The Sun.
London, England, 1831-05-28 00:00:00

Total...

►O

Declared Reformers
Declared Anti-Reformers
opposed to Reform, but who, it is supposed, will ulti-
mately support the Bill

Majority of declares! Reformers
Colonel Rochfurt has declared himself a Reformer. Vis-
count Bernard has been set down in the list of Anti. R-
eformers ; but the nomination to the borough of Bandon
being exercised alternately by Lord Bandon and the Duke
of Devonshire, and the last having been the latter's turn,
it is certain, that Viscount Bernard, who was elected on
this occasion contrary to his inclination, will vacate the
sear. This would make a difference of two in favour of the
Bill. But we have preferred setting down that majority
which is absolutely certain, and which no contingency can
affect; for unless the resolution of the enlightened and bi-
gotted burgesses oozes away, we are assured they will again
return an opponent to the Bill.
of the Irish counties, 23—viz., Armagh, Antrim,
Cork, Carlow, Clare, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Kerry,
King's County, Kildare, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Monag-
han, Meath, Queen's County, Roscommon, Tipperary,
Waterford, Wexford, Westmeath, Wicklow, return each
two Reformers. That is over two-thirds of the kingdom
la-s declared for the 13ill with an astonishing stuanimity.
Seven counties return each two Anti• Reformers, viz. :
Cavan, Donegal, Fermanagh, Longford, Tyrone, London-

derry, Sligo ; and two sent each a Reformer and Anti-
Reformer. Considering these as indifferent to the mea-
sure, the Reforming counties are nearly four times the
number of the Anti-Reforming.
Of the cities and large towns where the popular voice is
not totally suppressed, there is an overwhelming prepon-
derance for us. Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Bel-
fast, Kilkenny, Derry, Wexford, Galway, Carrickfergus,
Downpatrick, Mallow, &c., return none but Reformers ;
and in several other places, as Dublin, Cork, Limerick,
Waterford, Kilkenny, &c., our cause has overwhelmed the
opposition of powerful Corporations, old established in-
fluence, and the temptations of lavish corruption. In only
two of those places has even the slightest opposition been
made, and then it served but to show the weakness of the
enemy. In all Ireland only two open boroughs, Drogheda
and the University, have sent Anti-Reformers, and it will
require the congregated wisdom of both Corporations to
determine which is the worst Member ! There is one
comfort, that the country will be relieved from both in a
few months. J. 11. Knox. the Member for Newry, will,.
it is supposed, vote for the Bill.
Of nineteen close boroughs, fourteen have returned Anti-
Reformers, and only five Reformers. Must that system
exist which prefers the sordid interest, caprice, or stupi-
dity of fifteen individuals to the wants and welfare of
seven counties—nearly one-third of the whole kingdom--
of, for instance, Cork, Dublin, Clare, Galway, Limerick,
Tipperary, Waterford, possessing a population of over two
millions, in which are one hundred times fifteen indivi •
duals, of greater wealth, capacity, and patriotism than
those fifteen persons? Is it just or rational that fifteen
persons should possess a greater influence than nearly all
the cities and towns together in Ireland ? Than Dublin,
Cork, Belfast, Limerick, Waterford, Derry, Galway, &c.
containing 10,000 times their wealth and information?
Impudent men will tell you these borough Members repre-
sent not their toasters and patrons, but the whole empire—
wit will bring this to a short decision.