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

INsoLvvvr nrRTORS' RELIFF PtLI.

T.ord ItAVrDO\ (Farl nf Moira) moved to dis-
charge the Order ot the Day, on the Insolvent
Debtors' Relief Bill, and that a new order be made
for reading it a second time neat Tuesday.
Lord RAWDON, in the lrommittee, moved
some new Clauses and several Amendments in the
Bill for the better Prevention of frivolous and vexa-
tious Arrests. Tbe Itepat to 14 received on Mon-
day.
t Earl of RADNOR, in the Conimittee,
snowed a new t:lause, and several verbal Amend-
ments, in the Dill enabling the %%Ives of Soldiers
and Sailors more conveniently to be removed to their
respective parishes. from the porta (non which their
husleuvls ernharised.
The Bills on the Table yiassed their respective
stages 1--c)wre v:ere two third readings.
Adjourned to Monday.

HOUSE OF Colllfolo.
_ Poway, Aram 29.

A asessapiront thug Lor..!s announced their Lord-
ships' swat to sever.l private Bills.
Mr. ORMSBY brought up the Bill foe improving
the harbour of Shgo. Read a first time, and or-
dered for a sawed radar
Mr. BRAGGE boxy* op a IWI for improving
and readeruar moat oommoihous the harbour of
Bristol. Reaid a brit time 11301 Einiered a second
mitring.
Mr. 14.41.145T0N presented a petition contain-
ing yeti 41 /awe r off oenspLiiat from John M.:inners,
F .1. agar.* dr der of Caries Brooke. F.sq.
t. r the Borough of Debater. He observed, that the
pi uribions aan Ail of the 24th of his ream Ma-
jesty. gate a perser of emending the period for ea-
trrag recogisizanor vibes special anitter was Wird.
The SPE-At:tit adoedthe Hon. Member it he
could verify the /Ceram of ',finial mattes in chit
case.
Mr. JOHN.:TON saLJ a ineritealgeadenata was
au/indite/ for that purpose.
Mr. v. stake 22 apart/wear!, was called to the
aad /1/Klared that the sweet health of Mtn
Moaners, EA. perverted 'rim fain going out or
turning to_
_the elan...
lit —34.IENSUAN then moved, a Thsetbe time
fur Jobs Matinees, is/. to eater 11:s r it,
should be extended to thirty dare, sbi was
agreed tae

Mr. HARVEY snored, "'ht the Report of
the Coroner's irtn be received cia Monday nest."—
greed to.
Mr. JOHN PANE repotted from the Salta Cons.
swim. appointed toonspier tiono the merits of a pe-
tition :4ornislainlog of snimuine elnibi;on for the Uni.
ersity of. Dublin. wiles Cooorsstry war of
opinion tba the Roll. G, Asses was duly eleesed,


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• . s.

ins! ilia the petitions tette not frivolous nor vexa-
tions.
SOLICITOII.4IENERAI. moved the Or=
der of the Day ins the House to tesolve ire elf into a
Conunittee of the whole House on the Lunatic's

kstate Bill.
The House in a Committee of the whole House
Mr. Acts ANDMI in the Chair.
The SOLICITOII-GENERAL said, that as he
bad certain propositions to make, it was his inten-
tion to have the Bill printed, and the further con-
sideration deferred.
Mr. ALEXANDER brought up the Report of
the Committee whiCh was read, and ordered to be
taken into further consideration this day se'nnight,
and the Bill printed. He also brought up the Report
of the Committee on the Bill for enabling the East
India Company to defray the erpence of the East
India volunteer corps, when leave was given to
bring in a Bill accordingly.
Mr. DICKENSON, jun. wished to ask an Hon
Gentleman opposite to him, what day lie had fixed
foi the third reading of the Edinburgh Road Bill.
Mr. ROBERT DUNDAS answered that the
third reading was fixed for Mouday next.
Mr. HAA'K INS BROWNE brought up a peti-
tion from certain freeholders of the town of Not-
tingham, against the petition which were presented
against the Bill now before the House for the better
preservation of the peace of the town of Nottingham.
—Ordered-to lie on the Table.

Mr. FOX presented a petition from a numerous
body of the freeholders of the town of Nottingham,
against the Bill.—Or2ered to lie on the Table.

Mr. H. L ASCELLES presented a petition from
certain manufaaurers of Yorkshire, against the Clo-
thier's Bill, and praying to be heard by Council
ag.tinst the same.—Referred to a Committee.
Mr. HORROCKS moved, " That an account
should he laid before the House of the quantity of
cotton-yarn and twist exported from the year 175 n,
to the year 1780, inclusive ; distinguishing each
year."
He then moved for other accounts, which were
ordered accordingly.
Mr. HAWKINS BROWNE moved the Order
of the Day for the second reading of the Notting-
ham Bill.
The Bill, and petitions against the Bill, were then
read ; when
Mr. SERGEANT LENNS, appeared at the Bar, as
Counsel for the Mayor and Corporation of Not-
tingham against the Bill.
The Learned Counsel having withdrawn, the Bill
was read a second time, when

Mr. HAWKINS BROWNF. rose, and said,
that before he moved for the Bill to be committed
to a Committee of the whole House, he should
make some remarks on the observations of the
Learned Counsel who was heard at the Bar. What
he could collea from the argument of the Learned
Ccninsel was this—that there was no evidence to cri-
minate the magistrates of Nottingham, so far as to
carry with it a conviftion that they had intentionally
negleeted their duty. Here he begged leave to ob-
serve, that if evidence had appeared to justify the sup-
position that they had encouraged the riots ; or,
that when their favourite or popular Candidate was
proposed, they had given the mob a licence to com-
mit those ads of violence, he should then have
thought it his duty to bring the punishment direeily
home to individuals. But no such evidence having
appeased, it was plain that the species of crimi-
nality did not amount to that, but it amounted to
Another species of criminality, which certainly most
imperinnsly called for a remedy ; it was a species of
criminality in those, to whom the preservation of the
public peace vets confided, in any case to permit the
violation of it. But the I.earned Counsel has said,
that the niagietrates of Nottingham were not influ-
enced by favour to any party, but by timidity
in the execution of their duty. He would beg leave
to observe, that this was no eecuse ; hut the
charge of timidity was different from that of a baee
and corrupt intention to favour by violence a fa-
vourite candidate. But when any man, or body of
men, undertake an important trust, they should not
be influenced by motives of timidity. But it ap-
peared in this case, that there had been a whole
system of insubordination. Even where a popular
candidate was proposed, he came forward at the
danger of his life. This system of violence was not
only observable at eleaions, but it appeared to be
the general state of the place. lie would here ob-
serve, that the franchises of the town were not
granted for individual aggrandisement or gratitica-
!ion. but for the general advantage of the place,
and more eepecialiv for the preservation of the pub-
lic peace. It plainly appeared in evidence, that the
ditty annexed to the magistracy was not executed.
It could not he denied, that it was expedient to rec-
tify such abuses ; and, as Chairman of the Commit-
tee, he had been direaed to bring forward a remedy
for that purpose., as it was universally considered
highly necessary that this Bill should pass before
another eleAinea took place. He thought it better to
iry t.is resr.edy before the other resolutions of the
Connniuee were brought forward. This, he con-
tended, could by no means he considered an elec-
tioneering or patty bnsiiiese, fur if the town of Not-
tingham sent sei Member to Parliament, it would
be equally necessary; for, where there were such a
number of rnantifadures, such party spirit, and
such obstinate contests, it would be impossible that
there should be such order as in other places, where
the magistrates of the county could ad. Since the
House hAd already agreed to some of the Resolu-
tions, they should proceed to remedy the evil which
they had noticed. The evidence which appeared
before the Committee went to prove more than riots
at rleetions. It should be considered how the Ma-
gistrates had :Oka prior to the late eiation, and
whether they hat exerted their authorey. Much,
he said, depended on the granting of licences to
public-houses, towards the maintaining of the
peace : during the last ten years the most violent
outrages had taken place; and, in the years I 793,1794,
acrd 1795, during scenes of unexampled violence,
the magistrates locked on as inaaive and uncon-
ensued spedetors. There was a pamphlet, which
came to his hands, and which he availed himself of;
he could read it as part of his speech, which went
to prove the extent of those riots on many coca.'
ions, particularly in the late war, when airy news
arrived from France, or when any. public rejoiciegs
took place. But, whether the parties were republie
can or loyalists, it was equally the duty of the Ma-
gistracy to suppress the riots e and it eppeared, that
fur many yeaxs putt the tmgittrAtes had entirely
lost their authority. Be therefore- thought it hit
duty to bring in the bell as a matter of strong nee

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cessity ; particularly since the House bad resulveal,
on the expediency of adopting ionic measure as a
remedy before the next eledion. He therefOre•
inoVed, that the Bill he committed to a Committee
of the whole House on Monday next.
A Member under the gallery, <we believe Mr.
HI NDERSON) said it was notorious, that for
many years., the peace of the town of Nottingham
had not been preserved, and that the freedom of
eledion_, the great bulwark of our excellent Consti-
tution had not been protated. This Bill, he con-
tended, put matters in a favourable point of view for
the magistrates, as it did not impute to them any
criminal intention, but went merely to remedy the
insufficiency which had been so manifest. The pur-
port of the Bill had his warmest approbation, but
yet he had his doubt whether the Bill could pass
consistently with the spirit of the laws of this coun-
try. Ile knew there were a great many Gentlemen
in this House eminently distinguished for legal
knowledge, to them he would submit his doubts,
and where he was in error he hoped they would set
him right. The Bill went to create Justices of the
Peace tot the county of the town of Nottingham—
!le approved of the purport of the Bill, and fully
agreed in the necessity -f the case, but he appre-
hended that by the Q7tli of Henry VI 11. it is decided
that the power of appointing magistrates was vested
solely in the Crown. (The Hon. Mt mber then read
an extract from the ad corroborating his statement,
by which it appeared that jiik.es and magistrates of
every description were to be appointed by the Crown.)
The died of this Ad, he contended, was to preclude
the Legislature from any authority to that effea.—
After having made a few observations on the na-
ture of the Charter of Nottingham, he said, that in
his opinion the most proper mode of proceeding
would be to bring in a Bill to empower his Majesty
to repeal so much of the Charter as may be thought
expedient, for the common law would then em-
power the county magistrates to at. It was a case
which required a stron4 remedy ; and if he was in
error in what he had advanced, he would rest satis-
fied if some Honourable Gentleman would set him
right.

Mr. FOX rose, most strenuously to oppose the
Bill, in every point of view in which a Bill could be
opposed. He objected principally to that nullity of
language which avoided .t charge of criminality,
while it imposed a punishment. He said the lan-
guage was of a most insulting nature; it went to say,
We do not say you arc guilty, but yet we will punish
you.—How—without enquiry, without granting you
the privilege of being heard in your defence. He
would ask, Do the magistrates of Nottingham de-
cline an enquiry ? Do they say we wish to avoid a
prosecution in the King's Bench? Do the) not say,
if we are guiltry, try us, and punish us, but let us
not be condemned unheard. If the magistrates
of Nottingham were guilty of encouraging riots, he
trusted the law was not so impotent but it could
punish them ; but the language that was held out
was this, You are guilty in a great degree, hut we
wish to adopt lenient measures. For his part he
must protest against such lenient measures. It re-
mains still doubtful whether they are guilty or in-
nocent according to the nature of this Bill; he
must objeet to this doubtful state, for it must in
some degree leave impressions to the disadvantage of
those concerned. Some will say, there was no guilt;
others there was no specific guilt. But what
will those concerned say ? Let us know the na-
ture of oar guilt before we can defend ourselves.
Let us enter into the history of this business ;
we are not to confine ourselves to the late
riots, but we are to go into the mei its of preceding
riots. But yet we state that those tumultuous pro-
ceedings were of such a nature, that no connivance
on the part of the magistrates could possibly take
place, it is therefore placed to the score of timidity.
And we have next to consider how far the remedy
goes. There has been in Nottingham two parties ;
the one may say, they were true Whigs, thing up
to the true principles of the Constitution ; the other,
Tories, and to which party the petitioners belonged
was not determined. He contended that the cor-
ponttion had aged as prudent and honest men
should do, they had resisted as far as they could, and
on one occasion, they had prosecuted a person for
rioting, whose name, no doubt, was among the
petitioners in favour of the Bill, but he hoped
not among the justices appointed by it. He there-
fore strongly reprobated the idea of reverting to a
new system merely because there was a change of
circumstances. While the corporation was ob-
noxious to the populace, no fault was found with its
inthion ; but on this occasion, when it happened to
be popular, it was to be disfranchised in order to
make way fur other magistrates nominated by the
Crown. There were several instances on the journals
of a parliamentary interference to secure the peace
of elections, as in the cases of Norwich and Warwick,
but the measure was never reported of dissolving
the chartered rights of those places for the purpose
of extending the same jurisdiEtion to the magistrates.
In the city of London there was a most serious riot
in 1780, when it was proved that the magistrates
had for a considerable time been negligent of their
duty, and were even prosecuted, but that I louse never
entertained on that account the idea of abrogating
the ancient charter of the city. In the town of
Birmingham, there was also in the year I 790, a most
outrageous riot and tumult, in which the houses of
many inhabitants were burnt, and a gentleman, (Dr.
Priestley) whose talents, learning, and virtue were
an honour to his country, was, amongst others,
under the necessity of flying for the preservation of
his life; yet, because the mob was onahat side which
was then most popular in the country, the House of '
Commons refused even to see into an enquiry on the
subjeCt. What he next objeEted to was, that the
Bill was supported not upon any particular but upon
several grounds; not with reference to the last
&aim only, but all eleetions in Nottingham. It
had been stated that the town was exceedingly po-
pulous in proportion to its extent, which rendered it
more liable to be agitated by popular tumults ; but
he would ask whether the argument of greet popu-
lation did not equally apply to London, and why
the same, or similar measures, were not employed
for their prevention ? How did the argument hold '
by any sort of analogy ? It was said that this was
no more than restoring the ancient magistracy of
Nottingham—Restoring it I—Gentlemen might as
well talk of restoring a man his fortune of 50,0001.
01 any other sum, by taking it away from him, as
restore the rights. of the town of Nottingham by
depriving it of itt•eitarun% Independemly of the
late charger, let thi Haw judge of the government
of that corporation when the magistrates were not
obnoxious to the' reigning party, and it wwid be

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(Wind that even within the last w ledrs, ...nm the
Committer alh:dge that riots had occurred, and it
would appear that .the condu.l of the magistracy
was more deserving of praise than of ccocure.
Within this period it was well known that two of the
judges going their circuit, complimented the magi-
strates of Nottingham for the excellence of their go-
vernment, and the scarcity of crimes within their
jurisdiaion. The place, it was true, was extremely
populous, but on comparing its population with
that of the city of London, and the list of crimes in
both, the result would be found highly • credi-
table to the magistracy of the former place. Indeed,
the smallness of the number of crimes committed
for the last ten years, afforded tl:e best 4:l4crion of
the government of the place, which was the less to
be wondered at, as within that period, some of the
most enlightened and respeCtable gentlemen in
that neighbourhood had taken the utmost pains
in the condud of the police. It was obvious
that prudent magistrates on a contested eletlion
might foresee and take measures of precaution
against popular tumults ; but in the eledion in
question there were but two candidates declar-
ed themselves at first, and the magistrates having
no reason to exped an opposition, and therefore
were naturally less prepared than they might other-
wise have been. From the report of the Committee,
and the evidence before them, though there were
riots, it appeared that the magistrates (Bel a grpat
deal to repress them, and would have done more, if
more had been required of them. Not one of the Hon.
Gentlemen who accused them of neglect had thought
proper to tell the name of any Oting which they
omitted and yet ought to have done. The only thing
they negleeted was what they ought to have done—.
that was, they refused to admit of a military elec-
tion, or to have the poll taken under the bayonets of
the soldiers. He was ready to .own, that he kit
much for those Gentlemen, some of syhom he knew
and respected, and that he was prejudiced in their
favour, for he had a natural prejudicefor such as he
found treated with injustice ; and such was the treat-
ment of those magistrates, under the insulting lenity
of the present Bill. if they were.really guilty, why
not punish them while the laws were strong enough
that would be the only .proper mole for pro-
ceeding ; and in his judgment their being guilty
would be an argument to prove that there was
no ground for the measure. If they were innocent,
and unable to quell the disturbances, they had next
to examine whether this would be the proper re-
medy. All the additional power the county ma-
gistrates could have individually, could only he in
the augmentation of the number. He would not
here discuss what could be produced by calling in
the poise cornitatus at the time of riots ; and perhaps
the best effects could hardly be expeded from bring-
ing one mob to combat with another. Indeed, it
may be well doubted whether this could possibly be
the most feasible method of securing the peace and
the freedom of eleEtion. - This, he thought, was a
consequence as much to be deprecated as that of
putting the municipality in different hands from
those in which it was already placed. Some Gen-
tlemen urged it as a general principle, that all ma-
gistrates should properly be nominated by the
Crown ; but it should be recolleCted, that all the
corporations, which were now the best securi-
ties to our remaining liberties, were exceptions to
this rule, as such exceptions constituted the best
supports of the British Constitution. That of
Nottingham, at present, was by its enemies
called a jacobin corporation, for such terms
were easily bestowed, and yet they 'also had the
public thanks of two of the judges. The Bill now
in question was meant to have a very injurious and
extensive operation, for by its provisions the Crown
and its servants would have the power of taking the
rights of election out of the hands of the people, and
of making persons, whether residents or not, a ma-
jority of the magistrates. However, he was ready
to admit that something must occasionally be con-
ceded to hard times, and times and circumstances ;
and that at all events he should think a Bill of this
kind highly exceptionable, yet his opposition to it
would not only be softened, but cease, if the county
magistrates should be restrained from exercising the
power proposed to be given to them, except at the
time of adual riots being in existence. On theother
hand, nothing could be more unbecoming the House
of Commons, than, under such pretences, to suppress
an ancient corporation, and make the regulations of
the magistracy subservient to jobs, and mere eledion
purposes. He agreed, he said, in most of the reso-
lutions of the Committe, but could not concur
in that which accused the magistrates of riot
aiding to quell the riots, as it was at least
too loose and equivocal, and implied a charge
against them for not doing that which it was
stated they were not able to effeEl. In discus-
sing this subje& he could not avoid referring to the
injurious reports against one of the Candidates,
which, though notoriously false, were circulated
with the utmost industry, and could not fail of mak-
ing, in some quarters, a very unfavourable impres-
sion. Many of them were believed in London, and
other distant places, so as to find their way into the
public prints ; and one was even stated in his open-
ing speech by a Gentleman whom he highly resped-
ed, insomuch indeed as to have hardly a greater
friendship for any man ; he meant Mr. Picor, who
was Counsel in behalf of Mr. Coke. The report he
last alluded to was that the mob in the favour of Mr.
Birch paraded the streets of Nottingham, bearing a
naked women, meant to represent the Goddess ofßearon.
To shew the gross falsehood of this scandalous ca-
lumny, he need only mention what he was fully
assured of, that when evidence was .offered to dis-
prove this scandalous report, the Chairman of the
Committee said it was unnessary to enter into the
examination, as they were sufficiently convinced of
its being perfectly groundless. The duty of the
House, he conceived, to be to do justice to all the
parties, and not to leave in the hands, perhaps, of the
promoters of the calumny themselves, the autho-
rity taken from others, and the power of doing the
most material injury to the freedom of election.
Mr. BOND said he was of an opinion. diametri-
cally opposite to that of the last Hon. Speaker, and
world maintain the principle that all magistrates
nominated by the Cr own were constitutionally created.
The discreet and learned Counsel, who was beard
against the Bill at the Bar, set out with all the caution
that was necessary for such a cause as that he was
engaged in. He attempted to call no witnesses,
thou eh he was entitled to do so ; but argued, that
the ‘gill itself was too wide for the ground laid
down in the preamble. As a Member of the Corn.
mittee, he hoped to be indulged in stating his tea.
sons tCr the support he meant to give to this Bill,

I

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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
tninutela 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 IRI 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 affidavit 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.
viscountesses.— 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 MAJESTY 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. SULLIVAN, 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.

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