The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1803-04-30 00:00:00

* holds i.t the langtiage one lion. Geatkraar (Mr. Fox) an insulting lenity to the ma gistrates of Nnttingleun. He freely acknowledged Out any G 7:airman, in glancing over the volumi nous 111. W of evidence given before the Committee, might, from detached parts. find circumstances to justify him in saying the mayor of Nottingham was deserving of praises but let him read the whole of it, and it would he strange if he would not find himself compelled to draw a different conclusion, or else he must have.some mode of which he (Mr. Bead) neither possessed nor envied. The magis trates, in his opinion. and upon which he should soot fear to stake what reputation he had as a lawyer, were criminally answerable for their neglect ; at the same time that there were circumstances of exte nuation which would give preference to a moo.: le nient remedy. On this ground, he and the advo. cares of the Bill were anxious and studious to sepa rate the question of guilt from the measure which flay proposed to he adopted. As to the justice. of the case, 41 contended that it was not to be dis puted: this was not an invasion of any existing right; for as the right ef judicature was not given to any man fee himself, but pro meliore gisbernaliore, the con fining or extending that right did not encrease nor diminish the value of it to any individual. It could not be denied that riots at Nottingham during elections, considered as matters of prescription were, " Than which the memory of man reacheth not farther." They seemed to he justified on the same principle, that a cook was said to have repelled the reproach of skinning eels by saying, they evert au'd to it. They were the general course at eledions there of all kinds. The practice of rtersttrisg, or cutting off the skirts of the coats of persons voting for the unpopular candidate, took its rise at the eleftion of a common-councilman in the same way as a score of impious violence was exhibited in a church at the election of a church-warden. With ire; and to the compliments said to be paid by the judge's, he would only state, that one judge was so disgusted and offended at a riot, that he deter mined never to go that circuit again ; and another haviag cornpliteed to a sheriff, that there was a tumult in the Court, and being mildly answered by that magistrate, that he had no power to suppress it, declared, that if nariquillity was not restored in five tninutel a he would then immediately quit the town, and represent the praceedings in London. For once the menace was effectual, the magistrates inter fered seriously, and tranquillity was restored. He totally disapproved of the idea of confining the inter ference of county magistrates to the time of riots only. No one cote.d think of accepting such an office, nor could he conceive a much greater offence that could be given to a gentleman, than to desire him to take out a eft4inets ptlertalsno, and tell him at the same time that he was net to exercise the authority of a magistrate, except it became r.ecessary to thrust his head into a riot. The present magistrates had powers which enabled them greatly to countenance riots, by giving licenses to ale-houses, which were made nests in which riots and turbulence were nou rished. This Dill would take away nothing from the present magistracy, but, on the contrary, pour flesh fatal blood into a diseased carcase. Mr. P. MOORE strongly recommended to bring the present magistrates to trial, if they were guilty of the negleCt imputed to them. The arguments brought to preve them so, made against this Bill ; for if the threat of a judge was etrffident to quell a riot in a few minutes, it proved that the present magistrates were ah-eady competent to preserve the peace. The minutes of the Committee stated, thrt Mr. Lee being asked, during the late eleaion, wha: treasure he could take to suppress a tumult, said, " If you will give me leave I will try," mid soon succeeded in accomplishing his objeCt. If individuals, therefore, were to blame, it was no rea son for taking away the constitution of the town of Nc.tingham any more than the impeachment of the present, or any other Minister, would furnish an ar gument for the destnietion of the Constitution of Great Britain. Were magistrates, who were dor in the execution of their duty, to be punished in t;:e sante manner as Mr. Simpson was lately by that House, he fancied we should hear little more of riots at eleaions. Mr. FRANKI.AND spoke in favour of a quick decision, in order that Nottingham should remain as little leneer unrepresented as possible. This he said wvuld be impeded by the delay of investigation and trial. Mt. GR;:.Y replied to many of the observa tions of Mr. Bond, and remarked on the incon sistency of stating at first that he wished to separate the guilt - of the magistrates from the measure, and afterwards charging them with ever cuing their -powers of licensing public-houses, in such a manner as that each of them might be turned into a focus of sedition or rebellion. Instead of le nity, he concluded the present to be a Rill of pains and penalties, via the disfranchisement of the cor poration of Nottingham as a very svieus punish ment billiard without a trial. True lenity should have a reference to the situation and feelings of the parties; but these magistrates did not come here begging for mercy and to be spared, but demanding justice, and asking to be tried. He concluded by strongly enforcing some of the arguments before employed by Mr. Fox. Mr. BOND explained. He said he had not brought a charge against the magistrates for licenc ing ale-houses improperly. If he had spoke of the atrocities in Ireland, and then have gone on in the spirit of Anticlimax to state the circumstances of Cutting off the skirts of coats, he should have de- served the observations of the Hon. Gentleman who had last sat down. He had certainly remarked that there had been exhibited a scene of most impious Indecency. Mr. GREY said a few words in explanation, and was replied to by Mr. Bond. Mr. ROSE observed, that after the convincing and able speech of the Hon. Gentleman on the floor (Mr. Bond) he was perfealy satisfied of the propriety of the ;he had never heard a more • satisfaChary speech on any subjed. lie justified the SeleCt Committee in taking notice of the proceedings of former eleetions, because those proceedings had been first brought forward by the magistrates. He observed, that the only instance of any trial for a riot at an eleCtion, in the course of the last century, VMS at Nottingham. Upon an impartial perusal of the minutes,trhethosight the account of the procession was overstated. If, however, the Goddess of Rea son had net been introduced, there were other pro ceeiLiags whieli Were apt yerrcreditable to dwells w/aa had promoted them. It appeared the Pers° ol . wn ? formed part of the procession sung ;la Menaces T,FiIE BRITISH PRESS. LONDON, SATURDAY, Ar I RI L -O. lesterday morning a Messenger arrived from Paris, at Lord HA W KESBUR y's office, with dispatches crofts Lora WH !Two' TH. After an interval of about six hours, he was followed by another, charged also with dispatches for Government. A French Messenger arrived each time with dispatches for General Annerossi. We cannot presume that their contents could have transpired, and yet the arrivals had a serious effect upon the Funds. llie three per Cent. Consols, which opened at 66, fell down suddenly, at the close of the Market, as on a late occasion, to 64. The cause generally assign ed for this depression was, a report that a Message of an unsatisfactory nature would be brought down to Parliament in the evening, and that Mr. PITT warto return immediately to office. Some time :Ince Mr. Pmt.'s return was stated as a pacific symptom, but it being now understood, that he will not consent to be Minister, without the co-operation of the GI en vi c it party, the report respelling him yesterday pro. duccd a different sensation.—The real cause, how ever, of the fall in the Funds, we believe, origi nated in accounts received Evens France. With their particular nature we do not pretend to be ac quainted ; but from the eagerness with which those who gave the tone to the market sold out, and are consequently supposed to be in the secret, we may presume ,that the intelligence is very unfavourable. The dispatches received by Government were im mediately taken into consideration by a Privy Coun cil, which sat until a late hour. Two days ago a British Officer arrived in this country, who brings intelligence that an order had been issued by the French Government, for no Englishmaa to be permitted to go near any of the sea-ports, Calais excepted, at which place only the English are to embark for their own country. Al most all the English in Paris were preparing to re turn, and Lord Wil i Two HT H himself did not exped to remain much longer m that capital, By the last packets from France, we have the in • formation, that the utmost adivity prevails in all the French garrison-towns along the coast, i• •• mounting guns, and making every preparation for a state of war. Accounts from the North of Europe, speak of differences having arisen betw -'a Russia and Swe den, in consequence of which some Russian troops had been marched towards the frontiers of the lat ter country, and some Russian galleys put in a state of preparation; but confident hopes are expressed of an amicable accommodation. Yesterday morning the keg , . Mr. CRAMS. of Brad ford, in Yorkshire, was presented by the Ilight Rev. the Lord Bishop of Wiseassvca, to the valuable livinF , Crandal, in Ham hire , held under the korai of 9C. Crass, near ester. Lull' IN LIG E • COURT OF I.IhIG'S BFNCII, Wssruntsram, APRIL 29. COPPINGIIR O. THELLUSSUN. Mr. ERsKIPIr moved for a rule to shew cause why the Defendant should not be discharged out of cus tody on filing common hail. The fads stated in the affidavit of the Defendant, Mr. Thelluson, were, that he had been held to hail on the affidavit of the Plaintiff, setting forth that he had detained policies of insurance on several ships, the value of which amounted in the whole to 70,0001. For this sum he had arrested the Defintlant, al though he had no pretence for the claim he had made. It was an extreme hardship on this Gentle man, the Defendant, to he arrested for so large a suns in an action for which there was no foundation. It was extremely difficult to get two persons to be bail it: an adion, in which it was necfcsary each of the hail should swear he was worth 140,0001. Mr. Justice Le BLANC remarked, that the merits of the case could not be tried upon affidavits. Mr. ERSKINE trusted that the Court would not suffer its process, pregnant with such abuse, to be let loose among mankind. Lord ELteeeoßocGH said, that the rule not to enter into the merits of questions of this kind, upon affidavits, had long prevailed, but he had doubts as to the propriety of not suffering it sometimes to be reLu:ed. He thought there were cases in which the discretion of the Court ought sometimes to be exer cised. If the Court had not the privilege of inter fering, the arrest of a person, in the situation of Mr. Thefluson, might be attended with the most grievous consequences to him. His Lordship said, that upon lookin ,, into the a ffi davit to hold to bail, he ob served°there were objedions, upon which a motion to discharge the Defendant on filing common bail, might be grounded ; accordingly his Lordship desired that the motion might be shaped with refer ence to those objs-coons. --- Dispatches were on Thursday received from Ad miral THORN so rtovuit, off Helvoet, stating that con siderable damage had been sustained by the fleet under his command, during the late heavy gales ; and that the hit, of 50 guns, had particularly suf . - tered she is ordered to Spithead for repair ; after which Vice-Admiral GAM BIER will hoist his flag on board, and proceed to Newfoundland, as com mander in chief. Marquis WRLLESLEY took an aquatic excursion on the 10th of November, on board the Atatrosz sloop of war, on which occasion a salute of 19-guns was fired on his embarkation and landing from the Albatross and Dasher: of York, and returned by the guns of Fort William. On Thursday last the Court of Lieutenancy had the honor of appointing Lieutenant Colonel Sir JOHN Ea tea, of the West London Militia, to be Colonel of the East London Militia, in the room of Sir Wavnin Lewes, who resigned. It seems from some circumstances, that Ministers expeded decisive advices from France about the end of this week. On Wednesday a number of per sons who had given in proposals for a timber con trad, and who on that day exile fed a decision on their offers, were informed that the decision must be postponed to Monday. The same thing happened yesterday with the competitors for another con tra& The west end of the Bank is to be pulled down, and the building extended more towards the Old Jewry. The houses in Princes-street and in Loth bury, to near the Old Jewry, are pulling down for this purpose. It is net the wterior only of this na tional edifice which puzzles a conjurer. If Lord Nelson shall have gone on the service of his country before the Installation, ALEXANDER DA• VISON, Esq. of St. James's-square, will be his Lord ship's proxy upon that occasion. RUSSIA.—Mr PFEISFFER, assessor at Peters burgh, and author of a Treatise, in the Russian language, on the Trade to India, which has expe rienced a very favourable reception, is appointed editor of a Russian Commercial Gazette, published under the immediate diredion of Count Russ An zow Privy Counsellor and Minister of Commerce. Mr. Po I. I ATUOWSICir, Russian Counsellor of State, and Member of the Senate, has translated Dr. S ITH ' S Work on the Wealth of Nations into the Hessian language, and received from his Imperial Majesty, ALEXANDER I. 5000 rubles to defray the expence of paper and printing. Yesterdal morning came on, at the Central House, Salisbury-square, the eleetion of a Resident Inoculator to the ROYAL JENNEMAN INSTITUTION. STATE Or TIM POLL. Dr. Walker - - 27 I Mr. Leese - - 6 Dr. Domeier - 10 Dr. Aberdour declined. Dr. WaLeza was consequently elected. Last day of drawing, 28th of April, No. 26,280 drawn is prize of 10,000 L was sold in shares by Messrs. Hossisnv and Co. in one quarter, two eighths, andeight sixteenths. The occupation of Flushing by the French, and the march of so many additional troops into that country, arises chiefly, according to very authentic private letters, from an appeal made by the Bata vian Government to the Emperor of Russia, and the King of PRUSSIA, for their interference to pre vent Ho land from being involved in the.war be tween England and France, should war be the result of the present negotiations. A request, it is said, was at the same time made by the Batavian Go vernment to ours, that their neutrality, in the event of hostilities, should be respeded.—The answer of our Government was, we believe, equally just and generous, Az. That the neutrality of Holland should readily be respeded, provided all the French troops were withdrawn from it, and that country left in dependent and free. A private letter from Hamburgh states, that in consequence of dispatches recently received at Ber lin from Petersburgh, a change highly favourable to the interests of Great Britain has taken place in the sentiments of His PRUSSIAN MAJESTY. The Emperor ALEXANDER is said to have communi cated his resolution to mediate, in conjunction with the Cabinet of Berlin, between Great Britain and France. General BILIARD, who commands the 24th mili tary division, is at present employed in inspeding the coasts of Dutch Flanders. The General is accompanied by his Aides-de-Camp. He be with Sas-Van-GI, whence he was to proceed to Has, Axel, the isle of Cadsunt, and Antwerp. ',Every wheic be gives orders fur adopting the best defensive measures. All the posts are placed on the awe footing as during the lets war. ' I DUCHESS OF BOLTON'S ROUT. The Duchess of Rovrom gave, on Thursday elening, a and Rout to near 400 of the first per sons of fashion, at her house in Grosvenor-symire. Among the company we noticed the following, viz. Hi+ Royal I ligtute4s the Prince of Wales. Dsokett--Glouce.ter, St. Alban's, Lentster. kargairgs--Winchester, Lorn. Earls—Muunt- Edgcumbe, Westmoreland, Mountnorris, Derby. riscuenb--Ranelagb, Sydney, Grave‘, Sudlev, Cranley, Wentworth, Stuurtuwn, DurA 7, Lowther, iiinchiribruoke, Stanley. Lords—'\l. Kerr, St. Helen's, Gray, H Potifrc, — nrantley, C. B..reiltrol, Purchester, De Duustausille, Harewousl, De Clifford, L. Somerset. Mica, J. Harrington, J. Hone, If. V. Tempest, J. Illppcsley, W. NVeisley, 11. Dashwood, %V. Aston, H. Yette. General Itollter. Majors—lluyle Ettqace. bCu I, ets--11014;11 Noul . Cupains—.Cotton, Strtherton, Morton, Dremmnosl,llalliday. Dariterres—North timberland, St. Alban's. Marchionev of Winchester. Cerratemes—Uxbridv, Harcourt, Cork, Dowager Sefton, Liverpool, Clare WestinorelanO, Mountnorrk, Antr.ot, CAeti narvuu, Rothe:;Mortrittron, Rose herr., lientinck, Detby. vi scoun t esses .— v, whew, IVent,iorth, N w.E k , Cass. tlereagh, Lowther, Stanley. LORD VISCOUNT GRIMSTON'S BALL AND SUPPER: • ~, . The entertainments last night at this Nobleman's house, in Grosvenor-square, were given in a style of extraordinary magnificence. They displayed a most refined taste, and liberality was pressed to ita utmost extent, without being carried to excess. Globe lamps and chandeliers, of a new construction, lighted up the Ball-room, anti the eye was dazzled with a blaze of beauty. The floor was chalked, and in the conception of devices, Fancy seemed to have been in her most sportive mood. They were of infinite variety, and yet all appropriate to the scene. It was a plot of roses, lilies, and all the . flowers of the season, most fancifully disposed and interspersed with stars. The company consisted of about .200, who were thus divided at supper : In the front parlour was laid out a horse-shoe table for sixty, with a service of plate ;• the frames were painted with cupids, birds, flowers, wheat-ears, &c. with a superstruClure of l•^destals of green chrystal trophies, pyramids, medallions, and emblematical figures in carved gilt pastry, ornamented with real and artificial flowers of exquisite beauty.--The Coup d'eil was most enchanting, and equalled the most splendid idea the mind could conceive of a fairy pa lace. In the middle parlour was a table for forty, with a silver frame, and epergne of exquisite beauty and workmanship, chased and finished in the most ingenious manner. The Library displayed a table fur fifty, corresponding in the style and beauty of its ornaments with the table in the front palour. The supper consisted of all the delicacies of the season, and presented a most curious and elegant display of confectionary by Mr. Whitton. The entertain ment w•as prepared and conduCted under the ma nagement of the celebrated Carlton. The ball was opened at half past ten o'clock, to the tune of Allan Ranuay, by the Honourable Miss GalusroN and Mr. SKLFTINGTON. Yesterday their MAJESTIES and the five PE IN. CF.SSES honoured the Exhibition at Somerset-house with their presence. They were greeted as they passed up the Strand with the acclamations of the populace. At a quarter past twelve o'clock- the Royal party returned to the Queen's-house, from whence his MA JESTY set off in his travelling carri age for Windsor. The QUEEN and the PitiNctsses followed shortly after. They wore, on their visit to Somerset-house, white morning dresses; straw hats, and pale blue ribbons. - The Hon. JOHN ELLIOT on Thursday evening gave a grand Rout at his house in Downing-street. - The drawing of the Lottery having concluded on on Thursday, the wheels Were yesterday deposited in. the apartment appropriated for them at. Somerset house. Mr. EL I. WY gave yesterday a grand dinner to the officers and privates of the Westminster cavalry, to the number of 200 ; the Earl of Hisita iNcTos and a large party of Noblemen were of the party. The Marquis of SA LlsnunY, gave yesterday a grand dinner, at his house in Arlington-street, to Lord CR AN LEY, and a large party of Noblemen. The Earl of DA RN LEY and family returned to town yesterday from Cobham Hall, Kent. ' Mr. CR A vru ao arrived in town yesterday from Paris, as his house in Piccadilly. Lady G. H. CAVENDISH presented her Lord, yesterday morning with a daughter, at his Lord ship's house in Saville-street. Mr. and Mrs. MERRY took leave at Court on Thursday previous to their departure for America, The fashionable colours of the season are jonquil, lilac, purple, sky-blue, and green. Female taste has not been in this instance arbitrary or capricious. It corresponds with the colours presented by the fa vourite flowers of Spring. Mrs. SULLIV AN, gave last night a Ball and Sup per to near 200 persons of disonaion, at her house in Grafton-street. The supper, consisting of all the delicacies of the season, was laid out in three su perb rooms, upon the ground floor, most splendidly and tastefully ornamented. The Ball was opened at ten o'clock, the company sat down to supper at one, and did not depart till a late hour. Mrs. PARKER'S aeling in the charaier of Louis, at the Royal Circus, is considered a chrf-ertervre in the pantomimic art. The interest she creates in the two principal scenes, where the Mother of the in fant Princess is found, can be conceived by none but those who have seen her. The grace and sensibility of the child are astonishing, nor can we speak WO highly of the infant Nierract. CHARLES JAMES AIR, Esq. Member of the House of Representatives of South Carolina, was murdered on the 6th of March. His body was found on the Bth, on the road leading from Charles. town to Georgetown. The principal English at Paris are, Duchess of GORDON, Lord and Lady CHOLMONDELLY, Lord and Lady CON YNGHAK, Lord LGSTUS, Lord Cos.E• smut, Lord and Lady YARMOUTH, Mr. NZsasT,. Mr. ADEEL EY, Colonel Matnew, Mr. Gout I* and Mr. Eaaotay. There were a great 1114 nr mote last weelt, but the appearance at war dri.ve them away. e I ~ ~. ,-1 • !. 1 : • •C . e.`4,.14.611,1 • - -.OIOC ~~~,. r " • ,; .. .. r~t ~: P! ,14.rplas 4rIA!M Y : _ •' 1l ' UY', s v'47~e I apd Mt he Free. There had been no instance of a person doing any thing offensive to the populace for the last 10 years, but it was immedt diately said " I will send punch to you ;" and this threat unn followed up by destroying his farniture, burning his hay-stacks, and committing injuries in the night. There was net a person who had been ill-treated during the late eledion, but had been put in danger of his life. He was satisfied the magistrates of Nottingham had not countenanced the riotous proceedings which had taken place, but certainly they had not done their utmost to prevent them. He thought, therefore, there could be no just grounds of objedion to the Bill. Mr. FOX rose to explain. He maintained that he had said the judges had commended the town of Nottingham for its general good conduit and government, with the exception of those partial riots which occasionally took place in every part of the kingdom. An lion. Gentleman had threatened, that if this Bill was thrown out, other measures would be taken. 'l'he magisratcs of Nottingham challenged such proceedings : they were desirous a full investigation of their conduit might take place. They were not to be deterred, by such threats, front doing their duty as British subjeds, by opposing such a violation of their rights. Sir WILLIAM GEAIIY was of opinion it would be attended with advantageous consequences for the magistrates of the town to have the assistance of the county magistrates to co-operate with them. With the amendment proposed, he was anxious the Bill should pass. Mr. I. H. BROWNE wished to reply, but the Speaker informed him, that upon the discussion of a common order of the House, such a privilege was unusual. Strangers were ordered to withdraw, but the op position to the motion was withdrawn, and the commitment of the Bill for Monday next was agreed to without a division. Adjourned till Monday. THEATRE-ROTAL, DRURrLANE. TIiIS F.V I ING will he performed a New Comedy called THE MARRIAGE PROMISE. The Charaaers by Mr. C. Kemble, Mr. Dwver, Mr. Do*- ton, Mr IfoUtng:worth, Mr. Bannister, jun. Mr. Primer, Mr. Pope, Mr. Powell, Mr. Punier, Mr. Evans. MN. Powell, Miss Mellon, Mn. Jordan, Mrs. Sparks, Mrs. Maddocks. To which will be added, BLUE BEARD. The Public are most respectfullv informed, that the New Comely will be repeated on Tuesday, Thursday, and Satur day next. THEATRE-R0r.11„ Co VENT-GARDEN. THIS EVENING wail be prevented a New Comedy 4:Ailed JOHN BULL; Or, AN ENGLISII!MAN's FIRE-SIDE. ,The principal Charafters by Mr. Lewis, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Fawcett, Mr. Johnstone, Mr. H. Johnston. NIL Blanchard, Mr. Emery, Mr. Waddy., Mn. Gil Mrs / rowel. and Miss Marriott. With a Lvrical'Epiloguoi by Mr. Johnstone. whi.ti will tr• adileJ, the grand Ballet of THE DESERTER OF NAPLES. Henry, Mr Farley ; Louisa, (first time) Mn. Wybmw. Qu Montl.iy, John Bull, with High Life below Stun. S 1 'I r