The Sun.
London, England, 1822-01-31 00:00:00

SUFFOLK COUNTY MEETING.

On Tuesday lasti pursuant to Requisition, a
public Meeting of the Freeholders of the County
of Suffolk was held at Stow Market, for the per.:
pose of taking into consideration the present dis-
tressed state of Agriculture. The Meeting was
held in the Market-place, where a temporary
hustings was erected. The Meeting was at-
tended by the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke of
Grafton, Lord Henry Fitzroy, Lord Calthorpe,
Lord Iluntingfield, Lord Dunwich, Sir Henry
Bunbury, Sir W. Rowley, and all the Gentry of
the County. About one o'clock the HIGH
SHERIFF, having taken the Chair, proceeded to
read the Requisition, and open the business of
the day. He stated that he had reason to expect
there would be the greatest unanimity in the
steps which the Meeting would deem it advisable
to take. He would leave it to those who fol-
lowed him to state the matter more in detail.—
(Applause.)
Sir HENRY BUNBURY then came forward, and
was received with loud cheers. He began by
saying, that upon any other than a subject of
such unquestionable urgency as the present, he
would be content with giving a silent vote. On
the present occasion he was called upon to ex-
press his sentiments, and he wished to bespeak
the indulgence of the Meeting for a few obser-
vations he had to make. From a Meeting com-
posed like the present, a complete unanimity of
opinion was not to be expected ; but a unanimity
of inclination to save themselves, their fami-
lies, and their country from ruin, he did cal-
culate upon.—(Cheers.)—For his own part, he
wished to avoid all topics likely to produce
angry feelings, and he would not prostitute
the purposes of the Meeting to the answer
of those calumnies which had been unfairly
levelled against him. One observation, how-
ever he would make. Several gentlemen
having desired that in the discussion of the
subject of the Meeting no allusion should
be made to politics, he wished to say that
he thought the thing impossible. Agricultu-
ral distress was the effect of a system, but the
effects could not be viewed without the cause—
how could the remedy be administered without
ascertaining the source of the disease? Causes and
effects were not to be looked at without looking at
the authors. It was therefore impossible to dis-
cuss a political effect without glancing at the
system; and the anxiety to keep men from being
spoken of was like Dennis Brulgruddery in the
play, who said to some one who was abusing his
wife, " If you please, don't speak ill of my wife,
because it would not be becoming in me to hear
it of her."—(Cheers.)—lle would do his best to
avoid touching sore places. lie believed there
were only two points upon which they would all
agree—namely, that the distress of the country
was becoming insupportable, and that the nation
must either raise its means to the high state of
the expenditure, or bring down its expenditure
to the low state of its means. Upon the reme-
dies they were sure to be split into a variety of
opinions. On one hand, it , was held that the
agriculturist's only salvation was in the price of
corn being raised by artificial means, namely,
by Acts of Parliament which imposed high duties
upon corrrimported into England ; and by that
means prrenting the foreign produce from com-
peting with us, except on terms that afforded a
fair remuneration to the British grower. By
remuneration, he did not mean that share of
profit which enabled the farmer to support his
family, but also to pay high rents, rates, taxes,'
and labour. Without stopping to combat these
opinions, he would only say that, however
effectual similar plans might have been at
a time that the country was under the in-
fluence of a paper currency, it seemed to
be totally unadapted to the present state of
things, and could not restore the farmers ; for
could duties avail when there was no foreign corn
in this country ; and when our own was not sell-
ing at any price ? But even admitting the effi-
cacy of that plan, there were still considerable
doubts as to the policy of applying it .just now.
He addressed himself to the advocates of the
measure, and asked, did they think (assuming
both duties to be a protection,) Parliament would
legislate for them alone--did they expect, in op-,
position to the interests of the manufacturing-and
commercial classes—against the feelings of the
country, and in the teeth of all the writers on
political economy—to carry such a measure into
effect. But suppose Ministers should take them
at their words, and say, " We agree it is better
to liave the ports open, but we will fix the duty
at 20s a quarter of wheat," would not the result
be, that the landlords and tenants would be cry-
ing out louder than before ? and Lord London-
derry would answer them as the Irish drummer
did the soldiers he was flogging, " Oh the Devil
burn you, hit you where I will I cannot please
you."—(Loud cheers.)—His opinion was, that
high duties upon the necessaries of life are, in
all respects, impracticable, or if they were
practicable, they were most pernicious. He would
always oppose them, if for no other reason than
because they affixed a pretext for bolstering up
errors in Ministerial management, because they
perpetuated taxes, and because they were a
great means of checking the progress of
Reform. Then came the change in the cur-
rency, which was an important question, and
closely connected with the cause of our dis-
tress-. Upon this subject he should say, that
however necessary it was, the pressure of dis-
tress in the year 1811, to reform the currency,
the effect of the change, coming as it did
'whilst we were labouring under great expellee in
Government, and an immense debt contracted in
a depreciated currency, was to increase the value
of fixed incomes, and to reduce generally the
profits arising from every species of agricultural
produce. It was needless to dwell upon the
state that the country was now. in, when the
labourers were totally without employment,
when they were living upon the funds of parishes,
and when the gaols were overflowing, and every
species of crime 'upon the increase. All these
sad effects were to be traced, to the poverty of
the people, and the recklessness which it induced.
The condition of the labourer was seldom kn.'

Proireti, but there WAS also a corresponding lin,.
provernent in his moral habits ; and what was
true with regard to an individual, was also true
as to the wholes And the farmers were even
worse than the labourers ; they were spending
not their profits; but their capital ;, and the day
would come when they Would be able to pay
neither the rent, the tithes, taxes, nor rates. The
Hon. Baronet then read a letter from a gentle-
man who had been pfesedt on Thursday last at a
Tithe Audit in the parish of DoWnham, in the
Island of Ely, and nine-tenths of the people
were defaulters. In some other parishes the
poor's-rates could not be collected at all. This
state of things required no comment. 'taxation
carried to excess was the-main cause of our
culties. It was alike the interest of the landlOrd,
tenant, and farmer, that economy should be in-,
troduced into the public expellees, and a More.
equitable distribution made of the public burdens.
These were the only substantial means of relief
for the country.—(Cheers.)---Vhe Hon.' Baronet
concluded by moving the following Resolutions
" 1. That the owners and occupiers of land in the County of
Suffolk are now labouring under unexampled distress, which is
the more alarming because it does not appear to result from
temporary or accidental causes.
" 2. That we cannot concur in the assertion that our dis-
tresses are owing to an excess in the production of corn ; we
cannot consider plenty as a curse; but we fear that a decree.pc
in the deuiand has resulted from the lamentable poverty of the
people and We desire to see the condition of all classes so
much improved, as to insure steady prices to the farmer; and
employment to the labourer.
" 3. That excessive taxation is the main cause of that di:i-
tress which is crushing the landlord, the • tenant, and the la-
bourer, the gross amount of the taxes rising far above that
proportion iviilch the income of the nation is able to sustain,
and their effect having been aggravated by injurious effects
upon the currency of the realm.
4. That the return from a paper currency to that of gold
has increased the profits of all persons enjoying fixed pay, or
salaries, orplaces, as well as of the freeholders, at the expense
of the agricultural and trading interests. .
" 3. That if further and more effectual measures be not
adopted for the relief of the agriculturists, the proprietors and
occupie.rs of land, together with those traders and artisans who
are chiefly dependant upon the farmers for their support, must
sink into irreparahle ruin.
" 6. That the-decay of agriculture already disables the far-
mer from employing the labouring poor, and thus tends to de-
grade the condition, to demoralise the habits, and to destroy
the independence of the labourer, as well as to aggravate the
overwhelming pressure of the Poors' Rates.
"7. That -the landed property of England is burthened
exclusively with the support of the unemployed poor—with
the maintenance of our Church—and with various charges
in which other property is exempt; whilst, on the contrary,
most of the branches of our national industry enjoy immu-
nities and protection, from which the agriculturists are ex-
cluded. Under this double inequality, they find it impossi-
ble to bear that amount of taxation which is demanded front
them, on account of the Civil and Military Establishments of
Government, and of the interest of the National Debt. •

" 8. That.the expenses of the Government ought to be re-
duced immediately, and to the lowest scale possible • not merely
by the dismissal of inferior clerks, but by the abolition of all
unnecessary places, and by large reductions in the charges upon
the Civil List, as well as in all official salaries, and in the
pencem of the Army, Ordnance, Colonies, Collection of Taxes,
and other branches ; and if possible, so to regulate the finances
of the kingdom, that the gross amount of taxation may be low-
ered in as large a proportion as the difference in value between
our present currency and that of the depreciated paper in which
the greater part of our debt has been contracted.
" 9. That these Resolutions be embodied in a petition to the
Commons Ilouse of Parliament, conveying our strong but re-
spectful solicitations that its attention may be given, without
delay, to this most important subject, and that effectual measures
may be adopted for the relief and protection of the owners, oc-
cupiers, • and labourers of the land, as well as of the other pr,.l-
- classes of the British people."
Sir ROBERT A.RLAND rose to second the Re-
solutions. He concurred entirely in what had
fallen from the lion. Baronet, and, agreeing in
the sentiments- dictated, in the Resolutions, he
'had great pleasure in giving them his support.—
The Resolutions were then read by Mr. Merest.
Lord HuNTlNoriEr,n began by recommending
unanimity as the best means of obtaining their
objects. Upon the causes of the distress he be-
lieved there was but little difference of opinion,
but the remedies by which it was to he cured
were not so easily ascertained. One great means
of curing it was retrenchmentin all the expellees
of the State—a subject which he was sorry to
see lightly touched upon in the Resolutions.
He complained that large sums were continuing
to be expended in the Breakwaters at Plymouth
and Chatham, the benefit of which works were
more intended for private traders than ships in
the public service. Too much praise could not
be given. to that patriotic statesman Mr. Hume,
who had made such noble exertions in this cause;
and he hoped this day would not pass over with-
out giving him the thanks of the meeting. On
the question of 'the currency there were many
opinions ; but without stopping to examine the
feasibility of them, he would say, that if we
could once return to the prices of 1792, a pro-
tecting price of a very few.shillings more would
compensate the fartner.—(Cries of " No, no
All that was wanted was to increase the demand
and lessen the supply. To accomplish that, he
had himself conceived a plan—perhaps a chime-.
rical one—but its details were too complicated
to expose at.a meeting, and possibly they would
see it in print. Its object was to give the Go-
v-eminent a power of going into the market when
corn was under 305., and there would be thus
created .a spirit of speculation which at present
was much wanted.—(Great disapprobation.)—
He would shut the ports entirely, or otherwise
we should be in the state that Ireland now is.
The Noble Lord concluded by hoping that the
Resolutions had met their approbation, and that
they would go home satisfied with the exertions
which had been made in their behalf. It was
much to their credit to set an example to the
neighbouring counties of the good spirit with
which they met together to talk over their diffi-
culties.--(Cheers.)

Lord DUNWICH wished to claim the attention
of the meeting for a few minutes. In the pro-
positions for a reduction of the public expences,
as stated in the Resolutions of his Hon. Friend,
Sir Henry Bunbury, he entirely concurred,
though lie could not agree in the manner by
which that reduction was to be carried into
effect. He regretted that he had not an oppor-
tunity of signing the requisition for this meeting,
but he ascribed the circumstance entirely to ac-
cident. He considered a too sudden return to
cash payments as one cause of our distress. We
had traded during the war upon false capital,
and after so long a time the country was unfit
for so sudden a return to a metallic currency.—
He hoped that gentlemen who followed him
would keep to the business of the day, that, if
possible, the proceedings might be marked by
unanimity, and the result seem to be the act of
the whole. He considered the great increase of
debt another cause of distress : that debt was
increased by the inevitable consequences of a

• war of necessity.—(Cries -of No, no !)—He
wished to see corn carry a good price, but when
the price became enormous,, he would,open the
pOrts; but not for three months, so as to ruin the
farmer.' In conclusion he said, that in coming
here he had no favour to ask, and he was always
ready to Stand forward to support the.just rights
of his country.—(Applause.)
Mr. MEREST said, that seeing himself sur-
'rounded by so numerous and respectable a Meet-
ing, he was afraid to intrude any observations of
his, and he would be silent under such circum-
stances, but that the subject they were met to
discuss was of so urgent a nature that every man
mho valued his own independence and his neigh-
bour's salvation, was called upon to stand forth
and openly and manfully avow his opinion.s.—
'(Cheers.)—it unfortunately required no elo-
quence or strength of argument to prove that
-which was not denied, that the distress of the
agriculturists was of the most severe kind. By
the increase of poverty this country had. been re-
' duced from its once happy condition to a most
deplorable state ; but it was worthy of a better
fate, and if the means which it had still left
were only economised, it might still bid defiance
•to its enemies. In giving his sentiments upon
this subject, he was afraid he should be obliged
to take a larger scope than the limits of a speech
at a Meeting like this would allow him, and he
therefore begged to bespeak their indulgence.,
He looked upon the Bank Restriction Act—or,
as it was called, the Insolvent Act—as the primary
cause of all our difficulties., It was that which
enabled Government to saddle us with a debt
which we could never pay, and was the cause of
the overwhelming taxation which had eaten up
the resources of the country even to its vitals.—
: (Cheers.)—And, in aggravation of this evil, by
the Restriction, or Peel's Act, the country was
obliged to pay the interest of a debt in cash,
—which:: was contracted in a depreciated. paper
currency, and by this means one-fourth was vir-
tually added to our funded debt. Speculation
became paralysed, and the prices of every thing
fell, whilst the poors'-rates and taxes continued
the same.. But how was this to be remedied ?
Certainly not by the visionary plans of Mr. Webb
Hall—(Cheers)—nor by restricting duties on
foreign corn, but by reducing the taxes, and cut-
ting down the public establishments to the
lowest possible level.-7-(Applause.)—ißut it was

said that the taxes were not to be reduced at the

expence of the public faith to the creditor. He

did not stand up to advocate a breach of faith
with the public creditor, but he asserted that if
some remedy was not speedily applied, it would
come to that. This country might still stand
upon a rock if people would only look at their
difficulties with manly and British feeling. If
they could only demand the free exercise of
-their constitutional rights, in the Constitution
would be found a remedy for all their dif-
ficulties, and that remedy would be (though,
perhaps, he was the only one present to say
so) a Parliamentary Reform.—(Loud cheers.)—
Such a Reform as would make the House of
Commons a check upon the Crown and the Re-
presentative of the People, and not the Repre-
sentative of the Crown, and a check upon the
people as it now was.—(Cheers.)—lt might be
said that that the question of Reform `had nothing
to do with the business of this day, but he as-
serted it had. The distresses of which they
were now complaining were attributable to the
imperfect controul which there was over the ex-

Fenditure of the public money. It was not to
be expected that Ministers would themselves re-

duce their establishments, which were the sinews
of their power, and by which they kept their
places—it was the system, not the men, that
cried out for Reform. Ministers had not sliewn
a disposition to meet the question of Agricultural
Distresses in the way it merited. We were told
by Lord Londonderry that we were in a state
of repose ; but after all its patience in enduring
suffering, the country should at least have been
safe from insult.—(Cheers.)—He could tell that
great Leviathan, if he was so permitted to call
him, that a great change had taken place in the
opinions of the country ; and he hoped to see the
Noble Lord and his colleagues put to the bar, to
receive from their country that just condemnation
Which the injuries they had brought upon it so
richly deserved.—(Cheers.)
Lord CALTHORPE.—From the tone and temper
of these Resolutions, he felt himself called upon
to regret that his name had not been amongst
those who called this meeting. He could state
fairly, and he was bound to do so openly, that
he had been withheld from signing the requisi-
tion by unwillingness to be responsible for any
Resolution which might pass at the meeting of
which he did not approve. That apprehension
was now needless, and he was pleased that the
Resolutions were confined to the immediate busi-

that being one of their Representatives in Par-
liament, he begged of them to let him say one
word, He had never in his life attended a Meet- ,
ing with more pleasure than the present. They';
were here assembled not for party purposes—
they were one and aLI engaged in the same cause.
—(Cheers.)—lf upon one occasion more than
another a county distinguished itself, it was at
this day when but one opinion prevailed, and
when, as there was but one cause of distress,
all united—Churchman and Dissenter, land-
lord and tenant, in preparing a petition to
Parliament worthy of this great county, and
the effect of which upon the country at large
would be proportioned to its importance. He
wished to give his opinion as an individual, as
well as a Member of Parliament. Last Session
he exerted himself to ameliorate their condition,
and canvassed for their interests amongst such
Members of the House of Commons as were
friends to the agriculturists, and to Mr. Western,
the Member for Essex, amongst others. He was
too often told, however, that the manufacturing
and trading interests were opposed to him, and
that they would have cheap bread and meat,
not thinking that by ruining the farmer the
manufacturers lost one of their best markets.
—(Loud cheers.)—ln every instance that a ma-
nufacturer had one order from abroad, he had
eight at home ; so that, in fact, to secure one, he
sacrificed eight. He knew his duty in Parlia-
ment, would execute it, and would, without de-
reliction of principle, advocate economy and re-
trenchment. During the time he was in Parlia-
ment, he had al ways opposed one tax—not that he
meant to say there ought not to be so many sol-
diers, but if there were soldiers, let them be sup-
ported in some other way—and that was the Malt
Tax. That tax he always considered obnoxious, be-
cause it kept down corn, and made beer dear.—
He liked to see the poor buy their beer cheaply.
He was not an advocate for high prices, but he
wished to see the farmers remunerated. He en-
tirely agreed in what had been said before, that
the change in the currency was the cause of dis-
tress in the country. lie doubted whether pro-
tecting duties would serve the farmers much.—
There had been a prohibition since 1809.—
(Clamours of disapprobation.)—The Hon. Mem-
ber said he was insensible to the hints which had
been thrown out against himself, but he over-
looked all personal considerations in his willing-
ness to promote the public good.

Lord HENRY FITZROY said, that after so many
- -

different opinions had been given upon the causes of
our distress, when some ascribed them to Peel's
Bill, others to other causes, but all laying them to
the charge of Ministers, lie was called upon to
state his sentiments, and he should do so shortly.
He had supported the Resolutions, because they
stated the matter of fact—namely, that taxation
carried to excess was the cause of the situation
in which they were now placed. He disclaimed
all artificial remedies—all relief at the expence
of others.—(Hear.)—He thanked the Sheriff for
the latitude which he gave to discussion, but it
appeared to him that it was impossible to treat
this question otherwise than in connection► with
politics. The cause of the distress was of a po-
litical nature, and the remedy to be applied should
be therefore of a political nature also. These
causes were unhappily too obvious as well as too
numerous. The war, with the taxes which it
produced—the stopping payment at the Bank—
the artificial currency then grew up, and by
which the war was carried on; and, lastly, Peel's

Bill, were all accessaries, if not principals, iu
the work of political devastation.—(Cheers.)—

To these several causes were to be attributed all
the hardships and privations which we had suf-
fered, and were still suffering. But without
stopping to discuss the merits of each, he would
just say one word upon Peel's Bill.—He admit-
ted all the consequences which were said to fol-
low from that measure ; he agreed in all the in-
ferences which were drawn from it in the Reso-
lutions ; and if it were possible at this time to
distinguish all those who had suffered by its
operation, he was ready to say that they had a
claim for compensation. But this would be im-
possible, and the cure would be worse than the
disease. The very apprehension of it would add
more fuel to the fire. But without saying that
all the difficulties were attributable to that mea-
sure, it was clear that the taxes were increased
most unjustly by it, and so were the debtor and
creditor in every account, and the tenants who
had taken leases at a certain rent, and did not
have that lowered in proportion as the value of
money became less. But, on the other hand, what
would he the situation of this country now if that
measure had not been adopted—would there not
be danger of a general bankruptcy ? The pound
note was already worth no more than four-teen
shillings, and it was fast becoMing little better
than mere waste paper. The desolation was be-

ness of the meeting. lie could have wished coming more extensive. The country was still
that some of the Resolutions were differently labouring under the effects of this Bill ; but there
worded ; but as he was a friend to retrenchment, were remedies which might yet be applied. The
he rejoiced that a recommendation to that effect most obvious remedy was a reduction in the ex-
should emanate from this meeting, as such re- penditure and taxation; and, addressing himself
commendation from so respectable a quarter al- to the yeomen and farmers of this county, he ad-
ways came with greater effect. He trusted this vised them not to place trust in any other. He
day would show that men might come toge- desired them to beware of wolves in sheep's
ther to discuss their difficulties with no other clothing. There was no good to be gained by
objects in view but the public good. Una- the laying on of a tax, though it should he upon
nimity would secure for them the attain- other shoulders than their own.—(Cheers.)--Let
mint of their wishes. lie spoke as a native
the people call out together to reduce the expendi-
of the county, and he flattered himself the ture on one hand, and the taxes upon the other.
proceedings of this day would gain for this (Cheers.)—Ministers must succumb to the wishes
of the people. It was in their power to repeal
great county that high place for agricultural
skill and intelligence which had so long distin- all taxes upon agriculture without saddling them
upon the shoulders of any other class. Retrench-
guished it. The tone of the • Resolutions was
meet ought to be carried into private life. 'Those
such as would not fail to secure the respect and
attention of Parliament. Such an expression was shopkeepers ought to be patronized who were
necessary to overcome those obstacles to re-
satisfied with reasonable profits. Every thing
trenchment which were, as it were, wound up
ought to be made as cheap as the lowest possible
state of taxation would allow.—(How is the debt
with the official habits of every Administration.
It was vain to think Ministers would sponta- to be paid o—Then will the nation be once more
re-established. Prevention ought to be used as
neously adopt parsimony : they required to be
w
impelled to it, and by a strong expression. The well as remedy, and we should guard against our
children's running into the same excesses.
,Let
Noble Lord repeated that it was because the
Resolutions were calculated to promote the ob- the nation, from John-o'-Croat's house to the
ject they all had in view, and were not dictated Land's End, call out for Parliamentary Reform.
by a party spirit, that he gave them his support. —(Cheers.) These were the only means
Mr. Goocit came forward, but from the cla-
by which enlightened men, in an enlighten-
mour which prevailed, he was unable to obtain ed age, could expect to gain their ends.—
a hearing for a considerable time. He then said. Ihe Resolutions which were proposed pledg-

ed the Meeting to this course, and therefore
they, had his warmest support.—(Cheers.)
Mr. G ttioLy said that taxation which grew
out of wanton and unnecessary wars was the
great cause of all our distress. These were the
wars which. Lord North undertook against Ame-
rica and Mr. Pitt against France, to extinguish
the cause of Reform. Before the American war
the debt was but thirty-six millions; but now it
was from nine hundred to one thousand millions.
Thus had it increased seven times as much as it
was originally. Was not this the cause of the
distress ? And yet they were to be told by a po-
litical adventnrer, " that the machine works
well."--(Cheers.)—So it might for Mr. Canning,
who, with 14,0001. a-year, went out to Lisbon to
bow to an empty chair—(Applause.)—but did it
for the people ? It might. for a man eager to
ride behind a Receiver-General, but it did not for
the people. The machine certainly worked well for
all those in place, and the ramifications of corrup-
tion were most widely spread about. But if the
people were true to themselves they would over-
throw the monster. If they would with one
loud voice demand Parliamentary Reform, it
would be conceded to them.—(Cheers.) —No Par-
liainent could stand in opposition to the wishes of
the peOple ; and even in Turkey the Grand
Seignior would not undertake to levy a new tax
upon his subjects until it had first received the
sanction of the Minister of Religion. If, then, in
a despotic country, the Prince was obliged to
accommodate himself. to the feelings of his
people, how much stronger should the case be in
a Christian and4ree laud ?—(Cheers.)—They
should demand Reform with a voice to be heard
throughout the Empire. Although it was not
now the practice of Ministers to advocate Re-
form, yet there were names as great as Lord
Chatham, and his apostate son, as authorities in
favour of it. This latter said, that unless there
was Reform, the liberties of the country were
not secure in the hands of any Minister. Mr.
Grigly concluded by reading the following' Re-
solution :
" That to the want of controul over the public purse, which
a Parliament freely elected would exercise, we attribute the
origin of our present distresses. And therefore it is necessary
that the attention of the CommonS House of Parliament be
di-
rected to effect an imthediate Reform in the Representation, as
the only means of saving what remains of our property, of pre-
serving the tranquillity, and insuring the liberties of the
country."
Sir HENRY BUNBURY came forward to second
the ReSolution.—(Cheers.)—He could not let it
pass without stating his entire acquiescence in it,
and giving it his best support. His sentiments
on that question had been long since known. The
sentiments of other Gentlemen had been also
expressed, and it was therefore thought unneces-
sary to bring the question again forward ;
,but as
it had been agitated, he came forward again most
cordially te support it.—(Cheers.)—lle entreat-
ed them not to be satisfied with the shifting of
one tax borne on one pair of shoulders to ano-
ther. There was likely to be some play about
the Mali Tax, and a Property Tax, but he as-
sured them that no juggling inodification of these
taxes could really do them any essential benefit.
(Loud. cheers.)
The Duke of GRAFTON wished to say that no
man had come from a greater distance, or at more
personal inconvenience, to attend the Meeting of
this day, than he had done.(Cheers.) —He came
not to offer his own sentiments, but to hear those
of others, who had devoted more time and talents
to the inquiry than he was able to do. , He was
happy to say he concurred in all that had been
said and done, and he entirely adopted the pro-
posed Resolutions. One obsertation, however,
he wished to make with regard to the return to
cash payments, upon which so much stress had
been laid. He admitted that this might he fairly
considered one cause of the distress of the coun-
try, but it was a necessary and unavoidable mea-
sure. Bdtivhose business was it to foresee the con-
sequences likely to arise from this necessary mea-
sure ? Was it not that of the Ministers, who should
have taken steps to prevent and mitigate the
effects of it ? It was, without doubt, a measure
of necessity, for if it was longer delayed, a great,
and probably an irremediable, embarrassment
would follow. He agreed that an equal distri-
bution of taxes and burdens would do some good ;
but in his conscience he believed, that Whatever
present good might accrue from any other plan,
there was not one to which the country could
look for permanent relief but an alteration in the
representation of the people.—(Loud cheers.)—
This, as it was the most effectual, was also
-the most constitutional remedy for all the griev-
ances under which the country laboured. His
Grace concluded by moving the thanks of the
Meeting to those Gentlemen who bad signed the
Requisition for calling .it together, and assured
them that for his own part they would find him
heartily disposed to carry the objects of the
Meeting into effect.—(Cheers.) ,

colution *ldch, to say nothing more of it, was'
at least very ill-timed. He hoped theitesolution
would not he persisted in, as pressing it was
likely to disturb that unanimity so necessary to
their objects, and which prevailed hitherto in
a most desirable degree. Upon these grounds'
he should enter his decided objection to this reso-
lution.—(Cries of off, off!)—But in looking at
the terms of the Requisition, he felt more
strongly the inexpediency of discussing any
other .than the subject before them, for they
were stated to have met for the purpose of
discussing the best means of alleviating their bur-
dens.—(This was the best and only means. Off,
off !)—Would any man be so absurd as to say,
that carrying this Resolution about Reform was
likely to serve the cause of the agriculturists ?
Ho was not arguing that ultimately it will not
reform all systems, to the great benefit of the
country ; but looking at the peculiar objects of
this meeting, as well with regard to the impres-
sion which it was likely to make upon Parliament
as upon the public mind, he could not conceive
that these objects were at all served by connect-
ing with and clogging them with the extraneous
question of Reform.—(Clamours of disapproba-
tion.) -
Sir Wm. ROWLEY in coming forward was
loudly cheered. He gave the High Sheriff his
best thanks for calling this meeting. Sir Wil-
liam was proceeding with some more observations
in a low tone of voice, when
Sir HENRY BUNBURY stepped forward, and
stated that the Hon. Baronet was unable, from
indisposition, to continue speaking.
Sir WM. ROWLEY, who seemed much indis-
posed, went on to add, that next week they
should find him at his post, serving their interests.
He appealed to them if he had ever been defi-
cient in his duty.—(No ! Cheers.)—He should
never be' wanting to promote their interests.
His best wishes and his heart went with them.—
(Cheers.)

Sir W. MIDDLETON thought the High Sheriff'
deserved the thanks of the county for calling the
meeting. He himself came hither rather to hear
the sentiments of others, than to speak his own.
It was his best wish to see the farmers restored.
—(A. voice in the crowd here said, " We cannot
believe you till you lower your rents." Sir
liam asked, " Is that 'a. tenant of mine ! let him
come forward !" The person, " I'll meet you
half-way." The reply called forth loud cheers.)
He (Sir W.) would not have offered his sentiments
at all, if it had not been for the introduction of
the question of Reform. Parliamentary Reform
was our only salvation.—(Loud cheers.)—lf
we had had Reform before the American war,
we sh6uld not be now in the state that we
were.—(Cheers.)—There were some interested
in opposing Reform, but did the people oppose
it ? Was the House of Commons the true repre-
sentative of the people ?—(No, no !)—Out of
this very county, there were fourteen sent to
Parliament by seven individuals. The mass' of
the population of the county was eight mililions,
but the House of Commons, was returned by
eight thousand only.—(Cheers.)—ln Reform,
then, alone he looked for the cure of our gri,v-
ances ; and he had now to say, that he was de-
voted hand and heart to the cause.—(Loud and
continued cheers.) The horn Baronet concluded
by moving the thanks of the meeting to the
High Sheriff, for the promptitude with which he
had acceded to their requisition.
The Resolution being seconded, was carried unanimously.
The HIGH SHERIFF then put the Resolutions for the adop-
tion of the. Meeting.
The HIGH SHERIFF had now read through the string of
Resolutions proposed by Sir' Henry Bunbury, to the exclu-
sion of that for Reform, when
Lord CALTHORPE came forward, and said, " I now beg
leave to move, that the Resolutions which have been read he
signed by the High Sheriff in behalf of this Meeting."—(Cries
of no, no.)

The Duke of NORFOLK said that the High Sheriff had his
warmest thanks for his constitutional conduct hitherto. He
had observed the same conduct on other occasions, arid he
had reason to hope that he would now .give the Meeting an
opportunity of expressing its opinion upon the propriety of
keeping in this resolution for Parliamentary Reform. It seemed
to be the sense of the _Meeting, that Reform was the only means
of saving us, and it was, therefore, not dealing fairly with them
to stifle the expression of their sentiments upon a subject of such
vital importance.—(Loud cheers—cries of " Do your duty," to
the Sheriff.)
Mr. iIISLI.s, and other Gentlemen, reminded the Sheriff that
he had no discretion in the situation in which he was placed,
and that he was only the instrument of collecting the sense of
the Meeting Hpon any proposition made to it.—(Great clamour.)
The II IG ti SHE:I.:rt., when the confusion had a little subsid-
ed came forward and said, " I conceive it would be so perfectly
irrelevant to the purposes for which we are met to-day, to dis-
cuss this other subject, that I shall take the responsibility upon
myself of not propoSing the Resolution."—(Great confusion.)
Mr. MEREST—" The Resolution is adopted by the Meet-
ing—it speaks the sense of the Meeting, and we may therefore
consider it as passed.—(Cries of Yes, Yes—Cheers.)
Sir HENRY B u n Y—" It was allowed to be brought for-
ward, to be seconded, and to be canvassed ; was it just now to
oppose it ? If it was intended to offer any opposition to the
Resolution, the proper time would have been when the propo-
sition was first made. Having gone through so many stages, it
was now almost actually passed."—(Cheers, cries of Shame.)
The HIGH SHERIFF-1" Lord Calthorpe opposed it when
it was brought forward."
Colonel RusunnooKE—" We stated distinctly that we were
taken by surprise."
The Hines SHERIFF said he was petrified at these proceed-
ings. He had himself a clear opinion upon the subject, and
that opinion was fortified by those of others in whom he placed
confidence. By all these opinions he felt himself fully justified
in withholding his consent from the Resolution in question.—
(Cries of shame, shame.)
The HIGH SHERIFF then again came forward and said,—
" The business of the day is concluded. I now dissolve the
Meeting."—(Great uproar.)
Mr. MEnEST—" if the business of the day be concluded,
then we have not done that for which we met. There has been
no petition read."
The Hain SHERIFF—" Although the business is finished,
yet I will allow the reading of the petition."
Several voices--." We will not have the petition without
Reform."

Colonel RUSHBROOKE said he was entirely
taken by surprise by the Resolution respecting a
Reform in Parliament, which was just proposed.
—(llisapprobation.)—He was at a loss to know
how that question could connect itself with, and
still less how it could promote the objects of,
this Meeting. The Resolution assu:ned that the
relief to be afforded should be immediate, or it
would be unavailing ; but if they were to wait
until Reform was granted, the agriculturists
must starve in the mean time. Reform had no
more to do with this question than a debate
amongst the Aldermen of London had with the
balance of power.—(Cries of yes, yes, it had.)--
He would only add, that he considered unani-
mity necessary to give effect to their proceed..
ings ; and he regretted that, by the introduction
of this Resolution, the harmony which before
prevailed was likely to be dis!dpated.—(Cla-
mours.) _ _

Lord CALTHORPE said he was sorry again to
intrude himself upon the Meeting, and he was
only induced to do so by the Resolution which
was just proposed. lie was taken as much by
surprise by that Resolution as his friend who pre-
ceded him—not however because he was hostile
to the cause of Reform, for he was rather a friend
to it, but he objected to it, because, as it regard-
ed himself, he had pledged hii support to the
former Resolutions as they then stood, being con-
fined to economy and retrenchment, and was
therefore unwilling to be responsible for a Re-

Mr. MEREST entreated the Sheriff to suffer the Resolution
to be put. It was the sense of the Meeting, and the Sheriff
was wanting in his duty in not putting it. Besides, his charac-
ter was not at all compromised by any act done then, lie was
bound only for such resolutions as he signed. Let this be a
Petition signed by the freeholders. Th impartiality of the
Sheriff was never before called into question, and he (Mr. M.)
was sure he would not do an act that would savour of partiality.
—(Loud cheers.)—lt was ridiculous that the Meeting should
disperse without agreeing upon a petition which was the object
they met for; but they would have only that petition in which a
prayer for reform was incorporated.—(Cheers.)
A Gentleman cried out—" Mr. Sheriff, deal fairly with the
county—let us speak our opinions."
Sir HENRY Btrxnuart addressed the Meeting to the same
effect.

Mr. KING—" Mr. Sheriff', you have no discretiori, your
business IS simply to put the question to the Meeting, and you
are bound to abide their decision. T am a freeholder of Suffolk,
and have therefore a right to speak here. I say that you have

.
nullified the prOeeedingi of this Meeting by 7aur diJgraceru. snvl
dishonourable conduct.— (Cheers. ) - the
The I-I Iti toy r * u SF t d he persisted in not putting
Resolution. . ... -

Mr. GILIGLY-•-The geioltithm having been moved,- HO-
pose that thz.: AL-Tting, be now dikOlved.—(Clarnotir.)
A Genthanan—jf we are to have a Petition without Reforw!'
I iseeond the Motion.

This Motion was withdrawn. . •
Lord Dr NWIC it—.l move that a Petition, founded upai°
Resolutions, he now read. ,
Lord CALTHORPE:seconded the Motion. •
The lieu SHERIFF...was proceeding to read the Petitaol2:
but wai interrupted by the clamour. which was now at it
height.
Sir HEPTRY BUNBURY then endeavoured to obtain a bear;
,
ing, and after some time succeeded, He rejoiced that they'i
so warmly on the cause of Reform, to which he was hitnsch,2l
great a friend ; but he submitted, that with a view to pract'''
objects, it was better to let this Meeting pass of without pr;
ing the question.—(Cries of no, no; don't turn your back or°,,,
us.)—There was no necessity-for giving an opinion. now aP°.',
the subject, because the sense of the country had been long
since taken upon it, and its importance would he felt as well
the Senate as by the public, to whoth the proceedings of t°
day would be distributed, through the medium of the pry"
• Upon these grounds, he considered it unnecessary now ag3lil
to give an opinion upon 11e subject ; and, for the sake of un-
annnity, he proposed to waive it fOr the present.—(DiSar
probation.)
Mr. MERE:I+—SO far from giving it hope-you will ill
agree with me that it is actually carried.--:(Loud cheers.) ,
• fir.. Kiegp--4 move a vote of censure on the High Sheriff ,°`
his con d u ct.-7-( Cheers.)
The HIGH then came forward in Order
the petition to the Meeting, but Was for some time totally um?' ;
to obtain a hearing. Updn putting the question, " WhPtile
the Meeting would adopt this as their Petition ?" the shOW °f
hands was decidedly in the negative.
The HIGH SHERIFF thendeclared, that the Petition s'l4l,
not carried; and that the Meeting was dissolved.—(ireat
roar.)
A. considerable interval then elapsed, during Which the S'.4f-
riff and the Noblemen and Gentleinen on the httstings were co'
suiting together.
Sir IdEN-nr 11113;runir then Came forward and said,
Requisition is now signing to the High Sheriff to call aria!'"
Meeting on the spot, to consider of Relief and. Reform."

. .
This declaration was followed by loud applause.
Mr. MEREST said he hoped, if the petition was to be sign
by the yeomen and freeholders, that they would come.fotwa'r.
in numbers. They might be assured-that he and his friend:
about would sign it, and that plan which was so .effeetuulli
Norwich might be here put into practice.(Cheers.) cc J
The Duke of GRAFTON then came forward and said,
understand from `the'High Sheriff, that though he rejected lie
Resolution about Reform, yet he will now accede to a Reclu',.
sition for a new Meeting at which Reform would be discussed.
—(Cheers.)
A GENTLEMAN observed, that it was contrary to law to b 3
assembled together after the Sheriff had dissolved the Meetint,
The Mott SHERIFF said a person had been sent to consu
the Six Acts upon that subject.
Whilst the Messenger was absent, a person from a wine,
in the street cried out Three cheers for Reform ;" to wiu"'
he was responded by the crowd assembled below.
The HIGH SHERIFF having then learned that he was jus—
tified in holding another Meeting, proceeded to read the folloor-
ing Requisition
" To tile High Sheriff,—We, the undersigned, request .e
immediately to call a Meeting to consider of Agricultural Pis:
tress, and a Refocus in the House of Commons.—signed I)/
the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke of Grafton, Sir W. parker;
Sir George Harland, Sir W. Rowley, Sir Henry llunburY7"`"‘
George Webb, Mr..Grigly,. and Mr. E. Bidden."
Mr. 3IEREZr then came forward with loud applause• They
had succeeded in obtaining another Meeting;and had Owl;
fore .an opportunity of discussing their real grievances- 0„
would be only necessary to go through the common Ite4r;
dutions PRO FORMA for the adoption of this Meeting. ld
Merest then read the Resolutions. He hoped that there
be no unpleasant feeling towards the Sheriff for the rrt 014",-
he took : for though he 'happened to differ from him iMr•
and his friends, yet he was doing what he considered to be '1-
duty.—(Cheers.)—He had no hesitation in saying that be re;
spected his character the more for calling this second NJ ee ,
and giving them. an opportunity of passing this Resoluti°,„
Having thus attained their objects, he hoped they would ser;,.
rate, and totally dismiss from their minds every thing likecr e s
u
pleasant feelings with regard to what had happened.—(Ch
Sir ROBERT HARLAND seconded the Resolutions.
Mr. MEREST then read the petition founded on the Res:a
lutions, and moved that it be confided to Sir W. Rowley ailt
Nlr. Gooch, with instructions to them to give it all the stiPPL
in their power. This was carried.
Thanks were then moved to the High Shelia'.
Mr. BENNETT shortly returned thanks.
to
Mr. E. BIDDELL then moved the thanks of the ,;11e•
the Duke of NorfOlk, the Duke of Grafton, dud those (ielld
men who signed the Requisition for the second Meeting.
This Resolution was carried by acelsmation.—The Meeti
then dispersed at four o'clock.

DISTILLITION.—On Thursday last;
five illicit stills were taken out of one tenemen
in Laurieston, Glasgow, one in a court adjoinii!l
the Gorbals police office, and a seventh IL,
another part of that village. A battle royal to%
place on the occasion,at one seizure, between tws
Irishwomen, about the characters of the pers°,°
connected with this nefarious trade, the one math
talulug that they were respectable, and the other'
that they were not, and which terminated lli
bloody noses, and, the interference of the 11-
the evening of Wednesday last, 1‘11::
Shand, Supervisor of Excise, accompanied Pi.'
two officers, proceeded to Bardowie LOci
where they discovered a work with a still
fifty gallons, five fermenting tuns, cooler, 013
other necessary utensils, which, with a tlual►.
city of low wines, were instantly destroP%
The same party also destroyed, at the rv's,
end of the loch, a more extensive work, consilici
ing of a still, six tuns, a cooler, and live hundreo
gallons of wash, and a quantity of malt. vie
of the men engaged, in this pernicious traffic'we've
secured and carried to Stirling, where they ha t
since been lodged in jail.—(Eatinburgh, Coorali
Jan. 28.)

The Chamber of Commerce and Mannfacturd
of the city of Edinburgh has voted a piece:/{,
plate, value fifty guineas, to lAlr. ALExANI3'O
WIGHT, banker, in approbation of his services a
one of the Secretaries to the Chamber.

Off
HIGIPWAY ROBBERY.—On Sunday night, at a late 12°
Thomas Brant, a young man, residing in Wigmore-stre 0
was crossing i‘lanchester-square, when a ruffian came 0104
him, and without speaking knocked him down and Tobm4
him of his watch, three gold seals and a gold key, and
new hat, with which he effected his escape before Mr. Or''
could obtain any assistance.
—.wee

COAL-111,r'.RKET, JAN. :,,O.
Ships at Market. Ships sold P7ice• 4j,
57 Newcastle - - 21:1 - 3ls td to 11S 0
19 Sunderland - - 14 - - lls Oct to 4.2!...,

BIRTHS.
t.lO
On the 28th inst., in Nelson-seivare,
Lady of P. Anichini, Esq., of a daughter.
At Kensington, on Monday, the 28d1 inst., the Lady of
W. Blunt, Esq., of a son.

MARRIED. es
,
On Tuesday, the 29th inst., at Bridg a
ewater, Mr. the
Laurance, of Reading, Beth, lo Miss Eliza Awbrey, of
former place.

DIED. r •
v
On Friday, the 25th inst., Mrs. Dadd, wife of Mr- Lls4.
of his Majesty's Dock-yard, Plymouth. if t:
On the 211th inst., at Kirkby-Mallory, LeicestershlTe:a al'
Hon. Lady Noel, wife of Sir Ralph Noel, Bart., and S'B"
the
Olate Thoas Lor 'W.
n the 25th instant atViscount Athlme,entworth Ireland, aged 41, Willi°l
Weaver, Esq., Ordnance Storekeeper of that place. DIP
At Coldstream, Scotland, on Saturday, the 12th instant,
William Cupples, Surgeon, R.N. aged 43 years.
__....
~e,,...:_:

SO'
Printed and Published for the Pnornivrosts, at the-

OFFICE, 112, Strand, by J. 3J. CAUST.AIIIS.