The Sun.
London, England, 1838-05-05 00:00:00

THE CORONATION.

PUBLIC MEETING,

A meeting of the merchants.and traders of the cities of London and
Westminster, &c., was held yesterday at the London Coffee-house,
Ludgate-hill, for the purpose of adopting such means as might appear
desirable to induce her Majesty's Ministers to advise that the ceremo-
vial of the Coronation be observed in a manner suitable to the dignity
of the crown, and the affectionate feelings of her Majesty's subjects.
Alderman COPELAND, ALP., in the Chair.
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the business of the meeting, disclaimed all
Political feeling on the subject which they had met to take into their
consideration. He differed with her Majesty's Ministers in their view of
the manner in which the ceremony of the Coronation should be
s solemnised, because he considered it to be one of the most august
and solemn ceremonies it was possible to imagine. It was the
1 telling of a solemn religious compact between the Sovereign
and the people. He treated all the anonymous attacks which had
been made upon him by letter and otherwise, in reference to this
abject, with the contempt they deserved. One only of those annoy-
Mous scribblers had ventured a signature to his effusion, and that person
called himself " A Friend of the Monarchy and of Religion," and yet
he said that any coronation at all was an absurdity.--(Hear, hear, and
laughter.) He (Alderman Copeland) differed with his correspondent
He thought that their young Queen should be crowned in a manner be-
, fittieg her exalted station, and the character of this great empire.—
(Rear, hear.) He might be met by parties who would say that the re-
venues of the country were falling. Now, he was not one who was de.
sirous of spending money uselessly, nor had he ever advised it; but he
• was one who thought that whatever might be the cost of the Coronation,
if conducted as it ought to be, that expenditure would be a benefit to
• ceremony about to be performed, was one which, in all probability, the
YoUngest amongst them might not see again.
Alderman KELLY, in proposing the first resolution, said he appeared
there with a feeling of the strictest impartiality, and without the slight-
est reference to any political motive or object whatever. Tie appeared
there as one desirous to promote the trade of the city of London, and
to assist a large class of industrious operatives—the Spitalfields silk
weavers.—(Hear, hear.) He was anxious that the ceremony should be
celebtated with its usual splendour, because that would induce the pub.
lie to lay out their money and promote the good of the poor artisans.
The worthy Alderman then referred to the munificent patronage and
encouragement bestowed upon. the Spitalfields weavers by her Majesty
Queen Dowager. Her Majesty had given an impetus to their de..
,dining trade, and her benevolent efforts had resulted in the good effect
°f promoting the comforts of the weavers, by setting their looms going. Had
it not been for the fund raised by her Majesty's assistance, many
of them would have perished during the inclement frost of the
Past winter.—(Hear, and cheers.) He therefore hoped that the Coro-
ation would be celebrated with all its ancient and and accustomed splen
tdour. He was sure her Majesty was well aware of the importance of
iMeg encouragement to trade, and particularly the fancy trade. Her
of . sty the Queen Dowager had ever that object in view, and the ladies
her Court were desired to wear dresses of British manufacture only.
short tine might be done now; but in that case, he observed, that the
'Coronationwhich will intervene before the day at present fixed for the
plans and
• „ would not be sufficient for the preparation of the necessary
dest.
nianconelucedisbnys. After a few further observations the worthy Alder_
moving the first resolution
mil. Th e at in the opinion of this Meeting it is highly important that the
InnitY of her MaY
jest 's Coronation should be observed with all the
t
splendour that has been usual on such occasions, which is alike due to
&e? dignity of the Crown of England, and to the gratification of the
ectionate feelings of her Majesty's subjects.
A lr. Haaetsox seconded the resolution. The proposed plan of the
Coronation had disappointed thousands of the silk weavers who were out
employ es
- • ssenething ought to be done to relieve their distress.
Mr. FEARON, in moving an amendment to the resolution, coo_
!gained that the advertisernent assumed that the Coronation was not to
be conducted in a manner suitable to the dignity of the crown, and the
asaffectionate feelings of her Majesty's subjects. He did not think this
null nunption was warranted. He did not think that an extraordinary
a
-Y os money was the best means of upholding the dignity of the
Crown, or of gratifying the affectionate feelings of its subjects. With
respect to the distress which unhappily existed among the Spitalfields
"savers, every man of humanity must lament its existence; but if
th_ere be a Coronation every year, it would not relieve that distress.
The cause of the depression of trade lay much deeper. There was no
Man in England but was desirous of having the Coronation celebrated
with a due attention to the forms used in olden times ; but the most
.npportant question was the expense of this ceremony. They must bear
imind that a quarter of a million of money was expended on the ban-
quet which was given at the coronation of George the Fourth, while the
Coronation of William the Fourth, which was celebrated with all
the dignity suited to the character of the nation, cost only one eighth
of that sum. He thought they should hesitate before they engaged
themselves in recommending an expenditure of anything like the
sum that was expended on the coronation of George the Fourth. Let
them remember that the country was only just recovering from the
consequences of the late commercial crisis, and its revenues were de-
tereasing.—(Hear) lie then moved an amendment to the effect that to
'oPPort the "suitable dignity of the Crown" in the forthcoming coro-
nation of her Majesty, it was not essential that a large expenditure of
the public money should take place, and that the best mode of securing
" the affectionate feelings of her Majesty's subjects" would be to pro-
tect them from taxation inseparable from a large outlay, and that her
Majesty, in common with her Ministers, deserves the grateful thanks
of the whole community for the evidence which they have afforded of
t heir regard for an economical use of the national funds.
The CHAIRMAN inquired if any one seconded the amendment ? and
no one appearing disposed to do so,
Mr. BROWNS was about to address the meeting, when
Mr. HumPHREYS said he seconded the amendment.
Mr. BROWN supported the resolution. They must recollect the im-
portant distinction between the present case and the coronation of
William. the Fourth. Special embassies from Foreign Courts were de-
clined on the part of the British Government, as the Coronation of his
late Majesty was to be conducted in an unusual spirit of economy. But
POW every Foreign Court was waiting to see n whatd some of
manner
tthheemCwoerroe-
nation of our young Queen was to be
sending special heralds to ascertain the degree celebrated,of splendour in which
the ceremony would be performed. Besides, a feeling of gallantry
would teach them that a young lady required a greater degree of at-
tractive magnificence in the important ceremony than an aged Mo.
narch. He referred to the actual appointment of Marshal Soult
11 the Court of France as its Representative on that occasion, and
to the recent vote of the Chamber of Deputies granting him tweaty
thousand pounds to enable him to execute the functions of
his office with becoming splendour, and he had said he would himself
'expend the same sum. He also adverted to the magnificent display
Made by the Duke of Northumberland at the Court of France, which
lst], no doubt, led that Court to emulate that Nobleman at the Corona-
tion of our young Queen. He strongly urged the propriety of calling
nPon the Government to have that most important event celebrated with
all its ancient and accustomed splendour, on the ground that the money ex_
!ended on it would benefit the middle classes throughout the country,
and eventually return to the Exchequer through the various channels of ,
H
Industry, not only with Interest, but compound interest.—(Cheers.)
After a few observations from Mr. 01. t Es
Mr. BRARON said that, to shorten the time of the meeting, he would
Withdraw his amendment.—(Loud cheers.)
The original resolution was then carried unanimously amidst much
cheering.
Mr. Moocc moved the second resolution :--
2, That this Meeting also feels strongly impressed with the importance
of this solemn ceremony being conducted on a scale of magnificence,
Which will uphold the greatness of this country in the eyes of foreign
nations, many of whose representatives will be present.
The Coronation would not merely be an idle display, but it would
Prove a substantial national benefit.—(Hear, hear.) It surely was not
inconsistent with the character of a great and powerful country to pay
reverence to its constitutional Sovereign—(Cheers)—and the people of
ernogwiaun.(l had, in all past times, upheld the dignity and splendour of the

Mr, Slitws el' seconded the resolution, which was carried.
3:'Ltwis, in a spirited speech, proposed the third resolution :
the at the effect of conducting the Coronation of Her Majesty oh
c "
jaiTtl e°f grandeur formerly displayed, would be of the most benefi-
esCription on all branches of trade and manufacture, especially such
as are More immediately connected with taste and fashion, many of
""'ell are at the present moment in a state of considerable depression.
nne hoped that Ministers were not determined to thwart the feeling of
E
;• gsinnen by having this solemn ceremony mutilated and shorn of
314 s,
plenclour.—(Hear, hear.) But if, on the contrary, it was to be
properlY celebrated, one blaze of illumination would be lighted up from
John o'Groats to Land's End, from the Humber to Holyhead, and from
the Liffey to all parts of Ireland.— (Cheers.) It appeared that the
Allnisters wished their young Queen to go from Buckingham Palace to
the Abbey in a close carriage, like a timid girl escaping from the
caresses of her lover.—(Laughter and cheers.) He was actuated in
his desire ;0 see their young Sovereign crowned with becoming splen-
dour by sorn,,thing more than any advantage he could possibly derive
from it by a fecling of English honour, English pride, and profound
loyalty to his Quez.n.—( Loud cheers.)
Mr. Jon N powmg z.econded the resolution, which was carried.
The following resolutions were also passed :-
4. That with these impressions, this meeting experience great regret
at learning from authority that the Procession, and a great part of the
Other ancient usages, are to be dispensed with on this occasion, thus
diminishing the proper splendour of the ceremony, and depriving the
various trades of the benefits which would otherwise result to them.
5. That an humble petition be presented to the Queen's Majesty,
praying that no curtailment may take place in the ancient forms ob-
served at the Coronations of the Sovereigns of England, and for such a
postponement of tho ceremony as may give time to make adequate pre-
parations for it.
6. That a Committee be apppinted to carry the foregoing resolutions
into eftZ?ct, ' that they be requested to snake arrangements for such
Petition 13.-ing presented, empowered to wait upon any department of
Government .in furtherance of its prayer, and to take any other steps
calculated to p?omote the objects of this meeting.
7. That the cor;iial thanks of this meeting be presented to Mr. Alder-
man Copeland for ;.,is able, courteous, and impartial conduct in the
Chair.

S. That the foregoing resolutions be published in such Papers as the
Committee may direct.
Alderman COPELAND said that, being entitled to the privilege, he
'would take upon himself the presentation of the petition to her Majesty
1.4 Person.—(Cheers.)
Some other gentlemen addressed the meeting in a spirit congenial
'With the above resolutions.—The Meeting then separated.

The Duke of Beaufort arrived in Park-place yes-
terday, from Newmarket.
The Earl of Yarborough arrived in Arlington-
street on Thursday, from Brocklesby Hall, Lincolnshire.
Lord it-loward de Walden and suite are hourly ex-
tected at Fahiaouth, from Lisbon. For the sake of expedition the
o,°ble Envoy will come over in a steam vessel, which has been engaged
cbt .the occasion. His Lordship will remain in England until after the
Coronation.
„ Colonel Howard, M.P., and Lady Fraser, have
left the Brunswick Hotel, Jermyn-street, for their in' aUsion in Portland-
treet.

Her Majesty the Queen Dowager is, we are happy
to state, convalescent. Her Majesty's indisposition arose from a cold
caught during the prevalence of the late cutting north easterly winds,
"Which confined her to her apartments for a few days.
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF IRISH LIFE. By
'4". S. C. I:ALL—Mrs. Hall is one the most delightful writers of the
Present time delineating Irish life and manners, and particularly in
describing those .nenes and images which are so peculiarly characteristic
of the southern counties of Ireland. We can give the most unqualified
recommendation to these Lights and Shadows of Irish Life. They are
pictures of living marines, by a writer who has lived from her girlhood
to womanhood in the very ;:cenes she describes; every person connected
with Ireland will feel the chaym of these volumes, and every one who
delights in pictures of natural wssion and domestic feelings, will recog-
"le in these pages the genius of a N7r i ter of the first order.—Messenger.
THE PANQUI IN CHINA, IN 1836-7.—By C. T.
DOWNING, Esc).— At a period when our position with China assumes so
important an aspect, when the East India Charter has but just expired,
and when the Chinese Government are making every attempt to suppress
the smuggling going on between the two countries, a work like this must
Oti, "necessity be we likely to attract the immediate attention, and atten.
e Perusal of all oiir countrymen. It is written in a fine, bold, and
Manly style_is full of anecdote, and iiights into the obscure privacies
of Chinese life, high and low--is not defic:fnt in descriptions, both of
Place and person —and coni,Ains,
h the moreover, several political remarks,
ythic
experienze, as well a 5 talent of the author, render equally
valttable and interesting,—Court Joanalt