The Sun.
London, England, 1825-10-13 00:00:00

THE BISHOP OF CHESTER.

At the dinner given by ThomAs CLAY, Esq.
on entering upon the arduous duties of the Mayoralty of Bury,
the Earl of BRISTOL, early after dinner, rose to propose the
health of the Bishop of CHESTER. " Owing to circumstances'
which have transpired since 1 had the honour of addressing you
on the occasion of this health being given here," said the Noble
Lord, " I feel myself imperatively called upon to say a few
words respecting that illustrious Prelate and myself. It has ;
been basely attempted, by one or more of the public prints, to
throw obloquy upon the character of the Bishop of Chester by
various surmises and assertions, to the effect that he had, in rank-
ing himself with the opponents of the Catholic Claims,' de-
serted his early professions and his earlyiriends,when lie found
that, by doing so, he could promote his views of aggrandise-
inent. There never," said. the Earl, in a most animated
and impressive tone, " there never was a more false or unfound-
ed assertion suffered to disgrace the public press. I can declare,
and I now declare it upon my honour, that at no period of my
acquaintance with Dr. Bloomfield, had I the slightest idea of
the Catholic cause ever finding, in him, an advocate : so far to
the contrary, the open expression of his sentiments at all times,
and on all occasions, with respect to this important subject, left
me full reason to know that he would be found a most decided as
well as a most powerful opponent to granting further privileges
to the Catholics. Having thus discharged a duty incumbent upon
me to an individual for whom I retain so ardent an affection,
and who, by his conduct on this very question, instead of lessen-
ing, has increased my esteem for him—my admiration of his
talents and virtue—l think it necessary to add a few words as
explanatory of my reasons for supporting the petition of the
Roman Catholics." After submitting to those of his tried friends
present, that there was no more strenuous enemy than himself to
those visionary schemes ofinnovation which had, at one period of
history, nearly brought ruin upon this empire, the Noble Lord
at some length avowed that he was still inclined to give his sup-
port to the claims of the Catholics, but only on the principle
that, in his opinion, no danger could accrue from extending
their privilege to an equality with the other subjects of the
country, either to the state, or to any one of its venerated insti-
tutions. Ile then concluded a speech, which, for animation and
eloquence, we have seldom heard equalled, and which we ex-
ceedingly regret our inability to do justice to, by proposing the
health of the Bishop of Chester, which was drank with accla-
mation.

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MASONIC NOTICES FOR NEXT WEEK.
ENGLAND.
Monday, Oct. 17, LONDON. Nos. 1, B. 14, 15, 22, 104,
284, 293, 308.
Co UNTItY. Nos. 20, 72, 102, 219, 311,
388, 423, 509, 510, 521,
583.
Tuesday, - 18, LONDON. Nos. 33, 42, 266, 281, 309.
COUNTRY. Nos. 127, 151, 167, 170,
164, 199, 335, 532, 544,
551.
Wednesday, - 19, LONDON. Nos. 36, 56, 91, 92, 134,
225, '296, 321.
COUNTRY. Nos. 95, 105, 124, 126,
146, 207, 229, 339, 342,
465, 468, 480, 487, 529,
531, 678, 705, 711.
- 20, LONDON. Nos. 65, 152, 274, 388.
House Com. Fern. Sch.
at 11.
COUNTRY. Nos. 48, 70, 113, 171, 214,
288, 416, 453, 466, 469,
511, 518, 560, 561, 642,
679.
-- 21, LONDON. No. 493.
COUNTRY. Nos. 30, 55, 193, 470,
550, 600, 646, 656, 7011.
m m
- 22, LONDON.
COUNTRY. No. 675.

Thursday,

Friday,

Saturday,