The Sun.
London, England, 1822-11-07 00:00:00

YORK WHIG CLUB.

On Monday last the Members of the York
‘Whig Club dined together in the Assembly Rooms. ROBERT
CHALoNER, Esq., one of the Representatives of the city, was
in the chair, and was supported in it by Marrnaduke Wyvill,
Esq., the other Representative, Daniel Sykes, Esq., M.P. for
Hull, Col. Cooke, Mr. H. Witham, Mr. Ottiwell Wood,
Aldermen Dunslay and Hotham, and several, other Gentlemen
of respectability. Sir F. Burdett was expected. but did not
,attend the dinner. The guests amounted in number to 150
persons. The cloth being removed, the first toast given was
The King."
Mr. CHALONER, in proposing " The majesty of the peo-
ple," said that he would introduce his toast by a few brief ob-
servations. As there were but, unfortunately, too many persons
I inclined to misrepresent the motives of the meeting, it might
be well to explain the principles upon which such a toast was
Isubmitted. Laws having originally been made for the benefit
4 the many, and not for the advantage of the few, he thought
that the protection of the people at large ought always, in their
I admit Istration, to be the main object considered.
Toast—" The Majesty of the People."
Mr. CIIALONER next would offer to the meeting the health
of a member of the Royal Family, who had lately paid a visit
to the City of York ; and who, with all his high rank, was the
brother freeman of many Gentlemen present. He (Mr. Cha-
loner) trusted that his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex had
made such connexions, and found such attractions, in the
County of York, as would induce him to honour it a second
time with his presence.
Toast—" The Duke of Sussex, and the rest of the Royal
Family."
The CHAIRMAN next proposed the following toast—" A
speedy and effectual reform of the Commons' House of Parlia-
ment, and a large and necessary reduction of the national ex-
penditure."—(Great cheering.)
The health of Mr. Sykes, .Member for Hull, being drank,,
Mr. Srxts rose, with gratitude for the honour conferred up-
on him. He was sorry that the state of his health at the then
moment was such as would not admit of his staying late with
the meeting; but he could not sit down with merely expressing
his thanks for their attention. To the true principles of reform,
to the love of constitutional liberty—the sacred bond which
linked him to the gentlemen whom he was addressing, and them
to each other—to that bond, and to those principles, he needed
hardly declare his devotion. At all times most important to
the well-being of the State, principles of reform, at the present
moment, were essential to its salvation.' To the want of reform
in the Commons' House of Parliament he traced the distresses
tinder which the country was groaning ; to that cause he attri.
buted our eight hundred millions of debt, our sixty millions of
taxation, and, what was viorse, the enormous influence accruing
to Government from the collection of that oppressive and over.
gown revenue. As long as hlinisters had the power of levying
the existing taxes, no head could ever be made against the in-
fluence of the Crown in the House of Commons, however ex-
cessive the measure of that influence or improper its application.
Froth the unanimity which now displayed itself in every part
of the king,dOm, and from several circumstances which had oc-
curred in the last session of Parliament, he (Mr. Sykes) had
to say, which promised an
more sanguine hopes now of carrying the question of reform
than he had entertained at any former period. He hoped he
was not anticipating a statement which would shortly be made
public in the newspapers ; but a resolution had been come to
only a few hours past, he was happy
opportunity to every freeholder of 'orkshire of expressing his
sentiments openly to an assembly in the Castle-yard, upon the
propriety, and what was more ,upon the necessity of reform.—
' Wrest cheering.)—He trust that every person present, who

was entitled to attend that meeting, would attend it, and that
he would use his influence in prevailing. upon his qualified
friends to follow his example. In addressing the Whig Club
i
of York, when he last had met them, he (Mr. Sykes) had n vain
turned his eyes to the continent of Europe with a view of
pointing to cheering prospects the attention of his audi-
tors. All at that time had leen dark and -gloomy : Spain
struggling for liberty, and doubting if she could attain
it; Greece, groaning more deeply than ever under the lash of
the Mussulman who so 10n,3- had oppressed her ! At the pre-
sent moment, however, affairs were bearing a happier aspect.
Greece had every chance of being eventually successful. The
meeting would be rejoiced to hear this—heartily rejoiced ; for
he did not believe that men could be anxious for their own
liberties, and indifferent as to those of all mankind beside. In
Spain, too, there seemed to be a majesty and dignity—a force
and consisttncy, about the conduct of the present Government,
from which he anticipated the happiegt .effects. The cause
'which he (Mr. Sykes) held dearest to his heart, was the cause
which had led to the assembly of The Gentlemen before him.— ,
He was old enough to remember the Reform Association of the
year 171i2. - At-the time of its existence, he had been too young
to take part in it; but he still remembered the interest which,
even- aS--a boy, he had felt in its exertions., And there was one
circumstance about the existence of that association which he
could not forget, arid which, 'perhaps, had materially affected
his political conduct through life,—it was that association which
bad first made him acquainted with the Reverend Christopher
Gentlerrian who had united the most determined
perseverance in his object with the gentlest manner of advanc--
ing it ; and who had made his uncommon ability and great
literary acquirements subservient to the question of Parliament-
ary Reform. Ile (Mr. Sykes) had not had any opportunity of
addressing the Whig Club of York since that fate which was
common to all men had carried off the venerable character to
whom he alluded, but he was glad of any opportunity to recal
the name of Ytryvill to their Memories. If he mentioned that
name at present to the meeting with some emotion of pleasure,
as well as Of:regret, it was becauSe he looked to the inheritor of
Mr. Wyvill's name and fortunes as the inheritor also of his
opinions and his virtues. Mr. Sykes, after lamenting the ab-
sence of Sir George Cayley (the President of the York Whig
Club) from the present meeting—a circumstance which arose,
tie said, from the Honourable Baronet's being abroad, conclud-
ed by proposing " Prosperity to the Whig Club of York, and
the health of the President, Sir George Cayley."

Song—" Life's a bumper."
11-Ir. Alderman DUNSLAY having proposed the healths of
Messrs. Wyvill and Chaloner,
Mr. WYVILL rose amid long continued cheers. Gratifying
as it was to him to hear his health proposed to the meeting,
that gratifiCation was increased by the manner in which it had
been received. As long as he had the honour 'of representing
the city of York in Parliament, he trusted he should ever be
found at his post, ready to perform his own public duty, and
to attend to, and support the interests of his constituents. In
the mean time there was a subject most important to the county
of York, and to the country, indeed, at large, upon which he
proposed to dwell for a few moments. Agricultural distress
was the subject to which he alluded. Attempts, he feared, were
likely to be made at relieving the agricultural classes at the ex-
pence generally of the consumer; but, speaking as a considerable
Landholder himself, he declared that of such relief he never
wo4d accept. Then if the agriculturists were not to be relieved
by an increase of the farmer's prices, they must look for a dimi-
nution in the farmer's expenditure. Such diminution could only
be attained by a proper reduCtion of rent, and by a very large re-
duction in the taxation of the country. It was in proof that the
taxes might be materially diminished by the abolition of sinecures,
'pensions, and unnecessaryollices, and by such a conciliatory sys-
tem, pursued both with regard. to Ireland and to this country, as
wouldi lead to, and warrant, a farther reduction in the amount
of the army._ But standing as the representative of the city of,
York, he (Mr. Wyvill) was bound to go still farther. If he lost
the confidence of his constituents, he must bow to their decision;
but it was his duty, no less than his inclination to speak out. He
was, as far as his own opinion went, decidedly, convinced that
the national debt was a. burden which, the country could not
beat. There were numbers, he knew, froth iliOm'the very men-
tion of the word " bankruptcy" was sure to call down a volume
of obloquy and reproach. It was a sort of high treason, indeed,
in the eyes of many to speak (nationally) such a word. But he
could not conceive why a debt contracted in one species of money
should be p_aid; or demanded to be paid, in money of another
species. He was ready to the uttermost farthing to pay all that
had been borrowed : but he could not consent to sacrific the in-
terests of the many to the paltry interests of the few ; and the
only few who could be injured by the course he suggested
were those who had absolutely lent their money prior to the
suspension of cash payments—a course (that suspension) which
in this country was ever to be regretted, as having furnished
the means for carrying on a war contrary to all liberal aad con-
stitutional principles. He (Mr. Wyvill) would not del:tin the
meeting at greater length regretted the absence of an Ho-
nourable Baronet (Sir F. Burdett) whom he expected, and
hoped to have found upon his right hand.. In that honourable
individual, the member for Westminster, he reposed the highest
confidence : he considered him as a man alike always ready to
become the advocate of individuals in distress, or to defend
from assault the constiiution of his country. He could not
help confessing that he had wished for the presence of the Hon.
Baronet of whom he spoke. He doubted not that the intent of
his absence was good, and that It woold turn to good purpose;
at the present moment, however he was bound to confess that
he did not see any cause for it. however;
Wyvill sat down by shortly
noticing the appeal which an lion. Gentleman (Mr. Sykes)
had made to the memory of his relative; it was that relative
who had first taught him that the principles of reform were es-
sentially necessary to the salvation of his country ;' he had, up
to the present moment, entertained the same opinions, and he
trusted to live and die in the 'profession of them.
Mr. CIIALONER declared that he should think himself want-
ing in every correct feeling, if he had not a deep sense of the
honour which the meeting had done him. As long as he con-
tinued to enjoy the approbation of his constituents, and, what
was still dearer to him, the conscientious feeling that he had
discharged his duty to the best of his ability, so long he should
be satisfied, let whb would condemn his conduct. His Hon.
Colleague (Mr. Wyvill), and the Hon. Member for Hull (Mr.
Sykes) had left him (Mr. Chaloner) very little matter to dwell
upon • but he could not entirely pass over the proceedings
which, a few hours since, had taken place. From these pro-
ceedings he augured the happiest result. To them he trusted
for aid in the cause of that practical reform which was to con-
fer, not ideal, but real blessings upon the country. He la-
mented the absence of the Hon. Baronet (Sir F. Burdett),
whose seat was standing empty. For his own instruction, as
well as for the instruction of the meeting, lie could have wished
to have heard the sentiments of. that most constitutional pa-
triot. That Hon. Baronet had advocated the cause of reform—
whether he (Mr. Chaloner) did or did not agree with him upon
the details of the question was a matter of little consequence :
the Hon. Baronet had, however, advocated the cause of re-
form, long, eloquently, and steadily ; and he (Mr. Chalonery
could not do- better than conclude by proposing his health to
the meeting.
Toast—" Sir Francis Burdett, the constant friend of the
people, and the able advocate of constitutional reform."
The CHAIRMAN said that he felt himself bound to take the
earliest opportunity of giving another toast, which was inti-
mately connected with those Which had preceded it. He should
now propose—" The health of Mr. Fawses, and success to the
reformers of Yorkshire." The toast was drank with three
cheers.
Glee—" Glorious Apollo."
The Cum nuns: then said he should take the liberty of pro-
poiing the health of an Hon. Gentleman whowas then present,
and far, from a stranger to the meeting—a Gentleman who had
made himself known to them by his love of civil liberty, and
his zeal in the cause of practical reform. It was unnecessary
for him to enlarge on the exertions or virtues of Colonel Cooke,
as they were well known to every individual, he then had the
honour to address. Ile concluded by giving the health of
Colonel Cooke.—(Great cheering.)
Colonel COOKE rose, with feelings of gratitude, to return
the meeting thanks for the kind manner in which they had re-
ceived his health. That kindness he attributed. to the cause
which lie had espoused, and not to any exertions which he had
made in its behalf. The many efforts which had recently been
made to shackle public opinion, and to establish arbitrary
power in this country, rendered it necessary for the friends of
the people to meet freequently in assemblies like the,present,
and to raise their voices against the' tyrannical and oppressive
measures which their rulers appeared desirous of introducing
among them. Though they might not be able to get all they
might wish by such meetings, they would still be able to effect
some advantage—they would advance the cause of reform,
and by so doing they would, he believed f at his heart, con-
fer a great good upon their country.—(Cheers.)--They could
not expect that, any relief from taxation would be voluntarily

PRICE SEVENPENCE.

given to them by those who were maintained out of the fruit
of tax-Ation—(Cheers);—they could not expect Any reform to
come willingly from those whose conduct had made reform ne-
cessary.—(Cheers.)—No; they must look to their own exertion:gr-
and trust to their own powers, if they wished to rescue their
country from the distress in which it had been int"elved bythe
profuse expenditure of its best resources. The voice ofthe public
always did much, when it was raised for proper purposes ; and if
they persevered steadily, but temperately, in their present cause,
sure he was, that sooner or later they would cause it to triumph.
—(Cheers.)—The York Whig Club had already effected much
towards the attainment of the objects for which it was insti-
tuted ; and he was therefore sorry to find that many of the York-
shire Reformers, Who pursued the same end with therns4yes.,
had deserted them that evening, though they had been adio-
eating the very same principles with them in the morning.—
AS the situation of the landed interest had been adverted to,
he should beg leave to make a few observations upon that sub-
ject. The country gentlemen were now beginning to feel great
distress. He said beginning to' feel it, for hitherto they had
been living in ease and comfort upon the capital of the tenants,
which was now in but too many instances entirely wasted:—
They had brought the burdens of which they complained upon
their own shoulders, and were now going to be severely and de-
servedly punished for it.—(Cheers.)—Had they supported the
cause of Reform, the distress which they were soon going to
feel would not have occured ; but as it was they were now
abotit to receive that reward for their misconduct which he for
one conceived that they most richly merited.--(Cheers.)
Toast-4' The health of the strangers who have done us the

honour of a visit this day:"
Major Ansismoico, in a few words, returned thanks.
Mr. Alderman DUNSLAY, the Vice President, proposed the
" health of Mr. Ottiwell 'Wood and the Whigs of Liverpool,"
Mr. 0. WOOD, jun., returned thanks in the name of his
fatherr and the Whigs of Liverpool, for the honour which had
been conferred upon them, and in doing so lamented that his
fellow townsmen were not so fortunate as the Whigs of York.
.—The former only met to assert their principles—the latter
met for the happier purpose of celebrating their triumph.—
The Whigs of Y.ark were fairly and honestly represented in Par-
liament—the Whigs of Liverpool were not only misrepresented,
but also calumniated in that assembly.—(Cheers.)—The repre-
sentation of Liverpool was in the hands of a few persons, and
those of a condition in life that left them open -to every kind of
influence and corruption. Indeed, he did not know of a stronger
argument in favour of Parliamentary Reform, than that which
was afforded by an election at Liverpool. During its continu-
ance, the most venal profligacy, and the most unblushing de-
bauchery, were openly practised : and as to its result, he need
only point to their two representatives--men with whom the in-
habitants of Liverpool had not one feeling in common, and for
whose political conduct it was impossible for them to feel any
respect : one of them, too, the child and champion of corruption,
and unfortunately for his country recently raised to a high situa-
tion in the management of its atfairs.--(Cheers.)—lt had often
been urged as an objection to Parliamentary Reform, that if it -
were granted the persons into whose hands the right of suffrage
would then be vested, would not make a proper discrimination
in the choice of representatives ; but he would ask whether
it was now vested in the hands of men who, from their sobriety.
integrity, and independence, were calculated above all others
to exercise a sound discrimination ?—(Cheers.)—He was glad
to hear that the great and opulent county of York was shortly
going to exert itself in the cause of Reform, because he believed
that in season and out of season was the time for agitating. thee
question.—(Hear, hear I)—The manner in which. Ministers
treated it was well worthy the notice of the company. If the
country did not petition strongly and numerously for Reform,
the Ministers took advantage of the calm and cried out—" Mind
not the petitions which are presented, they are only the work of a
few factious demagogues.' If, however, the table were loaded
with petitions, and complaint followed complaint, of the evils
occasioned by the present system, then what was their language'
He would give them it in the very words of the Representative
for Liverpool to whom he had before alluded. Very soon after the
perpetration of the Manchester massacre, when it became the sub-
sect, not 'of Parliathentary examination, but of Parliamentary
discussion, Mr. Canning, in speaking of the many petitions then
presented to the House, used the following curious expres-
sions :—" Is the House so uninstructed by experience as not to
know that concessions to an invading enemy as the last means
of obtaining peace?" He compared the petitions of the people
to the elainisof an invading enemy, and thus openly announc-
ed what had long been the concealed opinion of his faction ;
for in very truth the boroughmongers had for many years past
considered the demands of the people for their just rights ai
the-demands of an invading enemy.—(Cheers.)-The worthy
gentleman then Concluded by thanking the meeting for the ho,
nour which they had conferred upon his townsmen, and which he
confessed would be highly gratifying to them, on account of its
coming from men who had always been distinguished for their
attachment to the cause of rational liberty.—(Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN—The next toast I shall give without any
preface. To name the gentleman is to praise him. I give you
"The health ofJohn George Lambton, Esq. and the Reformers
of Durham.—(Cheers.)
Mr. WsrviLL, after a few words in commendation of the
public services of Lord Dundas, the late representative for
York, proposed the health of that Nobleman.
It was drunk with the greatest enthusiasm, and the Chair-
man shortly returned thanks for his absent relative.
Colonel CooxE proposed the health of a gentleman who
was a true friend to the principles of their Club, and who had
long exerted himself in promoting the liberty of the press—
he meant their Vice-President, Mr. Alderman Dunslay.
Mr. Alderman DUNSLAY returned thanks.
Toast—" The Liberty of the Press, the good wishes of this
meeting to the independent part of it in this county, and the
health of Mr. Hargrove, the Editor of the York Herald, anti
Mr. Bathes, Editor of the Leeds Mercury."
Mr. HARGROVE, in a speech of some length, returned his
thanks, and declared his intention to persevere in the course he
bad adopted, in despite of persecution.
Mr. BAINES shortly expressed his gratitude for the honour
conferred upon him.
Mr. SYKES begged to propose the health of a most distin-
guished Member of Parliamentary Reform—" Lord Milton."
Song—" Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled."
Mr. CHALONER, after expressing his regret and surprise
why our Roman Catholic brethren should continue-to be ex-
cluded from the blessings of the Constitution, gave, " The
health of Henry Witham, Esq. and success to the cause of civil
and religious liberty."
Mr. WITHAM returned thanks in so low a tone of voice that
we were unable to catch the greater part of his observations:
He trusted for such exertion and unanimity (we understood)
in aid of the Catholics as the enemies of their cause should mid
it impossible to resist.
" The Lord Mayor and Corporation of York" being pro-
posed by Mr. Wyvill,
Mr. Alderman HOTHAM- returned thanks for the honour
done to himself and his brethren.
Mr. CHALONER gave " the Ladies of York."
Song—" Here's a health to all good lasses."
Mr. Alderman Du }ISLAY gave " The health of Lord
Fiitz-
'" which was drank with loud applause.
The health of Mr. Hume was also drank with three times
three.
Mr. CHALowER proposed " Sneezes to the Greeks, and con-
fusion to their enemies wherever they be."
Song.7-t"lo arms ye brave." .
" Trial by Jury ;" and " Lord Grosvenor and the Whigs
of Cheshire" followed.
Sundry other toasts were then disposed of, and the meeting
broke up.