The Sun.
London, England, 1830-12-31 00:00:00

By L. LLOYD, Esq.

.
"A work full of novelty and amusement. The reader's
imagination is carried with him to the field ; he enters
into all his feelings, enjoys his sport., and closes his book
with the sensations with which he takes leave of old
Isaac Walton—wishing to see him again and again."—
Court Journal.

Henry Cu!burn and Richard Bentley, New Burlington-
street..

ELEGANT FAMILY AND SCHOOL PRESENTS.
This day were published, New Editions, highly Embel•
fished, of the

FABLES of Mil° and GAY, in royal
32m0., viz. The FABLES of ESOP, with 153
beautiful Wood Cuts, in One Volume, price 3a. 6d. in
boards; and the FABLES of GAY, with 109 ditto, One
Volume, price Be. in hoards.
London: Printed for Joseph Booker; Whittaker, Tren-
cher, and Arnot; J. Duncan; Simpkin and Marshall; T.
Tegg; and C. Whittingha►n.
Where may be had also,
Fine Paper Editions of the FABLES of ESOP, in
royal 18mo., price 10s. in boards, and the FABLES of
GAY, in foolscap Bvo., price 94. in boards; and an ele-
gant Edition of ROBINSON CRUSOE, with 65 Wood
Cuts, in royal lSnao., Two Volumes, price 12.. in boards.

A disturbance took place a few days ago at
Noydn, near Beauvais, in France, in consequence of the
curate of that town having refused to grant the rights of
sepulture to the body of a National Guard who had corn.
mated suicide. There was, at one time, a considerable
assembly, but it was at length dispersed by the Magistrates.
The Brighton Guardian gives the sub-
j.,;ned copy of en anonymous circular, which has lately
been sent to the principal farmers in the parish of Hurst-
monccux, and states the following as the circumstances
which gave rise to it :—Some few weeks since, when the
paupers and some of the farmers congregated at Gardener-
street, they called on the worthy rector, the Rev. R.
HARE, requesting him to lower his tithes. Instead of
meeting them himself, he sent his curate, the Rev. Mr.
NIATIIEWS, out to them. He told them that it was ilia-
possible to relieve them (the paupers), the farmers must
do it. " Why," said he, "did their w►ves and daughters
wear silk gowns ? and why did they not walk to church,
instead of riding in a chaise ?" The Rev. Rector did at
last promise a reduction of tithes; but instead of which,
in more than one instance, he has demanded ten per cent.
more than he received last year. Of course the parties
refuse to pay.

•
(cincuLaa.)
" Whereas it has been represented to the wives and
daughters of several of the farmer* of Hurstmonceux and
its vicinity, that their reverend and esteemed curate deems
it very inconsistent for them to wear silk dresses, it was
unanimously resolved by them, that a meeting be imme•
diately called to be holden et the Hurstmonceux Arms Inn,
on the 23d day of the month, to consider the expediency
and propriety of converting the cast-off black silk dresses
of the aforesaid females into a gown for the said popular
wtrate• And further, it was resolved humbly and respect-
fully to beg the reverend divine to honour the meeting by
his presence, that the limper dimensions may be taken, All
it would be a source of mortification to his female pa-
rishioners should the gown not fit.
You are particularly requested to walk, as a horse
and gig are considered very extravagant appendages to a
farmer's establi,binent. By so doing yen will oblige your
humble servant, • Oatavio.u. '
The circular, it appears, bas caused much merriment, in
'the neighbourhood.

Mr. RATIIBONE, in moving the first resolution.
spoke as follows :—The resolution I have to pro-
pose fortunately requires little talent from me as its
advocate. I have no doubt it will agree with the
unanimous feeling of the meeting. I may here be
allowed, as one of a small band of Reformers, who
have had much reproach to encounter, to rejoice in
the,thange of public opinion; rejoice that the' pre-
sent Ministers would only undertake to accept office
upon the understanding that they were to carry for-
ward unsparing retrenchment, moderate Reform, and
preserve peace. Of the necessity of Reform, all
were now convinced. Mr. Pitt had said, that as the
House of Commons was constituted, no honest man
could be Minister. In the present painful circum-
stances of the country we all feel the necessity of
having honest Ministers, and the paramount import.
ance of enabling those Ministers to retain their
places. They (the Ministers) are engaged in an
arduous struggle for the redemption of the country.
They had called upon the country to give them their
support, and said they should require it all; it is,
therefore, fellow townsmen, our duty to give them
our hearty support and co-operation. That our
electors require improvement, the late disgraceful
scenes fully demonstrate; and I have been the more
impressed with it from an anecdote I have just heard ;
and I am sure my fellow-townsmen will participate
in the pain I felt in hearing it, and reprobation of
diabolical sentiments so much at variance with the
better feeling of the majority of my fellow-towns-
men. A canvasser at the late election was at one
of the clubs, or an assemblage of freemen, asked to
drink success to the Rocket, with which he natu-
rally complied. He then asked an explanation. I
feel horror in saying the reply was, " if the fatal ac-
cident had not occurred from the locomotive engine
called the Rocket, we should not have had this
election." Fellow-townsmen, are such persons fit
depositaries of the sacred rights and duties of elec-
tors ; and is it not high time that, by addition of the
respectable meeting now assembled, the body should
be improved ? In conclusion, I may venture to ex-
press the hope, that unanimity and ardour will gi re
effect to the proceedings of this day.
Mr. U. 1-101.3tEs seconded the resolution, which
was carried unanimously.
Mr. A. HODGSON proposed the next resolution as
follows :—At the present moment I think we are
called upon to come forward to strengthen the hands
of administration in the great and important object
to which they stand pledged by their declarations.
I congratulate this meeting, and the country at large,
that the time is at length arrived when the expres-
sion of temperate sentiments on the subject of Re-
form, will meet a responsive feeling in the Legisla-
ture. On the facts stated in my resolution, it is
Orntitceasary to 'That there are many Mem-
bers in the House of Commons, with few or po con-
stituents to represent, and large and opulent towns
with no members to represent them. That while
it is annually entered in the Journals of the House
of Commons, that it is a high infringement on the
liberties and privileges of the House for any Lord of
Parliament, or Lord-Lieutenant of the county, to
concern themselves with elections of Members of
the Commons House of Parliament, a large number
of the Members of the Lower House are actually
returned by particular Peers—that sinister influence
is systematically used by the Ministry to bring into
the House those who are bound to support their
measures, however hostile to the interests of the
country, and however adverse to the rights and pri-
vileges of the people. These things are so well
known, that it is unnecessary to illustrate them by
particular facts, but an exemplification of their ge-
neral notoriety was exhibited the other evening, in
the House of Lords, by the Duke of Newcastle,
when this Noble Duke had the hardihood to cam-
plain that he had been animadverted upon for asking,
with reference to the boroughs under his controul,
whether he might not do what be would with his
own—that is, whether he might not, like the Mar-
quis of Exeter, force his own creatures on those elee-
tore to whom the Constitution gives the right to
choose their owl representatives, and on whom it
imposes the duty of choosing those who will best
represent them. I will pass lightly over the awfully
demoralizing effects of the present mode of elec-
tion, of which we had so recent, so melancholy,
and so disgraceful an instance, in this town—a
system disgraceful, not simply to a Christian and
' civilized, but to any heathen and. savage land, and
which is calculated to bring down a judgment on au
assembly collected by such means. I will pass lightly
over this subject, not because I think lightly of it, but
because I will not forestall the substance of resolu-
tions which will follow; and I refer to it only to
remind you, that. on the present system the very
entrance into Parliament is through a corrupted
channel, and that a fair representation of the people
will never be secured by such means. There are,
however, those who still argue, that after all, the
House of Commons is, practically speaking, all we
could desire. Now, if 1 understand rightly what
the House of Communs ought to be, according to
the principles of the Constitution, it is this :—An
assembly freely elected, between whom and the mass
of the people there is the closest union and most
perfect sympathy. This is the definition of Mr.
Pitt when he was a reformer, and 1 would As,
whether in point of fact and experience our House
of Commons corresponds with this description ? It•
it do, why is it that that the most salutary measures
which the country deliberately desires, are so often
brought forward year after year, with every advan-
tage which reason, and talent, and eloquence can
impart, and yet cannot be carred till they become
what is termed. government questions ? I do not
ask why they du not become law, foe that requites
the concurrence of the other hi-undies of the legis-
lature, but I ask why they do not pass that louse
which professes nut indeed to be a mirror to reflect
all your hasty wishes and opinions, but to represent
your mature and deliberate sentiments and eon vie-
tions. 'Why was it that those salutary reforms in
criminal jurisprudence that Sir Robert Peel has
happily effected, were so long resisted when brought
forward by Sir Samuel ? Was it that they
had in that enlightened statesman, to whom we
owe their introduction, an advocate less zealous,
less able, less eloquent than the Home Secretary,
to whom we are indebted fur their completion ? or
calii‘nleidnistoteroi;fotshee °l"'
was it not rather that Sir Samuel Romiily was nut
that the Ministry were
was under the initteciinic'etto)aft thell Moisterll()e° faCndontilltol
the people. Wtry is it that at the present moment,
when the injurious effect of monopolies is generally
admitted, and when we are anxiously looking round
for adequate vents for the inexhaustible productions
of our manufacturing industry, why is it that we
are still debarred from unrestricted gcornmerve with

the fair and fertile countrine of the East ? Why,
but because the mercantiletlasses are not sufficiently
represented in the House of Commons, and because
the Minister has to conciliate the votes of the
members of various families throughout the kingdom
into which East India influence has spread its widely
•extendid ramifications ? Why is it, that upon all
great measures like the corn laws, the question is
not what is best for the gen.eral good, or how best
to arbitrate between the contending claims of cons
flicting interests, so that Wit may give up some-
thing to each other, and that all may concede what-
ever is necessary for, the whole; but the question is
rather, how much the Minister can afford to give,
without diminishing his majorities, and hew little
will satisfy the importunity of the country. But,
Sir, there are some, who, admitting that there is
much truth in these observations, say the time for
Reform is not yet come. When does the right time
ever come for an unwelcome Reform ? This argu-
ment of its not being the right time, is the objection
with which this subject has been , met through all
the vicissitudes of events, and ill theo varying aspect
of affairs fur the last century. in,thegreseet times
every thing should be done to conciliate the various
classes of society, and to bring them into closer
union and better humour with each other. A
strangeness, a coldness, a distance is creeping in be-
tween them ; and while the lower classes are view-
ing with unwarrantable distrust and unreasonable
jealousy the privileges of those above them, the ails.
tocracy have yet to learn a deeper interest in the
fortunes and a kindlier sympathy with the feelings
of those who, in the order of Providence and the in.
citations of society, are placed below them. In
these times the people should not only be fairly re-
presented, but should know and feel that they are
so, and that there is a community of interest and sym-
pathy of feeling between them and the 1-louse of
Commons. This will be found the most effectual
means of disarming demagogues of their power, and
of counteracting the dangerous and seditious efforts
of wicked and designing men. I advocate Reform
because I wish to transmit that Constitution, with
all its conservative and renovetng principles, to my
children and my children's children, and because I
wish to preserve it not simply from the violence of
an infuriated populace, who might, in a moment of
phrenzy, rase it to the ground, as they ruse those
tnanufactories to whose machinery they owe their
support, but because I would preserve it also from
the ravages of time and from that slow decay which,
if unchecked and unrestricted, would gradually re-
duce it to die mouldering condition of those cede-
siasticul edifices,which add indeed to the picturesque
beauty of our country, but whose venerable ruins
are now the only vestiges of their primeval grandeur.
Mr. LeaTuost, in supporting the second resolu-
tion, could not avoid recording his disapprobation
of die disgraceful proceedings of the late election,
which had been attended with such flagrant acts of
corruption as to produce the most severe reflections
on those who had been the cause of them. These,
animadversions had not only proceeded from persons
on the spot, but had resounded from every corner of
the kingdom, and would no doubt do so from distant
countries also. To prevent a repetition of such ex-
travagance and corruption was one of the main ob-
jects of the meeting now convened, and none ap-
deared more desirable than to extend the franchise
to that class of inhabitants, the rate payers, who are
so well entitled to have a voice in the representation
of the Borough.
Mr. o..Rontsisost, as one of the committee, had
been desirous to introduce the third retnekteittit- •
Mr. R. Enwatans seconded the motion of Mr.
Robinson.
Ms. THEAKSTONT moved the fourth resolution.
Time time has arrived when the middling classes
should come forward and strengthen the hands of
Government in the patriotic intention of reforming
the representative system. If the question is asked
whence the anguish and misery of the country? I
answer in the words of my Lord Grey, u From a
long course of mal-administration and abuse." This
mal-administration, this abuse, first originated in cor-
rupt majorities of corrupt Parliaments; hence the
unnecessary wars, the lavish expenditure, the pro-
fuse sinecures end pensions ; hence that most fatal
of all measures the substitution of paper for gold;
hence the prostitution of public virtue, the cupidity
arid selti.hness of public men, and the unparalleled
condition of this once happy country. I believe no-
thing can save the country but Parliamentary Re-
im m. But when I say this, I feel it my ditty to
elution this meeting from the adoption of an opinion
which is very prevalent, that Reform will prove a
panacea for all our distress ; it is in vain to hope
thk, if faith with the public creditor is to be kept,
and if other Parliamentary engagements are to be
inviolate. We must I fear, with substantial Re-
form, be subject to alternations of suffering and
tress. Refotin will, however, do much, it will re-
store public virtue, timid destroy the caterpillars of the
State ; it will shear the oligarchy--that modern
Sampson—of its strength; it will create is new flame
of patriotic principle, which will infuse life and vi-
gour into our present languishing condition. 1 now,
secondly, proceed to enforce the adoption of my re-
solution; it comprises three prominent facts; lit, a
large population ; 2d, a paucity of electors; Zid,
that the majority of them are operatives. I perceive
the assertions gain your assent, need I then dilate
upon the anomaly of a large population having no
voice in the choice of representatives? Need I di-
late upon the absurdity of this important privilege
being in the hands of a few, and those chiefly opera-
tives ? Shull I allude to the way in which they are
usually influencial to vote ? I um sure your own
feelings will supply more strongly the application
than I can enforce it. One observation I may be
permitted to submit, (and I do it hypothetically and
without a personal reference) how can a constituency
expect a Member to serve them faithfully who pays
clearly for his election ? Cat he look down upon
them without feelings of inenble disgust and +Arlon-
twice ? Is it not notorious that the door of Par-
!lament opens the road to employment, to plaice, and
power, amid patronage; and this once ()blunted, the
interests and well-being of the constituency is free
(pettily neglected ?
Mr. jolts; Citoneen, jun., rose to second the pro-
position of Mr. Theakstone.
Mr. H. Ilotrll, in moving the fifth resolution,
..aid he came there to claim admission into the ranks
of a hotly of men, long knov(n und respected for
heir local classifications, and who, he trusted, would
soon he admitted to a participation in those political
lights from which they had been too long debarred.
Parliament was, or ought to be, the guardian of
their liberties; they did right, therefore, to ap-
peal to Pailiument fur a redress of their gritty..
mice. If, out of respect to a high quarter, it was
desirable to'uddress the throne, be it so, Let Par-
nutrient address their Sovereign. The people of
Liverpool would be vonitent; they could have no
objection to appeal from the arbitrary rule of King
Charles 11,, to the acknowledged patriotism of -
ham IV.

Mr. Taos. TUORNI:IX succeeded Mr. Booth.—
The admirable resolution now before the meeting
was penned by Mr. Henry Booth, and had been
most ably supported by him. For his own part,
nothing that had occurred at the late election, when
there was an expenditure of 100,0001., chiefly paid
for votes, at from 51. to 504 each; nothing that had
occurred at former elections, which, when contested,
were always attended with bribery; nothing that
,iceurred at our yearly election for Mayor, when bri-
bery always prevails, and at one of which elections

Before the motion was adopted by the meeting,
Mr. JOHN TAYLOR requested to say a few wordx
upon it. The Chairman having replied, that any
person present was perfectly at liberty to make any
observations which were in unison with the subject
before them, Mr. TAYLOR spoke us follows:
Sir, as 1 conceive that the objects of this meeting
would be imperfectly attained if we refrained from
expressing our opinions on a mo-t important point
in the question of Reform—that of vote by ballot,
I will not allow myself to be deterred, by personal
considerations, from stating my owe sentiments on
that subject, nor from giving the rate-payers of
Liverpool the opportunity of (Art s•ing theirs.
The science of legislation, long es it has occupied
the attention of men, must still be considered us de-
fective ; happily, we may also Consider it as progres-
sively improving. Of all the improvements which
it has recently experienced, none has had so benefi-
cial an effeet as the adoption of voting by ballot in
choosing the representatives of the people. To
voting by ballot Europe owes that prospect of ame-
lioration which it now et joys. It was not the in-
surrection of the citizens of Paris, praiseworthy as it
was, which gave liberty to France ; it was the vote
by ballot which, by Its safe operation, insured the
return of an honest independent majority to the
~Choirsibeir-444keptties ;' *aid which -honesz,,,majority
those who were conspiring the establishment of
despotism durst not fare. In whatever degree the
contemplated Reform be sought or granted, the vote
by ballot is equally necessary. As to the gyres'sl
question of effective Reform, its promotion or re-
tardment does not lie in the votes of this meeting;
the force of circumstances ensures it, and the united
voice of the British people will compel it. I shall
propose the addition of the following resolution to
those already proposed and carried :—" That it is
the opinion of this meeting, that the adoption of the
mode of voting by ballot is essential to the useful
operation of any change, whatever may be its de-
gree, in the representative system of the British
empire."

Mr. MATH En said, I have been applied to by Mr.
Taylor to second the resolution on the vote by bal-
lot, which I do with pleasure, because it is in per-
fect accordance with my own' sentiments. Of all
the subjects connected with Parliamentary Reform
I consider this the most important. If I must have
only one conversion, give me the vo'e by ballot, and
if necessary, leave to the boroughmongers the no.
ruination of their Members. If with the ballot the
House of Commons be not fairly chosen, they will,
at least be freely chosen.
Mr. RaTnnotik: declared himself a decided advo-
cate for voting by ballot--(Cheers)=•-but would
suggest the inexpediency of pressing the resolution
at th© present moment. lie proposed, therefore,
that the original resolutions should first be passed,
and a petition founded upon them, and if a motion
were afterwards made for voting► by ballot, he should
hold up his hand in favour of it.

Mr. rtur.ToN also eulogized the system of ballot
but %vas desirous that the first propositions hhotilti
previously be disposed of.

Mr. RUSHTON said there was no public assembly
in which the committees were not chosen by ballot,
scarcely a club existed in England to which • lie
members were not admitted by kallot. It governed
the proceedings with all committees in that den of
monopoly, the India Cotnpany ; and by ballot W4lll
every Committee of the. house of Commons elected.
lie would ask those timid gentlemen who are op-
posed to entertaining the question if they could ob-
tain access to their places of 'public resort., if they
were able to gain admission to the Rotunda without
the assistatice of ballot ; whether it had not a con.
siderable share in the management of the Wellington•
rooms, the Royal Institution, and every one of
your Public institutions ? Why should it not, then, ho
combined with those institutions a hich were infinitely
more essential than any local institutions, and opon
which the strength, the dignity, and the true source
of power, the honour of the country, materially de-
pended,—(Cheers.) Mr. Taylor had told them,
with much truth, that if the vote by ballot were to
be applied, the matter of election, except in theory,
becomes comparatively unimportant"-by it all eti-
tainty would be taken from the practice of bribery,
and the inducement to offer a bribe would be re-
moved. It was quite evident that unless (bete was
a certainty of receiving a vote in return, no candi-
date would have the imprudence to pay sums of
money to men Who might afterwards vote itt favour
of his opponent. Be could never conceive that a
practice sanctioned by the adoption of coot panic-,
such as are established in this town, can be deemed
unmanly or un English. lle was persuaded I.
the Government looked anxiously to the expre,hion
of the will of the people.

Mr. JOHN CLARKIi sMid, tIOW -was the
to satisfy every body, without they knew the wishei
of every body, Their only plan was to Ow the
senile of rm etings in every part of the country and
to frame a bill on the majority. Ile tilougbt. it
would be expedient for them not to I:4llwatt. oiih.
out fixing Oa duration of Parliament the 'mai-
ner of eouth:cting elections, Ile would i i down
with merely hoping that some gentlesiwil
ability, who had the subject as totieh tit h4.:itt as
himself, would propose a motion, that the opn.on

of the meeting was in favour of a triennial Parlia-
ment, according to the statute of William 111. -
Mr. FITZSIMIVONS was an advocate for vote by
ballot, and for confining the election to one day.
Mr. W. W. Cutting: knew that, in a meeting like
the present, nothing was so likely to produce an im-
pression abroad as unanimity. They saw that the
public mind was prepared for some measure of Par-
liamentary Reform ; but they were at the same
time aware, that good men might differ respecting
the mode of carrying that Reform into effect. One
man might be for the vote by ballot ; another for
annual Parliaments ; and a third for universal suf-
frage. Now the committee did their duty, when
they endeavoured to construct their resolutions so
as to produce an unanimous expression of opinion on
the grand and vital points.—(Applause.) Ile con-
fessed that he was one of those whose minds were
not made up on the subject of the vote by ballot.
Still he thought that the arguments in favour of that
mode of voting, were such as deserved consideration,
and, though he did not come prepared to advocate
it, he would give to it his most serious attention.
Why, then, should his friends who had advocated
the adoption of the vete by ballot force the question
on the present meeting, or, by so forcing it, disturb
the general unanimity, when unanimity was so im-
portant and so desirable ? It did not follow because
he scouted such phantasies as annual Parliaments
and universal suffrage, that he might not change his
mind even respecting these ; nor, because his mind
was not made up on the vote by ballot, did it fellow
that he might not now become an advocate for such
a mode of voting. But these parts of the subject
might be considered, with more propriety, at another
meeting. Unanimity was the great object at which
the meeting should aim on the present occasion.
To obtain that greed object, all subjects of minor
importance ought to be waved, or their consideration
postponed to another opportunity.—(Applause.)

Mr. T..BorroN avowed himself favourable to the
vote by ballot : but concurring with Mr. Currie in
the observations which he bad made, respecting the
importance of unanimity, he suggested, whether vote
by ballot might not be made the subject of a sepa-
rate petition.
Mr. littocitutßANK was an advocate for the vote
by ballot ; but, in order to preserve unanimity, the
committee had drawn up the resolutions in such a
shape that no man could refuse to sign the petition
embodying them, who had a due regard for the wel-
fare of his country and the stability of its institu-
tions. Unanimity as the grand point was so desk-
*able, that, he trusted, it would not be disturbed by
any difference of opinion in the minor details. The
present Ministers were entitled to the confidence of
the country ; they were favourable to Reform ; and
they would, he was convinced, carry it as far us it
was practicable.
Mr. T. MATIIER, jun., remarked that all the ar-
guments which had been urged by the preceding
speakers were not urged against the principle of the
vote by ballot, but against the expediency of bringing
the question forward on the present occasion. Ile
begged to ask whether the committee (which iva,
not, he supposed, a secret one) had not divided on
the question of the vote by ballot, and whether the
majority had not agreed to sink it for the purpre,e
of catching a few sggnatures.—(Cries of " Nre")—
He could never consent to allow principle to give
way to expediency on a question like the one now
before the meeting. Nor could the country too soon,
or too strongly, express their deliberate opinions on
the vital subject of the ballot. It was ridiculous to
think of holding another meeting. If the country
were now unanimous in the demand for Reform
with vote by ballot, the necessity of holding such
meetings would be obviated.---(Cheers.)--The
adoption of the ballot is the only mode by which
the voter can be saved from punishment, for the
conscientious exercise of the ft anehise. This posi-
tion the speaker illustrated by an anecdote; and be
appealed to the meeting►, whether they did nut know
of innumerable instances of conscientious voters

under the present system, having been deprived of
employment for the votes they bud given.—(Cries
of" Yes.")—With respect to the fear that proceed-
ings of such meetings as the present might ember-
rasa the Government, he was convinced that the
Ministers wanted, at this juncture, to hear the
honest expression of the sentiments of the country.
—(Applause.)—Mr. Mather enlarged on the fore-
going topics, upon which some persons wished to
interrupt hire ; but on his declaring that he would
not be put down by clamour, he was allowed to
proceed without interruption. Ile was desirous
, that the power of influencing people's votes should
be taken from the gentlemen who now exercised it
for their own advantage. Property, wealth, talents,
standing in society, were, or at least ought to be,
sufficient gratifications in themselves, without the
rich man attempting to engross the rights of the
humbler classes of society.—(Cheers.)—lle stated,
in conclusion, that Mr. Taylor and himself were de.
termined not to withdraw the resolution.--(Hear.)
Mr. Ramnuosm, in consequence of something
which bad fallen from Mr. Mather, respecting gen-
tlemen influencing votes, denied with some warmth
that he had ever been guilty of any such attempt;
on the contrary (and he appealed to his fellow-
townsmen for the truth of his assertion), no man
had ever been a more consistent advocate of the
rights of the poor than he had.—(Applause.)
Mr. MATHER reminded Mr. Rathbone that be had
apt made any charge against him.
Mr. T. BOLTON again pressed on the meeting the
desirableness of unanimity, especially as many gen-
tlemen seemed never to have thought on the sub-
ject of the ballot, whilst the opinions of others were
wavering concerning the propriety of adopting such
at mode of voting.
Mr. IL lionsori spoke to the same purport.
Mr. ItUSIOTON argued against the principle which
had been laid down by the preceding speakers. It
was important to gather the opinion of so numerous
and so respectable a meeting on the subject of
ballot. If the advocates of that measure should be
defeated on a division, they would then submit very
tranquilly to the declared will of the majority. But
if they carried their point, it would show the pro-
priety of the majority being permitted to express
their opinion on the subject. The question ought
to be put to the vote, and if the sense of the meet-
ing were in favour of the vote by ballot, it was de-
sirable that the Government and the Parliament
should be made acquainted with their wishes on
this important subject.—(Cheers.)
Mr. T. THORNELY remarked MA the committee
bad not been unanimous on the vote by ballot. lie
himself was favourable to the vote by ballot.
Mr, THOUS SMITH was struck with the manner
in which the gentlemen who had preceded him had
addressed the meeting on the subject of unanimity.
They declared to us (said Mr. S.) that they bad not
considered the subject. They are novices, forsooth I
they have not made up their Minds on the subject ;
and they very modestly call on us who have-1
mean the meeting at large—who have made up our
minds on the necessity of the ballot, to wait till they
have made up theirs !—( A laugh.)—Why, some
of the greatest men of the present day were advo-
cates for the ballot ; among them is Lord Althorp,
and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The country
at large were for the same mode of voting. Anti
will Liverpool bow to the scruples of these novices
oft the subject ? will she make a breach in the ge-
neral unsuiinity ?—(Cheers.)—Nay, will these
novices disturb, not merely the unanimity of this
meeting, but the unanimity of their country, in
order to please the tender consciences of a few timid
gentlemen.--(Cheers and leugliter)—Mr. S.
argued that it would be the height of absurdity for
persotts who tied made up their minds on the sub-
sect to wait till other persons had considered the
necessity of an extension of the right of Ming*
Mr. JOHN revissit said that it had been urged
againet his proposition that, if embodied in the peti-
tion, it might render the petition less numerously or
less respectably signed. That the obieetion was
premature, for the meeting lied not decided that
there should be one presenteik Re then enforced,
at some length, the general remarks which had been

made in introducing his resolution, which he was
determined to put to the vote.
Mr. T. BOLTON said, that he should vote for Mr.
Taylor's resolution.—(Applause.)
Mr. THOMAS BLACKBURN (the surgeon), spoke
against the ballot. He was not ashamed to say,
that, after the most mature deliberation, he was con-
vinced, that it was not expedient to adopt the vote
by ballot. The analogy, in its favour, drawn from
the example of its adoption in all our charitable in-
stitutions, and in all our clubs and societies of gen-
tlemen,did not appear in the case of popular elections.
Englishmen were used to act openly and above
board, and not to shun the expression of their opi-
nion on great political questions. In conclusion, he
observed, that any reformation of the House of
Commons would not have a good effect which did
riot render the vote by ballot unnecessary, by remov-
ing from the individual the necessity of concealing
his vote.—(Applause.)
Mr. COGLAN said, that the preceding speaker had
told the meeting, that the result of his deliberation
was, that the ballot would he injurious to the hest
interests of the country. The result of his (Mr.
C.'s) consideration decidedly was, that if the Iran.
chise were extended to that portion of the commu-
nity, who pay taxes, that is, if the system were widely
extended, the Government would not consult the
wishes of the people unless they are protected in the
exercise of that franchise by the ballot.---(Cheers.)
The resolution for vote by ballot was then put
from the chair, and carried with not more than a
dozen dissentients.

SPECIAL COMMISSION.

WINCHESTER, THURSDAY, Dtc. 30.

The Court met this morning, pursuant to adjournment,
at ten o'clock. The three Judges were on the bench, in
their scarlet robes. The Duke of WELl.ttittrorr, the Right
Hon. STuauas BOURNE, and Mr. POLLEN were present
as Commissioners. There were also a great number of
Magistrates in attendance. Among others Sir W. Heath-
cote, M.P., Sir T. Boring, M.P., Mr. Fleming, M.P,
and several others with whose names we were unacquainted.
The jury-box and the dock were filled with convicted
felons. The Court svas filled to repletion before the arri-
val of the Learned Judges.
In the dock there were about 20 convicts in rows of fire
each. Cooper was the centre man of the first row. His
appearance is considerably altered since his first trial. lie
looks much older, and seems much dejected. By order of
the Court all the prisoners were removed from the dock,
save James Thomas Cooper, Henry Midge, and John
Gilmore.

The Clerk of the Arraigns then asked these three pri-
soners by name what they had to say, after being con-
victed of feloniously breaking machinery, why they should
not he according to law.
The prisoners continuing silent, Mr. Baron VAUGHAN
and his two Learned Brothers put on black cape, and
Mr. Baron VAUGHAN proceeded, in the most impressive
tone and manner, to pass in the following terms upon the
prisoners