The Sun.
London, England, 1831-06-01 00:00:00

THE DINNER.

The gentlemen of the Reform Committee having
invited Mr. Ross and his friends to a public dinner
in the County Rooms, in celebration of his election
as Member for this city, the same took place at five
o'clock, at which about 200 gentlemen were pre-
sent ; ALEXANDER BLACKIE, Esq. in the Chair,
supported on his right by Mr. Ross of R,ossie, Pro-
vost Paton of Montrose, Provost Speid of Brechin,
and Mr. Carnegie of Craigoe; and on the left by
the Hon. William Maule of Panmure, M.P., Provost
Kay of Arbroath, Sir Michael Bruce of Stenhouse
and Scotstown, Baronet, and Mr. Chalmers of
Auldbar. Mr. Forbes of Edit acted as croupier at
the centre table, and Sir John Forbes of Craigievar,
Baronet, and Mr. Burnett, younger of Leys, at the
other tables, supported by Sir William Seton of
Pitmedden, Baronet, Mr. Kilgour of Woodside,
Mr. Urquhart of Craigston, Mr. Forbes of Spring-
hill, Mr. Pirie of Cotton, r. Farquharson of Fin-
zean, Mr. Gerrard of Midstrath, Mr. Ramsay of
Menie, Captain Doyle, Captain T. Ramsay, &c. &c.
The gentlemen of the Reform Committee occupied
conspicuous places at the tables, so as to pay every
attention to the comfort of the party, and particularly
to the numerous and distinguished strangers from
the neighbouring counties, who had attended as
guests on the occasion.
The cloth being removed, Mr. BLACKIE gave
" The health of our excellent and patriotic Sove-
reign" and the other usual loyal toasts.
Mr. BLACKIE then proposed the health of an
illustrious person, whose services in the good cause of
Reform had been unbounded. It would be absurd
for a humble individual like him to attempt to
eulogize a man like the present Lord Chancellor of
England, well knowing that any language he could
make use of would fall infinitely short of his deserts

Mr. WARDEN conceived, that as having been
identified with every movement of the working
classes here, in favour of Reform, he was called upon
by the foregoing roast to say a few words. In De-
cember last they sent a petition to Parliament,
praying for Universal Suffrage, Annual Parliaments,
and Vote by Ballot ; but as soon as the Minis-
terial plan of Reform was divulged, there was not
a class in Aberdeen among which it diffused more
joy than among the working classes. The Whigs
rejoiced at it, the Tories thotight it wag by far
too sweeping; and the latter party said never
mind, the two classes of Reformers will go to
loggerheads about it; for, though the Whigs ac•
cept of it, the Radicals will despise it, and we
will make a handle of their divisions to defeat
the plan altogether. But by the Radicals coming
forward in favour of the plan, the last hope of
Toryism was extinguished. The manner in which
they manifested their concurrence with its provi-
sions was worthy of the greatest praise. It struck
dismay into the Anti-Reformers, who would have
rejoiced if they withheld their concurrence from it.
On the contrary, however, their sentiments en-
tirely coalesced with those of the upper classes
who sought Reform. A meeting was lately held
by them, which, he rejoiced to say, was conducted
in the most becoming and praiseworthy manner.
At that meeting they passed resolutions expressive
of their ?Pose of the complete and satisfactory na-
ture of the Reform measure, and sent up an address
of thanks to his Majesty for having countenanced
and encouraged it.
Mr. BLACKIE then gave " The liberty of the
Press."

-----
Mr. BOOTH said, it was needless, in such an as.'
sembly,.to enlarge or say one single word on the
advantages of the Press. The liberty of the Press:
was a matter of much importance to all; and by the
means of the Press he had all along advocated
every measure which he considered for the welfare
of the country. He had advocated the constitu-
tional liberties of the people—(Cheers)=-and
true and sufficient Reform, for these twenti-fivp
years back—(Cheers)—such a Reforiu they
.wo_ult!
soon obtain ;
now before them a gentleman,
'be found an enlightened, true, and Uonest supporter
and he was glad Mtor."ROstsh,awt. htpli7voljuald4

of Reform, as their representative in the ttistiing
Parliament.

The following, among other toasts, were then
proposed • The Dignity of the Crown, the In-
dependence of Parliament, and the Rights of the
People," by Mr. Maule.—" Memory of Charles
James Fox." Drank in solemn silence.—" Mrs.
Maule of Panmure," " Miss Ross of Rossie, and
the Ladies of Forfarshire ;" " Mrs. Blackie ;"
" Mr. Charles Grant, Member for Inverness-shire."
Mr. BLACICIE left the Chair at twelve o'clock,
accompanied by Mr. Ross, the lion. Maule, &c.
and the party immed.',ately broke up.
In the course the evening, scveral hogsheads
of porter were given to the populace, which were
speedily consumed, amidst loud cheers, to the health
of the successful candidate.