things could not be endured. When • family openly stowed that it would set no bounds to its pretensions—refated to be satisfied with a share—arrogantly claimed the whole—treating every tine as an enemy who gave a single vote, and saying, we don't thank you for any thing unless you give all.". Then there was an end of all compromise—in fluence was changed into grasping usurpation—the reasonable preponderance of rank tied fortune, be came the intolerable insolence of a heavy purse—and all moderation having ceased on one party, resistance was s duty and a pleasore to the other. Mr. B. con cleded by congratulating the men of NI estmbiland en the glorious course upon which they were entering. Their triumph was sure ; but the contention mutt he great. Their adversaries were mortified at the re sults of the canvas; and though they sometimes threatened to spend tie more money, but leave it to the county ; at other times, as if in despair, they said in very intelligible language, that no expence would be spared; and that so many thousands were already lodged in such a Batik. But they would find, that the Freeolders are neither to be bought nor frightened. The county is at length roused—there is an end for ever of a close county and quiet nomination ---aid they are nos abo k ut to learn such a lesson of what freemen can perform, as the youngest among them will not live to forget. Ito such a cause it be come the duty of every atkra of Westmorland to strag gle; and those who had been among the first to stand forward in its support, would, he was sure, be the last to desert it. 1 . This speech was followed by loud, universal, and' long continued cheering, which indeed frequently' occurred in the course of its delivery, and especially at those. passages which related to the patronage of the Lowther family, and the means used by them t♦ extend and perpetuate their influence with the aid of Placemen, Tay-gatherers, and Siuecurista. . Mr. CultwEN observed, that as a sample of the degree of .enthusiasm which prevailed among the fe. male inhabitants of the county upon this interesting occasion, he had to slate, that when, opon a 'recent canvas a Lady at Kirby Stephen was solicited to use her influence in favour of Independence and Mr. Brougham, she exclaimed, " Would that I had a •utl; and I woetB he it you ; - but as I have not there is my hundred pouuds."—(Applauscs.)—Mr. C. proposed, 66 The good Wives and bonny Lasses of the County," which was drank with marks of the uarmest grtiticotion. " Ttse Agriculture and Trade of the County" followed, and was received with appropriate testi. monies of approbation. Mr. limit (late Sheriff of London) rose and con gratulated the Meeting upon the happy prospect which now appeared, that the independence of their county would speedily be restored—that the cha 'icier and consequence of which their ancestors were so proud, would again be recovered. He de clared himself pecultaely gratified by the hope which he was now encouraged to entertain, that his natio& county would be released from the trammels so im properly imposed upon it, and to which it had too long submitted. Hitherto, for above half &century, indeed, the county of Westmorland had been in such a state of vassalage as was calculated only to flatter the pride of a confi►med boroughmonger, for the People had Nothing to do with the Representation of the Coonty. They were, in fact, virtually disfran chised, slid it was mortifying to every Westmorland Freeholder, who felt like au Englishman, to reflect Ilia; the choice of Representatives for his comfy did hello degree depend upon his opinion, but upon the will said power of one man, and that a son too who Dal uo s)mpa by sith the interests or sidles) * THE. STS.' with the feelings or sentiments of the Teeple., For what gred Lopl.Lensdale how much theses's tie Pernik. were segmented, or the liber ties of the People abridged.. To rescue the county of Westmorlsed then from the , cesttenel.of title No. Women, to it from • condiiion of disgraceful slavery toe state of manly independence, was sorely worthy of the best exertions of every man belonging to the amity, sad by united and active exertion there coeld rt no doubt of success, for they had to fight their cause under the banners of indefatigable patriotism, unimpeacheble integrity, and unrivalled talents;—they had to contend for their independence under the riddance of a distinguished branch of She ancient house of Broughatn, against two •dull buds of the Hesse of Lowther.--( A laugh and hear !) They had, then, every encouragement to calculate upon victory, and he trusted that the county:which had the honour of giving birth to the distinguished and patriotic Brougham, would have the further honour of transplanting him to the dignified and appropriate station of representing his native coenty in the Commons House of Parliansent.—(Appleeser.) —Mr. K. then gave •' Mr. IVakeleld and the Kendal Committee." This toast was universally and ar dently applauded. Mr. Cuawa.tr rose, he said, as a Member of the Kendal Committee, to return thanks ia the shoetree of Mr. Wakefield, whom he should heartily wish to see in that room if he were not fully assured that he was elsewhere most usefully employed for the benefit of the cause. In such a cause, indeed, there could, be no doubt of the actiaity of Mr. Wakefield, for he belonged to a sect, and possessed a heart peculiarly anxious for those principles of freedom, peace, and humanity, to promote which his Learned Friend beside him had so long, so nobly, and so ably atrog. gled. Mr. Wakefield well knew that his Learned Friend was the most worthy man that could be se lected to lead in the contest for the independence of Westmorland. Yet it was to be recollected that his Learned Friend had not offered himself, but was on the contrary slow to accept the offer until others had declined to stand forward. lie himself (Mr. Corwen) was applied to at an early period to become a candidate for the honour of restoring the independence of the county, but he thought it proper to decline the preposition. For however anxious to promote the cause of publk virtue and in dependence, and he trusted his anxiety for that cause would never abate, he felt an apprehension that his appearance as a Candidate might be construed to pro ceed merely from old political opposition to the Lowther family--4hat it might be said he was ac tuated rather by personal feelings than by a snlici. tude for the independence of Westmorland. He could, however, most conscientiously d;••lare, that upon this occasion be was *Ming altogether to forget the political character of the Lowther family, and that if even a Gentleman of the same party with which that family was connected stood forward as re. establish the independence of the county, such a Gentleman should here his support with a view to that object. Mr. C. proposed " Mr. Wyborgh and the Appleby Committee," which was drank with three times three and applause. Mr. Caacak:trritoap rose and returned thanks in a peculiarly nest and eloquent. speech. Ile pro. nounced a glowing eulogists upon the able addresses of Mr. Brougham and Mr. Careen. He - had only to lament that his native county had so long sub mitted to the system of dictatorial domination, which he hoped was now approaching to the grave. He was, indeed, from all that he had heard and seen, encouraged to congratulate the Meeting upon the prospect of a complete triumph—upon the restors. tion of the Freeholders of Westmorland to the enjoy ment of their Constitutional Privileges. Altera lapse of above fifty years, those Freeholders were to have an opportunity of asserting their rights and expressing their opinions. This was indeed a new and a grate ful era tot hose who were interested in the character and consequence of the county. For under the sys tem which had so long existed, the county had lost all pretension to independence, the People appearing to relinquish the feelings of Freemen, their free holds becoming little else than berme tenures, dis posable at the will of a single patron, and the county being thus reduced to the rank of a rotten borough. But happily the spirit of independence in Westmer. land had only slept, and was not extinguished ; for it now appeared in all the plenitude of manly vigour, and with a degree of brilliancy that served still more to expose the shameful practices by which it had been so long kept in the shade. It was, indeed, evident that the public spirit of the men of Westmorland could no longer he suppresed by the artifices of cor ruption, or the authority of power, or the influence of wealth—that the People were united, and resolv ed to recover their fair share in the Representation of the county. The chain of slavery, by which they were bound for so many years, was already broken, and unless the People degenerated, there was no danger whatever that it could again be rivetted.— (dippleures.)lle was Awry to witness. some in stances of degeneracy among those who were pro minent on the other side, for subscribing to certale Resolutions which were lately published on that side, he had lately read with considerable surprise, the names of meu whom lie was led to believe friendly to independence. There were, indeed, among those sub scribers some Gentlemen whose ancestors were no toriously the most eminent and effective advo cates for the independence of Westmorland.— Such instances of deviation from good example were mach to be regretted. But the conduct of those Gentlemen excited no apprehension in bin mind as to the result of the approaching contest; for he had the gratification to know, that the love of independence was so deeply rooted, and so widely diffused among the honest Yeomanry, among those who were called the Grey Coats of Westmorland, that he could enter. tain no doubt of ultimate victory. With those Grey Coats he was determined to co-operate, and he was proud to see before him so many and such 'respect able auxiliaries. He wished it however to be under stood, that in standing forward to support Mr. Brougham, he was not influenced by any politickl partialities or personal considerations; bet he could not endure the idea of having so much power invest ed in any individual as at present belonged to the Lord Lieutenant of the county of Westmorland. It OM indeed such a degree of power as ought not to be granted to any subject in a free country like Eng lauti.-/fitslitilic.)—los by this power the Lord 'ESMAN. Lieutenant *as enabled to controul the settlesenti anclAbeard the opinions of the whole county. To this power, then, he was a decided opponent, anal dserefire be would he ready to.stand by any mao throegh whom be could hope to accomplish its over throw, becaese be wished to. restore the People to their jest rights,. white he had no wish whatever to interfere with the legitimate constitutional influence of property and the l'eetege. The lion. Gentleman concluded with a handsome compliment to the zeal, the intelligence, and activity of Mr. Wyburg, and with repeating his confidence thee complete success would be the result of the contest, if the Friends of Independence would continue as moiled and active a. they had heretofore proved themselves, in spite of the dictates of authority and the artifices of undue influence.—(Universal and ardent applause.) Mr. Cuawvi proposed the health, of Lord Os= sulston, Sir M. W. Ridley, Mr. 'Sennett, and Mr. Dornby, the Member for Preston, each of whom bad sent apologies to the Chairman of the Committee, expressive of their regret, that in consequence of ' previous and intiisponsible engagements, they were unable to attend the Meeting this day. As to Mr. Hornby, he observed, that this' most respectable Gentleman was actively employed in promoting in Westmorland, that manly spirit which had collected this Matting, and, therefore, be was entitled to its particular regard The toast was drank with the warmest testimonies of approbation, as was the health of Mr. Lsmbton, slid the Independent Electors , of Durham. Upon the latter toast being drunk, the following letter from Mr. Lombton to the Chairman of the Committee, was read to the Meeting : " [Arabian nail. F.).19. 1818. 66 SIR,•--T regret extremely that my absence from London on the '2lst, will prevent my having the ho- ' nour of dining with the Friends to the Independence of the County of Westmorland on that - day. " I beg that you will assure the Stewards, that I feel greatly gratified by their invitation, as it is im possible, returned as lam to Parliament the In. dependent Interest in the county of I)orham, that I should not feel interested itt the awes, of measures, the tendency of which is to establish the Independence of Westmorland. gg In offering you the good wishes of yovr neigh. hours in this county for your complete triumph, I cannot help. at the same time, congratulating you on the choice you have made of a champion for asserting your rights and liberties. " If independence of character, the possession of the most constitutional principles, and unrivalled abilities, can give any man claims to your confidence, then is Mr. Brougham, indeed, entitled to y our warmest support ; and I feel sure, that, with such a cause and such a leader, you cannot fail of complete success.—l remain, your obedient humble servant. "JOHN GEORGE I.A6IHTON." . .Upon the toast of " Prosperity to the City of London" being drank, Mr. Fasxt.r. rose end returned thanks, observing, that upon an occasion like the present it would Mr. terally be expected that he and those with whom he had the honour to act in the City, would feel a lively interest. This interest was, indeed, peculiarly strung on his part, from a sincere regard and anxious solicitude for the Candidate, as well as for the cause. —He had long known and attentively observed the conduct of Mr. Brougham, and felt himself justified in bearing the most uneguivoiel testimony in favour of that Gentleman's sentiments and character. But the cause in which this Gentleman was kt present en gaged, appealed forcibly to his feelings, and to those of every friend to the Independence of Elec tion in London, for in this great City, notwithstand ing its power, importance, and public spirit, efforts had been often and too successfully made, on some occasions, to reduce it to the rank of a Government Borough.-- Those efforts, however, had always been manfully resisted, and in general partially de feated. But he trusted, from the good feeling, the good sense, and the public,spirit which now prevailed among his fellow-citizens that the period was near at hand, when he should have the gratification to wit tier the decisive victory of independence. There was indeed reason to believe, that the nobly enthusiastic spirit which the Meeting be had the honour to ad. dress had this night displayed, was widely spread throughout the coentry ; and that the hopes of those who really loved popular freedom and the British Constitution would at length be gratified.—( Loud plaudits.)—To this consummation so devoutly to be wished, he had no doubt that the example of West morland would very materially contribute ; for when the Friends Of the Independence of Election had the virtue and the courage to raise their standard in the midst, as it might be fairly called, of the enemy's camp, those who were without the circle of that in fluence which great borough patrons and elec tioneering speculators never failed to exercise, could have no excuse to plead for inertne.s or inactivity.— (Applauses.)—He frosted, therefore, soon to see the -public spirit of Am country unitersattylead resolutely in action. • Upon the toast of " Sir T. F. Vane, Mr. Dykes, Mr. Benson, and the Friends of Indelsewde►►ce in Cumberland," being drank, The Rev. Mr. Bertwtt rose and returned thanks in a neat speech. Mr. BROUGHAM, in rising to propose the health of the Choi/man, observed, that there were so many good sentiments and patriotic acts which might be appro priately connected with his name, that be was at a loss which to select, but he believed that the associa tion which would be most agreeable to the feeliogs of his lion. Friend, as well as to those of the Meet ing, would he, " Mr. Careen, and the Independent Electors of Carlisle," which toast he begged leave. to propose. This toast being drank with three times three, and loud applause— Mr. CURWEN said, he bad lived in a period when to speak troth was treason, and to vote for the good of his country was denounced as rebellion to his King. The danger and the alarm were now passed away, but his spirit and vigour wets• also passed away.—(Cries of No, nod)—=VNhile, however, he could put one leg before another, he would follow the great and eloquent patriot on his right (Mr. Brougham) id the artifice of his cotintry.—(Great applause.) Um) the• health of Mr. James Brougbiw being drank, %i • . 44 .) ‘..A j ' • Is% 2 . Ikryblistropi) o rhirgrj JlAttas 11, ' i j i . 1 Meeting that his their, whom the b a d 10 mot, honoured, as fati big in big e l i ons for the interest of the use, a tit he h t roseho s t hi s canvas,' whit be was ill ... i , aced die most Bette reception. ' ' " Lord Mo b, end the Independe n t El ectors of r i et Cumberland," was drank with threw times three, u p on t h e p re p as iti nn o f M r . B rougham. ' " The Trial by Jery," and "The Freedom of Prest," were drank with the highest marks of tee spect and veneration. Here Mr. Curwen withdrew, amidst maven s ' plaudits, end Mr. G. Snoltty was called to the ch 42. Upon the Toast of the Committee at Kirby Ste* * being drank, Mr. FOTHEIGILL returned thanks, and observed, i that ha bad often heard from his father, who was a native of Westmorland, that the People of that county were always hehl bound band and foot by the well.known Sir James Lowther, who oeept would spend any money but elan election ;Witold. vance'his object in such speculations he wet as pre. fuse as by was proverbially sparing in all other case s . Vet it was remarkable that this notable electioneer. lug manager was never successful when he was vi. goroosly opposed. It was the fact, indeed, that h e was compelled to compromise in Cumberland, sad that compromise still continued notwithstanding the known disposition of his socceuors, who were quite as willing as Sir James to hold the Electors of b. d , . Cumberiaed and Westmorland in i state of sot*. • Linn. But the defeat of their wishes and the relive. lion of their power were, he trusted, very nee r a t hand. Mr. SOULIST addressed the Meeting in a speech re. p i ete w i t h ' w i t:a ci ng sentiment* and interring facts. He expressed his confldenre as to ultimate victory,. 6 ' The expenditure of 50001." said he, 66 is nothing amongst us, and by that expenditure we will cow. pel the Lowther family to spend 20,0001.—(4. plauscs )—They may, by their long purse and *sta. Wished influence, contrive to triumph over us in the fi rs t instance, hut we shall hove at them again and again".—( Loud app lause.)—Referring to the silly sr. rogant language often used by the advocates for cor. ruption , war, and arbitrary power, the Worthy Gitelman read the following, which he termed "as ' impromptu reply to impertinence :" The sneaking Courtier and Corruption's Tool Thus speak the language of both knave and tag if you dislike the hand yoq live in lease it r My answer 6 ((in metaphor receive it), .` If Bogs mrilrvt me as in Bed I lie, " I will out quit my Bed for them—not I, " But rout the Vermin. " New make my Brd, and all its sweets enjoys"—Ci.m. The Hon. Gentlemen concluded with some enteritis. ing remarks upon the talents of Lord Lowther, and upon the valour of his brother, the other ltepreset wive for Westmorland. We cannot close our account of this Meeting with. out observing that we have never witnessed more pub. lic spirit or cordial enthusiasnl in any pope's, assom. bly,A.veu in those days when the most fervent pa. triotivm g(nwed in the heart of every independeut in Westminster, Middlesex, and London.. The Meeting broke up about 12 o'clock, afters* evening of the most heartfelt enjoyment, which vas heightened by several appropriate soup from Taylor, Pine, and Broadhurst. THREE PRIZES OF THIRTY THOUSAND POUNDS. ON E HUNDRED CA PITALS.-TW ELVE PIES OV PORT.- WEDN ESDAY, FOURTH OE MARCH, LWMY DRAWS. PRICE OF STOCKS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCk. Rank Stock 5 pet Cent. Navy 1060 S per Cent. Red. 80f India Ronda 93 96 p 3 per Gent. Coutols 7944 Stuck . Consols fur Acc. 794 Long Awe. 901 15.16 4 per Cent. 9910 Exchequer Bids 18 25 p TILE STATESMAN. LONDON: MONDAY, FIDINUARY 23, 1818: New York and other American Papers to the 25A ult. reached or this morning. Accounts via Charles ton, from Amelia Island, represent that though the Patriots ere quiet, bat very little sociability nista between the Americans and the inhabittOts of 'their new possession. The proceedings of the American (louses of Legislature, up to the latest date, were of no consequence to foreign States. '-..1.1ft....- There is still not the slightest notice in the French Papers of any discovery having been made respecting the assassin who fired at the Duke of WELL'S! and tbougl there appears to he no went of collier- Winn at Paris, even the private letters furnish es with no fresh facts on the subject. Time sothojity . on which the rumour of the Mustachio Plot reposes is - altogether so extremely loose and unsupported, that a variety of doubts seem to have arisen as to the reality of . the circumstance. If the tale be fabricated, it most have been fabricated for some specific end. — The fears of the BOURBONS are evidently the paramount feelings of their breasts ; and these fears have their foundation in a perfect and extensive knowledge of the • opinions of the French People throughout thvempire. It is materially the interest of others too, that there should be a plea for the continuance of the Allied Army in France. It would avail little for os to es press an opinion upon this mysterious subject, bet we can say there ate persons who place the perils and dangers of the Duke, on the occasion of oiled to, much upon a par with those of a certain Illustri ous Personage in the Park, when the plate glass of his carriage Was mysteriously starred by a stroke ,from nobody knew where. The trial of Ban PILAU, calling himself Loos XVII. was still proceeding at Rouen. The Presideus of the Court inteiregsted Lice at Areal length on Mon tl” List. • .: