The Sun.
London, England, 1839-11-13 00:00:00

" R MAYNE."
Mr. Sturge, in continuation, said, he confessed tha
he aliuded to this subject with a feeling of deep sorrow
rather than of anger, as he was too fully sensible of
his own infirmities and errors not to be disposed to make
every allowance for those of others. On a late occa-
sion he knew the Magistrates were at times in
a very difficult situation, and he had been most anxious
to shield them from needless blame ; and with regard
to the Mayor especially, there were many reasons, both
of a personal nature and as a member of this Corpora-
tion, why he felt it to be his duty to do so. These
considerations would have induced him for one to have
te:„....1...4re of the Inn] and unjust aspersions
attempted to be thrown upon the Corporation, had it
not ended in measures deeply affecting the rights, inte-
rests, and liberties of his fellow-townsmen and the
country at large.—Hear, (hear.) This subscription
must, however, have been a deliberate act. He would not
I allude to it further than as it bore upon the present
election ; but this he would say, that if the dearest friend
he had were put in nomination, he would vote against
him if he acted in a similar manner, unless be publicly
expressed his regret for what lie had done.—(Cheers.)
Captain Moorsom, as he before observed, did not sub-
scribe to this fund ; and it would be seen by his evi-
dence, that he did not even know of the intention to
bring the London police to Birmingham, and when they
did arrive he advised their return. He knew that
the subscription to the London police in Birming-
ham had been viewed, in many quarters, as a premium
on outrage and violence—(Hear, hear)—and they mus•
not forget that they got forced into their town three
hundred men, who, at the command of a despotic
power, could be armed with deadly weapons —( Loud
cheers, and cries of " Question," by Mr. Alderman
Lawrence.) He thought he was fully justified in al-
luding to the subject, and he should be deeply grieved
if anything were done to separate the two classes of
the people more than they were at present.— (Hear,
hear.) If he was out of order in these observations,
nothing was further from his intention. He was autho-
rised by Captain Moorsorn to say that he did not sub-
scribe to this fund, and if the Council elected a person
who did, he feared for the consequence. He attached
considerable importance to this proceeding on public
grounds, and he would mention to the Council, that it
was in contemplation to hold a meeting on this very
subject ; and he should regret exceedingly, if any one
presided, as Mayor, on the occasion who had subscribed
to the fund. In reference to the" declaration," he would
merely observe that he was not the keeper of Captain
Moorsom's conscience, and he thought no one had a
right to ask him what he would do, but he trusted
no member of the Council would consider the trouble of
a new election a sufficient reason for not voting for him.
In consequence of what passed at the private meeting
of the Council on the preceding Thursday, in which it
was stated that Captain Moorsom had subscribed 54.
for the London police, and much inquiry having been
made about his taking the declaration, he had written to
Captain Moorsom, who was then in London upon the
subject. Captain Moorsom, in his reply, stated that he
had neither subscribed, nor authorised any one for him to
subscribe Si. to the London police fund ; and as to the
declaration, he stated that he was preparing an explana-
tion on that subject which he might probably make
public, but he wished to state his own views himself.
He authorised him (Mr. Sturge), however, to say, that
he would not act as Mayor in case of being elected,
unless the legal doubt as to his position were cleared
up to the satisfaction of his own mind, and of a majority
of the Council also. "He thought the matter might
be soon settled, and a new election take place, if ne-
cessary." Mr. Sturge, in conclusion, observed, what-
ever might be the result of the election that day he had
neither asked for a vote, nor even for a seconder of the
nomination, but if he should stand alone he should feet.
a pleasure in recording his own vote in favour of one
who, from a long acquaintance, he was persuaded was
eminently qualified to fill the office at the present
period, and who, though born amidst an atmosphere
opposed to popular liberties, had broken through all
the shackles of education and of habits, and had come
to the conclusion that in advocating the civil, religious,
and political privileges of the people at large, he was
pursuing the dictates alike of reason, humanity, and
religion—one who, though he did not believe with him
(Mr. Sturge) that the profession of arms was in itself
contrary to Christianity, would always be ready in times
of difficulty and danger to promote the adoption of
moral in preference to physical force in every depart-
ment of the Government of his country.—(Cheers.)
Mr. Sturge concluded by proposing--" Captain Moor-
som as Mayor for the ensuing year."
Mr. MIDDLEMORE seconded the nomination of Cap-
tain Moorsom.
Mr. Alderman BOLTON in proposing Mr. P. H.
Muntz to fill the office for the ensuing year, said he had
the greatest respect for the talents and high moral cha-
racter of Captain Moorsom, but he thought the Council
would act more judiciously in electing the gentleman he
had named. His valuable services were well-known to
all Members of the Council, and he was sure they would
best consult the interests of the borough by electing him.
Mr. Alderman MEREDITH seconded the nomination
of Mr. Muntz, observing, that if their present respected
Mayor had not been elected on the last occasion, it was
well-known that Mr. Muntz would have been unani-
mously chosen.
Mr. Lswipoti felt that the Council would be placed in
an awkward position, if Captain Moorsom declined to
make the declaration and act as Mayor. He thought
they would be acting unwisely to vote for any one placed
In Captain Moorsom's circumstances. He need not
say with what zeal, ability, and kindness, their present
Mayor had filled the office during the last 12 months,
and he would therefore beg to move that he be re-elected.
The MAYOII begged as a personal favour that his name
might be withdrawn as there were already two gentle-
men before the Council, in every respect qualified to