The Sun.
London, England, 1831-10-21 00:00:00

NEWCASTLE.

(Abridged from the Second Edition of the Tyne Mercury.)
On Monday, October 17, in consequence of the rejec•
tion of the Reform Bill by the House of Lords, the mem-
bers of the Northern Political Union, and other Reformers,
assembled on the Town Moor, and presented the most nu-
merous meeting ever beheld in this part of the country.
The number has been variously estimated at from 40 to
50,000 persons; 50 or 55,000 would probably not be an
exaggerated calculation. A considerable portion of the
middle class of society were present. Nothing could sur-
pass the order with which this immense multitude pro-
ceeded in procession to the place appointed for meeting.
They were attended by bands of music, and several flags
were exhibited with various inscriptions, among which
we noticed, " Support the patriotic King and his Minis-
ters," " The King reigns in the hearts of his People,"
" The Elective Power of the People is the first Principle
of the Constitution," " Attwood and Union," " All Alen
have equal Rights," " Londonderry found no Brains," and
on the pole from which this flag waved were suspended a
skull and horns and a pair of pistols, " From Bishop,
Tithes, and Taxes, good Lord deliver us," " Beaumont
and Reform," " Ilowick the Rope of the People," " Love
and Unity," " Far a Nation to be Free it is sufficient that
she wills it," the flag of the Union, " Invincible in Union,"
and the tri-colour of France and the Union Jack of Eng-
land, joined with laurel, emblematic of the union of the
two countries. The horses were taken from Mr. Att-
wood's carriage, ropes were affixed to it, and in despite of
his remonstrances he was drawn by men all the way from
Whickham to the Town Moor. The bells were rung at
Shields in honour of the men setting out from that place
to attend the meeting. The whole body when assembled
presented an impressive and magnificent spectacle.
Order and silence having been obtained, Mr. GEORGE
ABBATT moved that Charles Attwood, Esq., of Whick-
ham, take the chair, which was rapturously applauded.
Mr. ATTwoon having taken the chair, addressed the
meeting. He wished that some of those Anti-Reformers
were here this day ; and yet, if they were as, it might he
doubtful if they would ever believe their eyes, whilst on
the other hand, if not here, though an angel told them,
they would equally disbelieve their ears ; for they were,
indeed, a stiff-necked and stubborn generation—who have
eyes and see not—ears have they, yet will not compre-
hend.—(Great applause.) He was proud indeed to wit-
ness the union of patience and firmness with which the
people had met their disappointment.—(Applause.) We
had now met to consider what steps we ought to take to
ensure the spe-dy passing of the Bill. Beyond all ques-
tion violent proceedings were not necessary, and would
indeed be prejudicial to the success of their own great
cause. They had only to continue to preserve their
present admirable temper and perseverance to en-
sure the attainment of that measure on which all our
happiness depends. It had pleased Providence at a period
when nothing less than providential interference was
capable of saving this kingdom from the disorders and con-
fusion into which it was just falling, to raise up for us, for
the first time for a course of centuries, a patriot King, arid
also to raise up an enlightened and patriotic Minister in
the person of their illustrious countryman, Earl Grey.—
(Great applause.) Under these circumstances we might
safely regard as of little consequence the votes of the 41
Gld gentlemen, or perhaps old women, 20 of whom, he be-
lieved, were in breeches, and 21 in petticoats, by whom
the Bill had been rejected.--(Laughter and applause.) Of
what weight are those 40 or 41 votes, against the far
more than 40,000 votes which were at that moment raised
aloud around him'?—(Applause.) The only thing which
gave him pain, in the beautiful and splendid spectacle of
that day, was the emblematic banner which was held up
before him. He could not but think it not its unison with
the magnanimous and forbearing spirit which that magn
nimous assemblage, in every thing besides, displayed, to
offer an insult to a fallen in in ; for the Marquis of Lon-
donderry was, whether he knew it himself or not, already
a fallen onan.—(Applause.) Ile could net pardon the
cruelty, even for the wit; for it might be true that the
head contained no brains, but it must still be remembered
that the heart held blood, and that that blood was English.
bArnodtbh:of:lftriliipa
st,iin the eyes of Englishmen, the blood of
man had ever been accounted sacred.—(Great applause.
UP"'' this, the banner was moderately lowered, and re-
moved, as the pressure gradually permitted, a little further
from the hustings.) Ile then et4reaWd them to preserve
the same orderly; peaceful, taatient, and fit, he might say
which had already united them. Should
it become finally necessary to take a different ground, they
should find that be, in that case, would not be pr?vented
by respect for, or fear of, the Duke of Wellington, from
being the man who would proppae to them the adoption
of more decisive measure.. Mr. Attwood sat down
amidst loud and repeated cheers.
V4r*,.' then rase to propose the first resolu-
. dun. The ultimate success of the people is certain ; but
we must he true to ourselves.—(A voice from the crowd,
. " Down with the Bishops.") Have patience, my friend,
and restrain that cry; although it may he prompted by
, honest indignation, and aßlic,-4a the Bishops themselves
have industrious„ collected il4: comboitiblei fQx its OX-
) plo•ioq, 7].inetAef El,a peace isour ir4cy as Reformers,
, and our duty as men. Now beta notice that ghastly de-

vice. —(11r. F. alluded to a skull and horns which had
been fixed on the top of a pole, with the motto underneath
of " Londonderry found no brains.")—(Laughter.)
Although empty of brains, it is full of wit—(Cheers and
laughter)—but I must deplore the circumstances out of
which the idea has arisen. I cannot but reprobate such
a practical experiment of cracking a Peer's head to ascer-
tain whether brains were in it.—(Laughter.) That man
who wounded the Marquis of Londonderry with a stone
was not a Reformer.—(Applause.) If the Temporal
Lords have driven us in our opinions to impeach their
integrity, what are we to think of those wclres in steeps'
clothing, the Bishops ? They have forfeited the respect
of the nation. Compare them with the early teachers of
Christianity, so remarkable for humility, poverty and in-
dustry ; then look at those pampered courtiers, with their
pumps, their vanities, their shameful wealth, and their
hypocrisy, which now, in the estimation of the people.
condemn thetn to damnation.—(Cheers.) You have seen
iu the Parliamentary reports that the Hon. Member fur
Preston has been bawling against Earl Grey and his col-
leagues to urge the military upon the people, and to lay
fresh shackles on the liberty of the Press. It is not easy
to understand the conduct of Mr. Hunt; I will not assert
that he has taken bribes from the Noble Dukes of Cum-
berland and Wellington ; can they have promised to make
hint a Bishop ?—(Laughter.) I must say, however, that
if the honest and independent electors of Pr•estou do return
him to Parliament, they deserve to have ,`,a Bishop for a
representative.—(Cheers and laughter•.) Mr. F. con-
cluded by proposing the first resolution.
Mr. E. MACK ENZIE—AIr. Chairman, friends, and fel-
low-countrymen, the resolution which I have the honour
to second deplores the rejection of the Reform Bill, not
only as it affects the happiness of the people, but as it has
placed in jeopardy the peace of the country, the perma-
nency of our institutions, and the security of all kinds of
property.—(Applause.) I do most solemnly del ire nt)
opinion (and 1 know something of the feelings of my
order), that should the Bill of Reform be vexatiously de-
layed, or its efficiency impaired, or should it be again re-
jected, an instantaneous and irresistible declaration of th.
❑ational determination will be made.—(Applause.) In,
many p trts the people have resolved to pay no taxes until
the House of Commons be refiirmed. Recognizing the
principle that taxation without rept esentation is tyranny.
I have always complied with the tax-gatherer's de:nand Ull
the s nue principle as I would deliver my purse on the
highway to prevent a greater evil. Even now I will con
tinue to pay taxes while Lord Grey remains in office, hug
not one moment longer.—(Great applause.) If Peet-
have been created only for the purposes of evil, why not
increase them now for the purposes of good ?—(Great ap-
plause.) Law Lords might wake such fine distinctions a-
they pleased, but they would have Earl Grey's Bill and
nothing else, because it opened the way to further ame-
liorations ; but if that Bill be mutilated, or its efficacy im
paired, we will not have it. Mr. M. concluded in second
big the motion. •

The CHAIRMAN then put the resolution, which wa
curried with great applause.
Mr. JOSZP/1 WATSON—FeIIow-countrymen, the reso-
lution entrusted to my care nreds but little aid from it.
proposer, for it is a vote of thanks to that truly great
Nobleman—that illustrious Northumbrian who stands a,
the head of the present Administration—(Cheers)—whose
master mind produced the Reform Bill, and who supported
it with such spirit and effect in the House of Lords—w 6
in his youth represented this county in Parliament, and in
his old age is the representative of the wishes and feelings
of e whole people of Britain.—(Cheers.) Mr. W.
moved the second resolution.

Mr. R. W. SWAN-Brother reformers and fellow-
countrymen—For the first time in my life, I step forward
in the character of a public speaker to second the resolu-
tion as ably recommended by my friend, Mr. Watson.
Gentlemen, of all the numerous contests in which we have
been engaged, that upon which we are now entering is the
most remarkable in its nature, the most important in its
results. It is a contest between the people, headed by
their patriotic King and his Ministers on the one side, and
199 Spiritual and Temporal Peers, headed by the greatest
captain of the age and the Reverend Bench of Bishops on
the other. Let us, gentlemen, examine the claims of the
leaders of the respective parties to our support. To begin
then with those of the memorable majority of 199, the
first that presents himself to our notice is the Duke of
Wellington. True it is, gentlemen, that the Noble Duke
has " done the State some service"—nay great and im-
portant service. He has raised to the highest pitch the
military renown of England. But if his milit try services
have been great and splendid, equally great and splendid
have been the rewards lavished on him by a grateful na-
tion, and his claims on this score have, I conceive, been
fully satisfied. Subsequently, gentlemen, he comes before
us in the capacity of a civil leader. In this capacity too,
I will admit that he did us some service. He eff.eted con.
siderable reduction in the expenditure of the country, and,
what was of more importance, he prevailed upon his So-
vereign to yield to the wishes of his people for the eman-
cipation of their Catholic brethren. But, gentlemen,
whilst he was conferring upon us at home those benefits
which no administration could long have withheld from
us, abroad he was binding us in closer alliance with the
despotic Governments of Europe, and instead of boldly
placing his country in the van of liberty, he was silently
and secretly dragging her into the rear of despotism. Little
muse, then, have we to place our confidence in the Noble
Duke. Next to him we have the three law Lords, the
trinity of persons in unity of purpose—that purpose, the
defeat of the people's dearest wishes. Fit at amongst the
three, stands our noble townsman, the Ex-Chancellor Lord
Eldon, famous for doubting about every thing but the ex-
pediency of enslaving the people, and of preserving in the
hands of an avaricious oligarchy the power of plundering
them—famous for presiding for 25 years in the Court of
Chancery, up to the neck in arrears and lahtnea, without
making any extraordinary effort to di:poise of the former,
and without any effort at all to correct the latter—finally,
famous for having spent a long life solely devoted to his
own selfish interests. Next comes the other x-cilian-
cellor, Lord Lyndhurst, notorious for tU, facility with
which he can change sides, and for Leing the subject of a
severe phillippic on that account pronounced by the recreant
Whig and Ex-Attorney-General, Sir James Srarlett. Last

of the three, though, to use a pun, the West of them,
comes Lord Wynforel, famous fur nothing that I know of
but an irritable temper, and for having decided a Scotch
appeal in the House of Lords contrary to Scotch law.
'rum we now to the Lords Spiritual, the Reverenal Bench
of Bishops. Though we may admit, Geia‘raett, that the
prayers of the righteous avail panel), we may safely affirm
that the prayers of the Uishops fur the success of their
present opposition to the Government will avail very
little. It is true that they lay claim to tender czuseiences,
and it is possible that their conscience, tuay be as tender
and as pure as their lawn sleeves. But, gentlemen, we
may be permitted to bunt this, when we reflegt that
whilst, ou the one hand, their consciences have permitted
them through a long series of yeast; support every im-
portant measure of a govetnttient which outlived the tole-
ration of a patient soil enduring, but finally exaspaated
people-,,0n the contrary they have, with eLaiy two ho.
itoarable exceptions, led them in a lAoi,ly to oppose the first
great measure of the most patriotic Government which
England ever posse sea. hearing these circumstances in
mind, gen.11.....nen, I think we way fairly conclude, that
wl,iatevei may be the case with our souls, our liberties may
be in safer keeping than in that of the Rev. Bishops. Let
us now, gentlemen, take a brief survey of the leAchr,s of
the opposite party. First and foremost ;pi rank and im-
portance
we now to Earl
like his noble predeees-
lieoirgtnasnciensttiaiendhseaorutrs pckartriusti:el:g if ever King did,
sGoiretnhoittnescet,lfg.-OL-ItiouEil he hiss not,
forth conquering and to conquer, Itt".. has,
• tty hit splendid talents, by his persevering e.,,,“;;;ea, and
firm consistency, not only overcome tl4v iteresudices of the
peoplethun
si asgtiacin feelings ParliamentaryWyetornt, but enlisted their
Nor let us forget, Gen-
tlemen, his 4:ormarip's colleagues. First auto/.4s;them
ttand,2 Lord Brougham, the indefaindefatigablyandabuse-re-
formingsavour. Chancellor—the Hyr4,4ean- cleanser of Lord
Ddon's Augean sta.h,',e.,..tite eloquent champion of the
people's rizli,,t3 and liberties—the most efficient advocate of
the Reform Bill—the poor man's friend and able instruc-
tor. Then, we have honest Lord .Altho:p, and the patrio-
tic Russell, both equally entitlo to our' admiration and
confidence. In shnyt, Gentlemen, bet Ween stivh a fling
and such a Ministry on the oneside, a,rld tu;is men as 1
have described their Opporttents to !oe an the other, we can-
not for a niCtnen,t hesit4te to deeide.—(This gentleman's
breCti flag frequently interrupted with applauses.) The
resolution was then put from the chair, and carried
unanimously.
Mr. W. A, MITCIIKIA-s.,Plntl,ewen, f rise to moot;

• /Ate
iesolution respecting an address to his Maj sty and a rise. /
inorial to Earl Grey. In turning over same old addressee
this morning, I met with one to. Queen Anne, in which
the addressers said, " they btrrubly kissed her Majesty's
treat hand." I rejoice that *e live in times when we
neither regard with peculiar veneration the great hands or
the great feet of Kings or Queens-:--(Loudlanghte:)-:—but
are satisfied that We have a King with a sound and sen-
sible head.--(Great applause.) The Peers have thrown
out the Bill, Gentlemen, hut I shall be much nsistak.n if
they do not pass it after all. The Right Reverend Fathers
in God,—there is very little of God in them—(Laughter)
—and the Pitt Parts, who have stood as unneoveaLle in
the great progress of human intellect, and have acted elnio.t
34 wisely as another set Rf pit affairs with which some of
you are well acquainted—l mean pit props—(Great ap-
plause and laughter)—these personages have thrown out
the Bill, and yet I have a shrewd notion they will finelly
carry it. I trust by this meeting you have driven another
n.il into time leathern hide of their Lordships' conviction.
—(Applause.) Mr. M. moved the third resolution.
Mr. T. Ilernorter-1 rise to wood the motion mixed
by Mr. Mitchell. Not that lam altogether satisfied with
the Bill, bat because I helices. the Bill will do good to the
people of England in various ways. We shall have a
inure equal representation in Parliament. We shall get
tome of our mercantile gentlemen popped iu you House,
tud free trade will he opened out.—(Applause.) Thea
there would be a better market fur the fruits of our in-
dustry ; there would be employment for every man ; we
would
o
d
ld
s
little ruin t bread t
gteottltrhiantk East
L lanuadgn te
ia :rVhealiw.ntedoru
laid
applause.) uu'is,eette.i?mae: g
Ad gteaht a
Again,
vg' would u
we would manufacture their cotton goods; we would bring
our own sugar here, and would also bring cur tea from
China. And would not that do souse good? Mr. H.
concluded by moving the third rest:6ll4m, which, on being
put from the Chair, was carried utiaeittiously.
Mr. W. H. Baockerr then ruse and oliserved—Cen-
tlemen, 1 am extremely sorry I have not the luegs of a
Londonderry, to make myself sufficiently heard. It has
been said that the Bishops united in their character the
wisdom of the serpent with the learnilessntss of the dove.
But the Duke of Wellington seen], to have got all the
wisdom, fur he wished to pat out the present Alinistry
,and pass the Bill hiunelf.--(Laughter and appleuse.)
The Bishops appear to have lost all the wisdetn, and the
Duke of Wellington appears to have got it. I shall meke
a few observations on the device which stands before me
in allusion to the Marquis of Londonderry. Some will
reprobate the conduct of the Noble IWareetis, but what is
a man to do who has no brains of his own but to try to
get some by blowing out other people's.—(Laughter and
applause.) Mr. B. concluded by touring the fourth reeo-
lution, which was seconded by Mr. Weeser, and carried
unanimously.
Mr. L•RICIN then rose—The King Las retained his
Ministers. As yet, then, we will out abandon the humi-
liating and supplicating posture of petitioners fur our rights,
nor tise to demand them in that port and attitude which,
become the citiz-ne of a free state, aid with that deterini-
?teflon of purpose which will no longer brook delay. For
while longer, then, we will remain prostrate %lives,
bumble petitioners at the feet of a Legislature which foots
Ind spurns us from its threshold. For a while, we will
crouch, and fawn, and supplicate. Yes, while a hope of
justice militias, we will be lenient ; we will endure our
wrongs, embittered by insult, with fortitude, but, at the
same time, with a suppressed energy of feeling Hamill carry
conviction to the bosoms of our oppressors, that we have
something within us which their wisdom ought to fear.
How shall I now approach those grave and reverend per-
sonages, the Bishops—(Laughter)—the creatures in big
wig* and lawn sleeves, whom you se much admire and re-
spect.—(Laughter and derision.) I touch this theme with
all exulting spirit. 1 rejoice that they have openly die-
played their hatred to the people. 1 rejoice dust they have
recorded their votes against this great measure of popular
liberty.—(Loud cheers ) I rijoice that the spirit of met-
tles. which precedes destruction is upon them..—(Cheers.)
I rejoice that they hive preserved to the last theconsisteucy
of their character—(Cheers)—that they have not degene-
rated from their predecessors into one singe act of public
virtue. Fr mu the first estalilithuteut of the Church of
England down to the present hour, they have ever been
the slaves of avarice, the minions of power, the oppres-
sors of the people, the holy allies of despotism and tyranny.
—(Cheers, with a single cry of " No, Sir.") The Arch-
Wallop of Canterbury, the mouths-piece all the rest, not
only voted but spoke against the till. Never will that
speech nor that vote ho forgotten. They will be engraved,
not on tablets of atone, or tablete of brass, but, like the
law of nature, in indelible characters on the hearts of the
people. The day of vengeance and retribution is advanc-
ing with hasty and gigantic strides.—(Loud applause.)
Tile heavens are lowering on the ecclesiastical eitubiish-
inent of this country. The elms& vebich menace its de-
struction, and which, when they burst, will pour a torrent
of desolation on this haughty and oppressive Church, mire
gathering fast, The storm, whose lightning' will shiver
to atoms the turrets of its episcopal palaces, and whose
thnnder will shake their inasuive walls to their very foun-
dation, approaches fast.—(Lead cheering.) The hand-
writing against this mystical Babylon is even now on the
walls—(Great applause)—while its prelates are rioting in
:uxurv, and reposing in fancied security, dreaming to the
last, I'll -warrant you, of benefices and translation.._.
(Cheers and laughter.) The enemy is at the gates—
its fall ie at hand—•-(Loud eheers)—and when it does fall,
it will fall amidst the rejoicings sit a people who it has
oppressed, and with whose liberties its existence is in-
compatible, sworn with pride, gorged with wealth, ideated
with pomp and arrogance, its avarice unappeased, and its
luxury unsatiable.—(Tumultuons applause.) I turn from
these men to the people, whale rights they have oppoeed.
What, then, has been the extent of our demands? 'Thus
much and no more. That the elective franchise should
be extended; that the rotten boroughs should lee abolished ;
that representatives should be riven to large towns; that
new life, health, and vigour should he infused into the
Constitution, and the House of Commons made truly the
representatives of the people. We have demanded only
our legal and constitutional rights, that the Democracy
should be reinvested with these privileges which the Aris-
tocracy have usurped, and that we should have a full, fair,
and free representation in Parliament. This has been the
full extent of our demands. If this be correct, which
should prevail in the contest, the millions or the hundreds,
the people or the peerage ?--(Cries of " The people.")
In which should the preponderance of power reside ? In
an idle, vicious, and immoral Aristocracy, the conapauious
of fiddlers and buffoon., the parazueure of court/sane, and
huebeoda of cast-off actresses, or in a brave, a gallant, a
powerful, a laborious, an ingenious, and intelligent people,
from whom is taken the strength of our armies and the va-
lour of our navy—from whom our Legislators and Judges
are selected, our Generals and Admirals appointed, and
from whom, in times of peril and danger must be chosen
the men who are to be the saviours of the country, the
avengers of its wrong., and its protestors against oppres-
sion ; in short, in whom reside all the talent, all the
energy, ell the riches, sod all the power of the nation ?
(Cheers.) If the one House must swallow up the other,
which, I ask, should act the part of Aaron's rod ?
We have been ropresented by their Lordships as so tame
and spiritless as to be indifferent to liberty and Reform. How
shalt we refute this base intputetion ? How shall we dis-
i prove an accusation an injerient to stir character ?
I know not how. County meetings have been declared to
be a farce, if Political Unions assemble the 'whole adult
male population of a county, the Duke of Wellington is
neatly to assert that he regards all such meetings with su-
preme-contempt, Hew, then shall we trencinee this ob-
duracy of our -.cod in the valve of Reform? Must tiny
have violence of action, instead of temperance of phrase?
Must the sword glitter is the hand, natant of shining in
a inetaphor.--(Lond applause.) No, my friends, net yet..
The time is not yet ripe for sotion ; nor, I trust, will the
time ever an ive, when this insulted people will be forced,
as a last resource, to exchaage deeds for words, courageous.
acts for bold expressiona, and glittering arms for sparkling;
metaphors;--(cheered) If our Meetings, if our petitions.,
if the itetetopierate speeches of fiery-peed orators produce
no effect, if 1,50,000 hands held op at a public meeting tic
evince a determination to resist oppression, if thoughts that
breathe, and words thee Bern, produce uu impreesiou, will
their minds be ikepseosed with the terrible and energetic
eloquenoe of hurtling mansions and Sawing castles.—(Loud
cheeses.) Does the dreadful tame of Swing never affright
their Lordships in their Beams, nor the torch of the wan,
dering incendiary ghee before them iu the visions of the
night 2_—(Cheese.) I deplore the excesees of the people.
But when it that has goaded sod driven them to goodness ?
They are exasperated by thisofrasiiidwiiislitsbuteutituerioluiseu
d Lords. Titter mere ate the truecihneceerndiars.) ieis..he'urnhiervetrasrael
they who put the lunch in the heeds of an excited and
misguided kople. Let them, pass the Bill and peacetvdh
return. Savage insure-colon will ash longer prowl
(ilitilirdisitirgzttse,o,nuiltorgtrhaetipcluntlbseifatfihrei)g, affrighted
dtihye
persist,
lit
their resistance tee this act of
Iplaio that they will not long haigesetkt:
eal from ::°L4ll"'wtilite:t:oelel:awm,itilBB.,
Ainnodb:ole::::::ythe standard
oe
Mr.rpyi
of
fr etreal a ihtitereileinp*f
lute
:raj
nd og
ppression..
zrzii
L.
ncluded amid
time resolution.
Mr. T. Dounteneor secumhd the resoLtiou.
The CitAIKMAN haying put the teeclutioo, it wsk-e.547.