The National Register.
London, England, 1821-11-18 00:00:00

COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL.

On Thursday a Special Court of Common Council
was held, for the purpose of voting all address of con-
gratulation to his Majesty on his return from the Con-
tinent,

The Lord Mayor came in state, and took the chair
precisely at twelve o'clock.
After the purpose for which the Court was called had
been read by the clerk,
Mr. OLDMAM rose, and said he was satisfied that
whenever the Court was called on to express their per-
sonal respect for the Sovereign, those who dissent so
strongly from the measures of government would be
glad of the opportnnity of expressing their attachment
to the monarch. He would never surrender the right
to impugn the measures of M' ':tern, but he would be
equally careful never to allow his disapprobation of their
measures to mix itself with his feelings of respect and
loyalty to the King. It was a fundamental maxim of
the Constitution, that the King can do no wrong, and
cannot he held accountable for the mal-administration of
of his Ministers Mr. Oldham concluded by moving,

that this Court do present au Address of Congratulation
to his Majesty on his safe arrival in this realm, after his
visit to his dominions on the Continent.
Mr. Ex-Sheriff WILLIAMS seconded the Address.
Mr. FAVELL supported the motiou. He was confi-
dent the city of London would always maintain its cha-
racter for loyalty, at the same time he trusted that it
would be feelingly alive to the preservation of every
constitutional right. Fur his part he was confident that
the Corporation of London would always be, as they
had always been, tme hearnd loyal Britons.
OLDhAM then moved that a Committee should
be appointed, consisting of all the Aldermen present,
and one Common Councilman from each Ward to pre-
pare the Address.
The Committee were accordingly appointed, and re-
tired for an hour. On their return strangers were
ordered to withdraw, and while the doors were closed,
the address was nuanimotislv agreed to.
Mr. Wencixt. said, he felt ;peat gratification in pro-
posing a motion which he was satisilied every member of
the Gnat would heartily concur.
The worthy gentleman then moved a vote of thanks
to the late Lord Mayor.
Mr. FAV I:Lt. said he felt it an honour to second the
motion, and to be of the Same Ward that had given to
the City of Loudon a Chief Magistrate, in all respects,
so excellent ; he considered the paneg)ries contained in
the motion, not the language of compliment, hut a series
of truisms. 'Fite Lord Mayor had been called to his
office in a time of great difficulty, and his conduct had
in every circumstance been worthy of his station—by
mildness without weakness—by firmness without obsti-
nacy, he had preserved die peace of the City, and proved,
that sound discretion, and manly fortitude, were sari-
ciem, with the aid of the ci' it power, fur all the pur-
poses of good government, without calling in the assist-
ance of the military.—(llcur, bear!)
Mr. DI XON said, the gentlemen on his side of the
house were as desirous as any other of doing justice to
the great merit of the late Lord Mayor, whose conduct
had certainly entitled him to universal approbation.
The question that the motion be agreed to, being put,
was carried by acclamation.
Mr.OLDHAM moved, that a purse of 50 guineas be
presented to the late Lard Mayor's Chaplain, which was
carried without observation.

Alderman WAITIIMAN said, he had 3 subject to
mention which was of great importance, althotight at
present he did not intend to of for any motion on it.
Some years ago the Griot appointed a Committee to
enquire into the manner of forming Special Juries, by
whose report it appeared that they were returned by the
Secondary, and that it was the duty of each IVard to
make a return of its inhabitants that were eligible for
Special Jotting. Notwithstanding this report, s,veral
Wards had omitted to make ally retort's, and the list or
Special Jurors was nr COUsepleliCe in a worse Mate than
balm the report was made. lie always considered the
best qiiiililicatirms for Special Jurots to be, information
and indepeodence, and these were most likely to be
found amongst persons the most extensive in trade, who
should lisercl/ire be returned.

Mr. 1)z ow said, by the ride of returning Merchants
only, Brokers were excluded, although they possesst d
more mercantile knowledge, and were better
•qualified
for Special Jurors than any other body of men.
Mr. TAT Lo It said, the legal definition of the word
Merchant was a person who made profit by buying Jll4l
selling, and all such were eligible.
The conversation drops here without any motion
being made, and, after some routine busiue►s, the Court
dissolved.