The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-06-22 00:00:00

BARK DINNEA

SOUTH' _ _ _
The Seventh Anniversary Dinner to celebrate the
of Southwark took place yeeterday. at the Horns Taweree
einem, Sir R. Wilson, M.P. in the chair. The How. obi
lent Chairman was supported by Sir F. Burdett, Mr. 1$1011111.•
Mr. Noble:mar, Mr. S. 11 hubread, the Hon. Mr. C. 11. Husehitelest
Lieutenant-Colonel Tureen., Mr. Hume, and several other pas
demon of distinction.
After the removal of the cloth, the CHAIRMAN gave the feel.
sesta—
"" The King, and may he never forget hie own decimal diet'
dee Crown Is held in moo for the benefit Of the people "as. rr
dams three. (Great applause.)--" lied save the King."
The next toasts were— '
" The people ; the only source of legitimate power." " A full,
rioir, and free representation of the people in Parliament." " A fret
rms. the best security for the maintensoce of public right)." Trial
by Jury, and thanks to Mr. Secretary Peel for his excellent Bill
‘ aor the improvement of that inestimable institution."—Three times
three. (Oreat applause.)
Mr. WHATHICHSTORE said, from the embarnadng situation in
which be wu placed, he needed a large portion of the indulgence of
the meeting. Some might think that it was an intrusion in him to
ensue forward in the presence of those distinguished individuals who
that day honoured them with their company—indi.iduals eminent
for rank, talent, and patriotism. (.1 pplause ) Gentlemen, said Mr.
Weatherstone, we are this day met to celebrate the seventh anniver-
sary of your independence, In the return of Sir Robert Wilson to
Parliament, and I should shrink from my present task if I did not
feel that that gallant individual was equally admired by us all.
(Applause.) It was likely ;hat before the next anniversary they
would be called on to exercise one of their most invaluable right,--
it was probable that before the next year, a new election would take
place, and that Sir It. Wilson would again return to his constitu.
cots the trust which had been reposed in him : and well and faith-
fully had he discharged that trust, and most nobly had he redeemed
every pledge which he had made them. (Applause.) Ile .vas still
to be found thee/erne undaunted champion of Parliamentary Reform
that he was in 1810—still the same friend to civil and religious
liberty—still the indefatigable advocate of economy in every depart-
ment of the State. In tine, lie was the friend or all mankind ; and
if any individual was worthy the support of the independent elec.
ton of Southwark, it was Sir R. Wilson. (Great applause.) When
the time came, he (31r, W.) hoped they would all he at there post.
He as an individual would never abandon their gallant chairman,
until that chairman had first abandoned those principles on which
' he had hitherto acted with so much honour to himself and bent..
it to his country. (Applause.) After some further remarks,
Weathenstone proceeded to say, that he could not sit down
without alluding to the prospect there was of having their intrepid
and valuable representative restored to his rank in the army. (The
cheering which followed this announcement lasted for some
minutes.) Yes, to his station in that army, of which his former
brother in arms, and indeed every man, no matter what Might be
his political feeling, admitted him to he so bright an ornament. I
won't (said Mr. Weatheratone) now impugn the motives which led
to the dismissal of my gallant friend, still, I must even consider it
a great hardship; hut as all parties seem anxious lb forget the
pad, and consign all angry feelings to oblivion, se will 1. 1 shall,
therefore, without further comment, propose the health of Sir
Robert Wilson, your gallant representative. After the applause
which followed this toast had subsided—
Sir R. Vri egos; rose. It was true, as his Honourable Friend
had said, that thin was the 7.11 Anniversary Festival to celebrate
the independence of the Electors of Southwark. At fire or six of
thesefestivais he had the honour to preside, and to receive the meet-
ings of hi constituents, and these greetings would have been com-
mensurate with their meetings. but thst on one occasion he was un-
avoidably absent attending his Parliamentary duties, and on the
other he was engaged in a cause, which, though unsuccessful, was
still cherished In their hopes—still cherished in their hope* as free-
men—still dear to them as Englishmen. (Applause.) The cause
of Spain must always be dear to every man who felt indignant at
the unjust and unlawful interference of a foreign power with the
rights, the liberties, and the independence of another nation. It
was probable, as his Honoerahle Friend had said, that before the
next year he should have to appear before the collective holy of hie
constituents ; when that day sinned, he would be ready to pass the
ordeal. and to receive the verelict of their judgment. He would do
so fearlessly, for on a revision of his conduct by his own conscience,
he had from that conacience a certificate of hie Integrity.(Applausic.)
Most undeviatingly had lie adhered to his engagement—on all occa-
sions he was ready, and did sacrifice hie private interest to that of
his country. He would not dwell on any sacrifices made by him,
for as far as these acre of a public nature. and as far as they
affected hint as a public mama° far the public must regret them. He
sought not by any of his acts to acquire an ephemeral popularity ;
his object was merely to obtain what the wise in nil ages esteemed,
namely, the good opinion of honourable men. When a new elec.
tion took place, he was prepared to allow hie constituents how much
he preferred their internste to his own, and if it were his fate to be
then successfully opposed, he would meet his opponent with the
best feelings, and give him his hand to ascend that elevation from
which he was about to eleSliend, he trusted without dishonour. He
had engaged in a covenant with his constituents, which both should
fulfil, and entered into a contract which they were mutually bound
to perform ; and he now told them, that if the new candidate had
all the talents and all the patriotism of those distinguished indivi-
duals who surrounded him, that that candidate would be an unfit
representative, unless he advocated the full, free, and fair women-
ration of the people in Parliament. (Great applause.) lithe Mile-
pendent electors of Southwark felt fully the advantages they
enjoyed in common with the electors of Westminster and of Middle.
sex, in being able to have for their representative the object of their
free choice. then must they feel anxious to confer the same in-
estimable blessing en every other portion of the community. ( Hear.)
He was free to admit the great benefit conferred on the country dur-
ing the present session of Parliament, and that many measures of
the greatest advantage to the public had been adopted, such as the
recognition of South America. Ile was free to admit that his
Majesty's Ministers were pursuing a liberal and enlightened policy,
and that much good was likely to arise from the Bill introduced by
Mr. Peel, whose health they that night so properly drank. (Ap-
plause.) He thought also. that next station something was likely
to he eirsie to cleanse that Augean stable, the Court of Chancery;
and he trusted that the Alien Act aria Foreign Enlistment Bill
might also be repealed ; but then these might be mere transitory
benefits for they could have no kecurity for their liberties', unless
the seal was stamped on them by a reform in the represen-
tation of the people. (Applause.) The spirit of evil still lurked
in the system, and though it now slumbered, they should remeinber
that the dcn of the absent lion was always formidable. He did not
hope that all would be an Utopian perfection if reform were grant.
ed, for he must not forget that the " loathsome canker oft lived in
the sweetest bud." It rested with them to do the beet they could,
end leave the rest to the Great Disposer of events. After some fur-
ther observations, the Hon. and gallant General went on to say, that
he assisted a few days back at a ceremony which must be a source
of pride and gratification to every Englishman, as it was to be as
atteding monument to after ages of the greatness of this mighty
metropolis, which represented the magnitude of the empire.
On coming sway from that ceremony, he saw wh et he thought
might afford an instructive lesson ; he raw before him those
towers built by him who belonged to what was called " the
eternal city ;" that mighty power was now at an end; and
why, because it always sought rather to extend its dominion than to
increase the happiness of mankind ; and because it proposed to
make the entire world its vassals, and not freemen. (Applause.)
he gazed on these tcwers, he felt within him a confidence
that England had in her Constitution a vital principle which
would preserve her from a similar decay. She had the advantage of
a hereditary monarchy, clan aristocracy, and not an exclusive one.
but which was open to all those whose talents entitled them to
• place in it; and above all, she had a Representative system,
which told her that the equal laws were for the rich and for the
poor (Applause). Rome therefore perished, because she hail not
these advantages; but Great Britain. if she preserves her Coosti-
tution, must remain imperishable amidst the wreck of nations.
(threat applauae) The Hon. General went on to say, that as it
was probable a material change would take place next Session in
the Corn Laws. his Constituents should be prepared with their
opinion on the subject His own feeling was, that they should live
and let live—that they should allow the agriculturist a fair remu-
nerating price. Some arrangement should he made; for if the
British manufacturer was not able to compete nith foreigners in
the foreign market, be must necessarily lower the rate of wages.
Then, most probably. would came on discontent amongst the work-
men—then would, in all likelihood, follow the repeal of the Habeas
Corpus Act, and the odious Six Acta. It therefore became the
Electors of Southwark to instruct him and his Hon. Colleague
as to what course they should pursue. There might exist dif-
ferences oetween him and his Hon. Colleague, but they differed as
honourable men ; anti he was most anxious that success should at-
tend him whose THRIMITTS were beat calculated to promote the
interests of his country. The Hoo. and Gallant General concluded
by proposing the health of his kind friend and ?RPM meritorious
Colleague, Charles Calvert, and the Reformers of the Borouest of
Southwark." Three time* three.
The next toast was—" Sir F. Burdett, the able and enlightened
advocate of the liberties of the people." (Greet arphorse.)
Sir F. BI:CDETT rettrned thanks. Ile cordially concurred in
the sentiments expreosed by his Gallant Friend. In taking a re-
trospective view of hie friend's conduct. he felt that neither his C9ll.
st:tuent. hail cause to regret their choice, or he his conduct ; and
If he (Sir F. Burdett) had not witnessed that conduct, and sp.
proved of it he should not have been found there that day. Had
be not entertained an high opinion of the elector+ of the borough
of Southwark, and of the independence which induced them to
elect his Gallen; Friend, he would not have thought it an honour
to be amongst *hem at the celebration of their independence.
He agreed with his Gallant Friend that great advantages had re-
sulted from the liberal and enlightened policy of his Majesty's Mi.
riders; but as they held these merely at the will of Government,
there could be no security 'widow a return to the odious principles
which prevailed during the Administration of the late Mr. Pitt.
Though Government had gone far, they had not gone to the extent
of their own principles, nor as far as the country expected of them.
Zr was idle to talk of free trade, whilst so many shackles still con-
tinued on it, and above all ((utmost obn ox ious of all system e, the pre-
ventive coast guard. He repeated, that there was no security for the
liberties of the people; for if the people asked and pressed boldly
for it, that right which was the only basis of free Government. " •
free, full. and fair representation of the people," it was
that they would be met by a set of borougnmorgers and a mend-
ing army, which before shed the people', blood. Therefore, he '
could not be satisfied with /ousting the Government for their
recent improvements, so discontented a spirit was he, unless he
saw more security than that affbrded by the moderation of
a Minister. All was now conciliation, bat it was well known that
if a colt were to be trained, they first hampered and worded him
when, however, he was pettectly trained and used to the curb he

THE BRITISH PRESS;

vestioeia: aptr agalge
aM tine Szeitrim_mnerlemil the
M Mir 044111111 t briVat all. (dei to
st
wignim) After ,seso beam ohnervedens. IM Hon. Berenot
"II al to OM, laid it hls %Hest filmdhed volisined from
01•11* on a awn& esigeet.he mem sill awes hiefeelinim rwr
h. • Wien that &abject wee meeliesed le the Home of Common%
see /sly was there no digidalent tVielle. bat he was convinced that
eat even in sentiment did way Member of the House feel licritile to
his Gallant Friencre bin restored—a feeling which we, equally
creditable to 1ht1111101.1119 Mad the object of their sympathy. He
demight doe shotaM not be deprived of %how talent, which
lie Agee* ess dtsiM apt that he pomemed, and which no one
amid have the lemsdleine openly to assert he was not endowed
with. After asses *swim timmilta. the Hem Baronet concluded by
ueing, that he fiit gram Omen at main the electors of South-
wark reedy is emopmeee wish dims of Westminster and Middlesex
in obtalsing foe the people • full, him and fair representation.
(Great applause.)
• Cti •

The Clime MAW ant premed the health of John Cam Hob-
house. Esg. the intrepid ihtfamiler of public freedom.
Mr. Hontrousn then row sad returned thanks. He had bees
since his first entrance Wm Parliament a most anxious observer at
the line of conduct pursued by his Hon. and Gallant Friend; not
because he doubted his integrity, but because he wished to see how
he would chew himself werdty of those who returned him nn such
pure principles of independence. (Cheers.) He would not enlaree
on a subject which must interest them all, and which had been
so lightly touched no by his lion. and Gallant Friend—a line of
conduct which *hewed that he possessed what was SO nearly Allied
to courage. Still he (Mr. Flobbouse) could not forbcir mentioning
one or two circumstances which came under his own immcdiate
view. In 1813, after the great exertion* were made to overthrow
the eollossal power of France, he happened in be at an entertain-
ment given by the Commander a the Russian Guards, and imme-
diately on the removal of the cloth, the Russian officer turning to hint
(31r.H.)said " I will propose to you as a toast the health of an indivi-
dual of whom your country ought to feel proud, I propose to you
the health of Sir R. Wilson." On another occasion, when he (Mr.
Hobhouee) was at Vienna, shortly after the battle of Dresden, he
happened to be present when the bulletin containing the partieu-
lars of that momentous action was opened, and heard the Rutsian
Ambassador say, that one of the main CUM'S of the stand which
had been male on that eventful day, was the gallantry
of Sir R. Wilson. After some further observations the Hon.
Member went on to say, that he differed with his Gallant Friend as
to the causes of the downfall of Rome. His Gallant Friend would
excuse him for saying, not by way of correction certainly, but be.
cause their school-boy recollections differed : that on the principle
of colonization we had no right to complain of Rome, for she inva-
riably extended to her colonies the arts, cimmerre, anJ libe-
rality on which her own greatness Was originally based. Thus
acting very difforently from the system pursued by England
towards her Colonies. The cause of her overthrow was not
what his Honourable and Gallant Friend had said ; that cause had
been well described by a great and eminent master. Monteequien
told them that the power of Rome declined because the period
had arrived when the legislative power was more anxious to be cor-
rupted than the ext.:wive had the means of corrupting. He
trusted that that would never he the case with England. lie
hoped that her people would still remain true to the pnnciples of
their ancestors, true to the sail which gave them birth, to the at-
mosphere which they breathed, and which gave a life, a vigour,
and an energy to all their actions. (Great applause.)
The next toast was "J. G. Lambton, hag. the independent
and spirited asserter of the liberties of his countrymen."
LASIBTON returned thanks.

The CIIAIRMAN next proposed " The health of Samuel Whit-
bread, Esq."
The Honourable Gentleman returned thanks.
" The health of J. Hume, Esq. the determined opposer of cor-
ruption," followed.
Mr. Hoar. returned thanks.

The Cnatast AN then proposed the health of the Hon. C. Hut•
chinson and the itel.Orilleri Of Ireland.
Mr. Hutrcirixxort then returned thank.. He passed a high
eulogium to the military talents of his Gallant Friend. He was
flattered at being connected whir the Re :tumors of Ireland, and as-
sured the Gentlnmen present that he had but a short time occupied
a star in St. Stephen'. when be learnt to despise himself, unless he
had the good fortune to represent the feelings of those who re-
turned him; and most sincerely had he the interests of his Con.
stituents at heart, and ever would he continue to exert himself
to achieve whatever might tend to their benefit. With respect
to Ireland, he would say, that unless that country were
raised to the station whieh both God and nature intended
she should hold, and unless justice were done her, there
could be no 'security for England. He assured them that it
was mere infatuation to expect that in the event of a war England
could be secure as long as seven millions of Catholics in Ireland,
and half a million in this country, were held in chains. (Ap-
plause.)
The CHAIR MAN then begged, in conformity with the sentiments
uttered by his Honourable Friend (Mr. Hutchinson). to propose
as thetoast—" Civil and Religious Liberty all over the W'orld."
The Chairman shortly after announced to the company that he
and his tiend► bad received a message, requesting their attend-
ance at the House of Commons, as the Spring-gun Bill was
then under discussion. He r.nd his friends, therefore. from a sense
of public duty, though with much regret, felt themselves under the
necessity of withdrawing- la conclusion, ha prayed that God
would bless them all.
The !Inn. and Gallant General, and the other :limbers of the
House of Commons present then, withdrew amidst loud cheers.