The Express.
London, England, 1848-04-28 00:00:00

GREAT MEETING AT LEICESTER.

ROME, Aram 18.
We have just had a " Sonderbund" demonstration
in Tivoli, and the peasants assembled from the adjoin-
ir.e hills in great force to fight for the Jesuits: "They
would kill ten G.. every father that was ex-
pelled." A strong detachment of auto Fs...MR from
Rome, aided by the local nationals, dispersed the
rioters. Tivoli would appear to be the last strong-
hold held in continental Europe by the society in its
old age, and it is singular that the fathers should
have been led to countenance an outbreak in that
small remote spot, however illustrious by its classic
associations, unless on the principle of the poet's
prayer :
Tams, Argeo posltum eolono,
ea. mete wiles utinsro s gnus!
Sit mottos lasso marls et elan=
Milititsque!
Their own scholars here in Rome have shown the
utmost ingratitude to their teachers (who were not
paid a farthing by them); and when they came to
take leave in the various halls, the youths pelted them
with school books and other projectiles. This was
not so of old, for they are known to have secured in
other countries and other times the affection and
esteem of those whom they taught—and they taught
great men.
But a more violent outbreak of mob desperation has
jest affrighted our capital this week, and is supposed
to have some connexion with the famous conspiracy
of last year ; at least many of the daggers found on
the persons of the physical-force gentry were of the
exact pattern of the former : and money was found in
their possession which they could not account for.
They were ruffians of the lowest class; and their
ostensible object was to be " set at work to earn a
livelihood." But before, on a great gathering of them
in front of the Borghese Palace, when Prince
Aldobraudini appeared and offered employment
to as many as chose to come for it next morning at
two peals a day, only three made their appearance.
The civic guard was as usual active and triumphant.
You will naturally ask when is the trial of the
famous " grand censpiracy" to come on, and what
light has been thrown on its orisin and accomplices.
I may as well set you at rest on that mystery. The
whole has been hushed up, and by dint of money
the old officials have contrived to baffle all attempt at
investigation. The judicial body here have long had
certain habits in cases of this sort, and it will take a
new gener,tion to unlearn those practices. The grand

=—
MIDDLESEX 110SPITA L.—A special nseetu.,
governors was held yesterday at the hospital, to take into
consideration a recommendation of the weekly board " that
the treasurer be empowered to &epees from time to time of
such portions of the funded property of the hospital AB to.
gether with the amount contributed by donations or other-
wise
may realise a sum not exceeding 12,0001. towards the
completion of the building, and also to take into considers
tion the compensation to the secretary for the loss of board
and lodging."—Mr. Bunt having been celled to the chair,
Mr. Hawes read the report of the weekly board to the special
court oathc subjectof the proposed alterations. It detailed the
numerous requirem .nts in the way of proper ventilation, end
cl eanl y and healthful accommodation of the hospital at present,
and the efficacy of the proposed plan in supplying them.
'they had received tenders from several builders, and had ac-
cepted the lowest. Mr. Wyatt was still confident that
12,0001. was sufficient to cover al expenses, and they there-
fore recommended the board of governors to give the
treasurer power to raise that sum.—Mr. Hawes moved that
the report be adopted, which was seconded by the Hon.
Copt. Maude. —ln answer to a question from the Duke of
Cambridge, the secretary stated that the amount of stock
held by the hospital WU 110,0001.—Mr. Fielder con-
demned the policy of the step which it was
proposed to take, maintaining the necessity of
keeping a large capital to supply emergencies which
might arise. Ite:reminded them that during the last war
three fourths of the wards in the hospital had been closed
up for want of funds ; and considered it not impossible that
similar circumstances might arise again.—Mr. Percy ob-
served that the closing of the wards was not in consequence
of.the war, but had been caused by totally different circum-
stances.—Mr. J• Pepe's, one of the vice-presidents, moved
an amendment to the effect that the consideration of the
report should he deferred for 12 mouths. He thought the
present was not a time for increasing the expenses
of the hospital ; he concurred, however. in the expediency
of the proposed alterations, if they could be accomplished in
any other manner.—Mr. Propart seconded the amendment,
but on different grounds to the mover. He did net object
to the outlay, but thought it would be BO much money
thrown away, unless it was placed towards the erection of a
new building.—The Duke ofCambridge expressed himself in
favour of the original motion, and .41 of opinion that the
work should be commenced immediately. His Royal High-
ness pointed out several difficulties attendant upon the con-
struction of a new building upon tlet same spot, the most
important of which was the want of accommodation to the
patients which must ensue during its progress. He con-
demned the practice of laying by large sums of money by
public institutions, as being a departure feom the
objects for which such money is subscribed, and in fact a
breach of faith towards the donors.—Mr. Treasurer Tooke
supported the amendment, and a long and desultory discus-
sion occupied the meeting for another hour or more. The
question was then put to the vote, when the original motion
was declared to be carried, the numbers being 37 against 21.
—The Hon. Capt. Maude then read the report of the cem-
mittee with reference to the secretary's compensation. They
considered that the amount which should be awarded
to the secretary in consideration of the lose which
he sustained from ceasing to lodge and board in
the house, should lie 1001. per annum ; bat in
consideration of his duties having been recently light-
ened by the appointment of a house-steward, that his pay
ehouhl he reduced by 501., which would leave the total an-
nual amount of his salary 2:01. A violent and disorderly
discussion ensued upon the question, whedirr or not the
committee had overstepped the line of their duty in Inter-
fering with the amount of the secretary's salary—they having
been requested simply to recommend the amount of compen-
sation to the secretary. The chairman decided in the affir-
mative, and the report was not received,•• resolution ln,ing
carried simply agreeing that 1001. per annum should be paid
to the secretary for compensation. Several gentlemen
protested against the course thus pursued ; and Mr. Hawes
moved a resolution that this subject should be adjourned to
the next quarterly meeting. Mr. Fielder (who occupied the
chair during the latter portion of the proceeding) decided
that the resolution could not be put, it being necessary to
call a special meeting for the purpose in question. In the
midst of loud demonstrations of disapproval from Mr. Ilawes
and his supporteria resolution was moved and carried for the
adjournment of the meeting, which adjourned accordingly.
THE SHAKSPEARE SOCIETY, established for the
purpose of printing and distributing bookr illustrative of
Shakepc are and the literature of his time, hold their seventh
anniversary meeting on Wednesday, in the library of the
Royal Society of Literature, St. Martin's place, Trafalgar-
square. J. P. Collier, Rsq., was in the chair. The
secretary read the report of the council, which stated
that the society had already issued 37 volumes, at a
cost of nearly 4,0001. In compliance with the wish of
man members, the council recommended the formation
yof a supplemental fund, to be called the '• Haywood
and Dekker Fund," for reprng the plays end
poems of those dramatists; the fund to be kept separate, and
only members of the society who subscribed to be entitled to
the supplemental publications. The following volumes hail
been diettibuted to the subscribers during the past year I. Ralph Royster Doyster and Gorboduc. 2. Part 2of the
Chester Whitsun Plays, completing the publication.
3. Volume 111. of the Shakepeare Society's papers. The
next issue to the society would. be Inigo Jones's designs for
Marquisate Court, now first engraved from the original
drawings in the possession of hie grace the Pulse of Devon- I,
shire ; edited by J. R. Planch6 and J. P. Collier, with a
new Life of Inigo Jones, by Peter Cunningham. Various
other works were in progress. In conclusion, the report
stated that the council hod given 251. from the funds of the
cocicty towards the purchase of Shakespeare's house.
During the year the receipts of the society had been 4911.,
and the expenditure 4111. Oa the motiees of Mr. Calle, se-
conded by Mr. G. Smith, the repute, was adopted; after
whica Me. Smith moved, and Mr. Moran seconded, • vote
cf t.naaks to the council for repreeenting the wishes of the
sube;ribers in giving 24, teweeds the purchase of Sluaes-
peace's house.

o'CLOCK.—Thie
Tutilurit.l3:DEAciteNt
lEGiurin,ele2s.l
LEICESTER,
evening a meeting of the chartists and middle classes of this
town and nelthbourhood, convened by N. Brig.", Esc, , the
mayor, in compliance with a requisition signed by 128 of
the most influential inhabitants of the borough, was held, to
consider the question of electoral reform as prepared to be
brought before parliarner.t on the motion of which Mr. Hums
has given notice, and to endeavour to effect a union, for
The.
meeting was held in the Amphitheatre, a building capable
of accommodating 5,000 persons, and by the hour at which
the proceedings were advertised to commence (7 o'clock) at
least that number were assembled within its walls. Oa the
sage which, in imitation of the League meetings in Covent.
fuels Theatre, was used as a platform for the speake
were Dr. Nolue, Mr. A. Noble, J. Fielding, Esq.,
Btu-
gem,
',
gem, Esq., J. Whetstone, Esq., Messrs. Bairns, Cr 'pps
the majority of the members of the corporation, and several
of the leading chartists of the neighbourhood.
The !delve rose and spoke as follows Gentlemen,
—I have convened this meeting, as you are aware,
in eonsequetce of a requisition being, presented to me
signed by 128 highly respectable inhabitants of this town
originally
and neighbourhood. I appointed it to be heldat
the New-hall ; but on the representation of the requisi.
tionists on Tuesday, that the attendance would be
far beyond what that building could accommodate, at
their request I changed the place of meeting to this
theatre. The names appended to the requisition comprise
those of magistrates, merchants, manufacturrn, tradesmen,
professional men, and ministers of religion; and amongst
them are to be found those who represent every shade of
liberal opinion, from the moderate reformer to the chartist
leader. The object of the meeting is, as announced in the
papers, to discuss the propriety of supporting the motion of
Mr. Hume for an inquiry into the present state of the repre-
sentation of the people in the House of Commons. The
discussion of the subject is out of my province as chairman.
It will be my duty to introduce the several gentlemen who
may present themselves to address you, and to ask at your
hands for all of them a fair end candid hearing. (Cheers.)
I shall not distrust your good sense so much as t. supposethat anything but good order and propriety will characterise
tho proceeding. of this evening. The state of the repre-
sentation of the people is the primary subject which interests
the public mind ; and the fact of this requisition being pre.
rented, evinces the general sympathy of feeling which exists
among all classes in this town. This, I believe, es the first at-
tempt at united action which has been made by the middle
and working classes of Leicester for many jeers. I rejoice tome
it—l am proud of being able to preside over such an as.
sembly, and I feel that the result of your deliberations will,
if your efforts be united, have a powerful influence in the
way of examole throughout the length and breadth of the
land. Though I shall not enter upon the discussion of the
subject which has brought us together, I may observe that
this is the most important meeting we have held since the
agitation fur the lleform 811. Toe failure of that bill to re-
Ilene us from class legislation, the apathy of liberal admiai.
stratioos, and their doctrine of finality—the fact that sixteen
years have passed without reforms being carried out which
are required by the intelligence and exigencies of the age—
will, I trust, cement that unity tit acti .n which is dictated
by your common interest. Boys who were cradled and
schooled during the agitation for the Reform Bill, are now
men; a new generation is claiming the privileges which
their Gibers hoped to have secured for them; and, how-
ever aristocratic administrations may underrate and
undervalue the movement thusbegun, they may depend
uon it a warm feeling of sympath y,a • strong sense
I of justice, will carry this agitation to a successful issue—
! that order and power will mark its progress—and that
it will not cease, till by a new Reform Bill it has plated
the masses within the pale of the constitution. (Cheering.)
' The principle acknowledged by all politicians is, that repre.
mutation and taxation should go hand in hand; that repre-
sentation should be co-extensive with taxation; that no man
should be taxed hut by his own consent, or that of his repre-
sentatives in parliament. And I trust that no slight differ-
ences of opinion as to the mode in which the princ.ple is to
be carried out, will prevent that union amongst you without
which no change can be effected. It is needless and gratuitous
in this country to attempt to create an alarm about the crown.
I have never heard any one amongst you breathe a syllable
against the sovereign. The chief magistrate of the state,
the Queue—both as a queen and as a woman—lives in the
hearts and affections of the people. Your aim is to improve
' the legislature, not to peril the monarchy; end whatever
' may be the policy of our rulers as to measures of coercion
and additional guarantees for public safety—l must be al-
lowed to believe that just, equitable, and wise laws—the
result of timely concessions of popular rights—will over be
the beet safeguard for property and government, and the
best security for order and tranquillity. (Cheers.) My
duty is now only to introduce the gentleman who is to move
the first resolution, W. Biggs, Esq.
Mr. Blues said it was now about 11 or IS years ago since
he had last the honour of addressing a public meeting ander
circumstances very analogous to those in which they now
stood. That was immediately after a French revolution—
during the existence of considerable social distress in this
country, and when the people were seeking extensive mea-
sures of organic change and political reform. He thought
the present movement the most important since the Re-
form Bill, and, it' conducted with prudence and ordinary
talent, the result would be to ineMde every adult male
person within the pale of the constitution. (Cheers.) He was
sorry to say that the exertions made OR the occasion to
which he referred had woefully disappointed all those who
took part in it. For his own part he was bitterly disap-
pointed at the fruits of the Reform Bill. Whatever others
had anticipated from it, be had at least expected that itreforms
would be the door of extensive social and politic
—(hear), and tl.e precursor of various political changes,
the result of which would be to improve the con-
dition of every Mall and woman in the country. (Hear.)
At that period he had expected the immediate repeal of the
corn laws, and a general system of national education, by
which every man should be qualified to exercise electoral
rights. (Ilear.) lie had expected retrenchment, and the
gradual abolition of conventional distinctions which were at
variance with the progress of civilisation.(Hear.) He
must say that in all these expectations he had been disap-
pointed by the working of the Reform Bill. (Hear, hear.)
Ile now, therefore, *petered before them, to assist those
who had votes and those who bad none those who needed
the ballot and those whose situation in life enabled them to
do without it, m procuring such an improvement in the re-
presentative system as would cause the people of England to
he fairly represented in the House of Commons. (Cheers.)
They were aware of the movement which had been made by
certain members of the House of Commons, who believed
that as at present constituted that assembly did not fairly
represent the peonle.. (Hear, hear.) He also believed t
the abuses now existing could not exist if the people were in
such a position as to cause their representations to be attended
to by parliament. (Hear, hear.) These men had come out
froin their (seats in the House of Commons; they appealed to
the country for their sympathy and support; and
to give them such sympathy and support was the
object of the present meeting. (Hear, hear, hear.)
The first portion of the resolution which he held in his hand
was to the effect, that it was a fundamental principle off the
constitution that the people should be fully and fairly pre-
sented in the Commons House of Parliament. Ile believed
that since the explosion of the antiquated doctrine of the
divine right of kings there could be no doubt about the doc-
trine of the right of all men to perfect equality. (Hear.)
He should assume it as a doctrine which had beoa laid down
2,000 years ago, by the Divine Author of Christianity,
and also about seventy years since by the inhabitants of
our trans-Atlantic colonies when achieving their in
was ndepend-
ow
ence. That principle, so sacredly propounded,
forcin3 its way in all countries and among all
communities, and was becoming the political faith
of many people in Christendom. (Hear, hear.) Ile
would not, therefore, occupy their timv in attempting to
prove that proposition. But if America, France, and Ger-
many had asserted it, why not the people of England, who
were entitled to it by the theory of their constitution
(Hear, hear.) kle asserted that the people of England were
constitutionally entitled to this equality, and be should prove
his assertion by reference to no mean coostitutional authority;
he meant Sir W. Blackstone, whom:testimony was re
the mo
to lee valued because he was inclined to conservative prin-
ciples. Sir W. Blackstone said, avoordies to
The true theory and genuine minclples dl iterty every member of
theatre mmunity, ,he r poor, -should the a vote in electing those
detegas to whose charge is committed the dispoval of hisproperty,
his liberty, and his Lite. since that can hardly be expected in.
orderer of indigent fortunes, cc such are under the immediate
domn of others, ell popular states have teen obliged
to establish certain qualitiostieme, whereby some who ate
suspected to base no will of their own are excluded twin
voting, la order to set other Individuals, dhow willo may
he supposed independent, more thoroughly meat a level with
each other.—Page 15i, Book 1, c. 2:ln a free mete every man oho
is suppoved a free agent ought to be in wine measure his own go-
vernor, and therefore a branch at leoit oi the legidstive power
shodid reside in the whole body of the people.—Fage IA Book I, c.
2 Every man in Ewe is, in judgment ot law, party to the lealeng
of an act of parliament, being prevent thereat by his representsUres.
Page 139, Book 1, c. 1 : For no subject of England ow be constrained
to pay any &abet taxes, even for the defence of the realm, or We
support of reerninent, but such as are imposed by his own convent,
or that of We remesent dives In parliament.
So much for the constitutional question, Ile would conclude
this portion of his address by a quotation from a document
which every honest man would hear quoted with respect and
attention—it was from the American Declaration of Inde-
pendence, and was as tollows
We hold these truths to he aclf.erident : That din created
eyed; that they are endowed by their Creator with ce inliena-
ble rights; that among these arc life, liberty, and the purult of hap-
phicts • that to secure these rights gorernmexts are leSetleee
go-
versed;mog4 men, deriving their just rights from the consent of the
ve that whenever any form people vernment lac.dees dcatrucem of
these ends, it le the right of the peop to alter or to abolish it, motto
institute a sew governmen—laying its foundations on suliir
ples, and Orgalliaillg ite powers in such form, as to them seem.
moist likely to effect their safety and happlncv.
(Loud cheers.) The second pert of his resolution declared
that under um present constitution of the House of Com-
mons nothing like equality of rights could be obtained for
the people. On the contrary, it was believed that the legis-
lative abuses now so loudly complained of could note xistio
ar.)
r
a moment if the people were properly represented. (He
If the people were properly represented, the injurious con-
nexion of church and state could not be maintainedti. If the
people were properly represented, unequal taxaon co
not be preserved, nor would public functionaries be paiddo. at
rates so grossly disproportioned to the work they had to
To show them how unequally the people were represented,
he would read a few returns t elative to the number of mem-
ber, of parliament as compared with the numbers of their
constituencies. There was llarwieb, with a population of
3,227, and 181 elector'. In juXta-position with Lis let hint
place Finsbury, with 265,000 inhabitants, and 12,900 elec.
v.rs. Now each of these constituencies ser.t the same num-
ber of memlwrk two, to parliament. (Helix, hear.) Be

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