The Sun.
London, England, 1836-12-05 00:00:00

SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS.

We lay before our readers, in another column, an
extract from the Montreal Herald of the 4th of No-
vember, rather in order to show the state to which
public feeling has been brought in that country, than
for the present to offer any comment on it. Canadian
affairs have arrived at the crisis long foreseen by us ;
the mission of Lord Gosford and his colleagues has
produced only the delay which we deprecated, in deal-
ing with the intrinsic difficulties of the case ; and it
has aggravated the embarrassments arising from the
division of the inhabitants of the Lower Province into
the two classes of French and English—one claiming
the ascendancy of numbers, and the other that of edu-
cation, intelligence, and property, while both are ap-
parently alike determined against either submitting to
the superiority of the other. The responsibility is
now, therefore, thrown upon the Government, to con-
sider what determination is to be taken on the whole
question ; and if they find the consideration rather em-
barrassing, in addition to the other difficulties
.with
which they have to deal, they have, for much of
that embarrassment, to thank the successive authori-
ties at the Colonial-office. It is a subject, however,
on which abstinence from all comment is the wisest
course to take, at least till we see the measures which
the necessity of the case must now, we presume,
force the Government to. propose to Parliament.
Matters in Canada are come to a dead lock—no pub-
lic functionary is paid, and the French majority have
declared that they will take no legislative proceeding
in the House of Assembly without obtaining an elec-
tive Council. The people of English descent say they
will not submit to be delivered over to a French ma-
jority, returned by such a constituency, without con-
trol or protection ; and we leave the means of corn-
felling them to such submission, in the present state
of the American population, to the devices of those
who may suppose such a scheme practicable. The
project ascribed to Lord Gosford in the extract to
which we refer, but which project we cannot believe
to have been ever encouraged or sanctioned at the
Colonial-office, would, in our opinion, be a hazardous
experiment. It would set Canada in a flame.—
Morning Chronicle.
Justly as we might have been prepared for an attack
upon the part of our Tory contemporaries, upon the
proceedings of the Reformers of Lambeth on Monday
last, regarding Peerage Reform—Justice to Ireland—
and confidence in his Majesty's -Ministers—WC could
not, by any possibility, notwithstanding the late way-
wardness of our contemporary the Spectator, have an-
ticipated a simultaneous attack from that quarter of a
more unjustifiable character than any which has ap-
peared in any of the anti-national journals. We do
not wish to attribute to our hebdominal contemporary
any " motives" which can possibly result from " an
extra squeeze of the hand from greatness"—" the
small honour highly felt of feeding with my lady"—
" the condescending approval of a coterie whether in
country or town"—or the desire of " place for my
relation or myaelf," when my party gets into office :
no, we speak not of " motives"—we adhere simply to
facts—and adhering to them, we declare that a
more unfounded report never appeared in any jour-
nal, than the abridged report of the proceedings
of the Lambeth meeting in the Spectator, or
more unfounded comments made than those which
appeared in the same journal of yesterday. But
to the facts—and first as to the report. " Several per-
sons," says the Spectator, " wished that a declaration
in favour of the ballot and suffrage extension should be
made ; and the vote of confidence in Ministers was
strongly opposed. The noise and tumult were very
great. Little that was said could be distinctly heard."
The " several persons" alluded to never exceeded
twenty-one out of the whole number assembled in a
room computed to hold nearly 2,000 persons ; and
with regard "to the vote of confidence in Ministers
being strongly opposed," there never was a vote in any
independent meeting of any public character which was
passed with such unanimous applause. Again, " the
noise and tumult were very great"—aye, during a
small portion of the time certainly, in consequence of
certain hired agents of the Tories on the one hand, in
the guise of Radicals, and certain indiscreet Radicals
on the other, having along with a few persons not
belonging to the borough, attempted to interrupt the
proceedings of the meeting; but it is utterly false that
" little that was said could be distinctly heard." The
Chairman was heard from the beginning to the end
of his speech, with the greatest attention—Mr. Hardy
and his seconder were listened to in the same manner
—the resolution of " Justice to Ireland" was carried,
not only by acclamation, but without a dissentient
voice—and the mover and seconder of a vote of confi-
dence in his Majesty's Ministers cheered to an extent
of which, considering their humble professions of abi-
lity, and still more humble performances, his Majesty's
Ministers might justly be proud. Besides the above-
mentioned report, there is also a leading article in the
Spectator based upon it, we presume, in which the fol-
lowing misrepresentations are distinctly uttered :
" No speech, except the opening one of the Chairman
was heard even with patienee (false)—most of the
speakers were not heard at all (false)—and after hours
Of tumult the rioters dispersed, having passed the reso-
lutions, indeed, but in a state of languor and dejection."
(false). Leaving it to our Contemporary to prove the
truth of his allegations, we proceed to give his expla-
nation ; trusting that on Sunday next he will favour
us with distinct proofs of the accuracy of his asser-
tions, if not also of the source from which he
derived a foundation for them. " The whole," says
the Spectator, " may be explained by a few words.
After the Chairman's introductory speech, some-
body requested that all the proposed resolutions,
which had been prepared by a Committee, should
be read at once. One of these was to the effect,
that the meeting reposed entire confidence in his
Majesty's Ministers. This was the apple of dis-
cord ; leading to amendment after amendment from
those who objected to the resolution—to angry
shouts from its supporters, directed against its oppo-
nents--and to a determination amongst those who were
first refused a hearing, that the others should not be
heard. All the mischief arose from the bungling of a
somewhat Whiggish Committee. No disturbance
would have taken place but for the proposed affirma-
tion of unconditional confidence in the Ministry. It
was this hardly fair proposal of a resolution not an-
nounced beforehand, and not properly relating to the
announced purpose of the meeting, which really de-
feated the main objects of these Lambeth Reformers—
namely, ip e.
give an instructive expression to their feeling
upon the subject of Peerage,Reform, and to set an exam-
plea which should be followed by other Metropolitan
constituencies." Our contemporary is egregiously mis-
taken if he believe for a moment, as he has no doubt been
such
t
led to do, that ~ thevaoptic)ioef confidenceof discor d : in, Iht is
was
M na Majesty's
uye'hs
Ministers" was the ~
thing. A person not belonging to the borough, and,
in consequence, having no proceedings,voiceinitsmannerupon its
in-
truded himself in a most improper
attention, and hence the disorder alluded to by our
contemporary. Nothing, in fact, can be more false
than that the parties, electors or inhabitants of the
borough, present at the meeting, were not, with two
exceptions—the one in consequence of misapprehen-
sion, and the other in consequence of the meetnis• not
choosing to entertain his opinions—heard with
patience.
Mr. Fall, who opposed the proceedings, but in a gen-
tlemanly and orderly spirit, was listened to with plea-
sure by the meeting ; while, with regard to the meet-
ing
,h, eying been convened by a " Whiggish Commit-
tee, we put it to our contemporary to say whether the
adherents to triennial Parliaments, to vote by ballot,
and an extension of the suffrage, come under that
cognomen ? And who, among the Committee who
prepared the resolutions, entertain any other sentiments,
or ever appeared in the field but in their favour, when
policy demanded that they should be enforced ? We
pause for a reply.—Morning Advertiser.
The last intelligence from Lisbon is of the most un-
favourable description. So unsettled indeed appear af-
fairs at this moment in Portugal, so insecure the hold
upon power of the existing Ministry, so critical the
preservation of the public peace, and, above all, so
A 1E leeks promising the views of the Jacobinical party
...' - .-17 .; i+ .blie, or republican institutions, that it was
iS../ :, .;:?4, ' hether the next convulsion—and by 1
/1 4"-'-: ' 1,,,._ 0. .et..
1t:_;:.1„,..4:30 , : 26th one was at hand—might not end
~-;•A'', .
(
'ly the overthrow of the present Govern-
-,--`c, ' ",74 -- e. the destruction of the monarchy itself.
..-
.. , 44
::: ........

LORD WILLIAM BENTINCK AND

The circumstance which has more immediately pro-
voked this open outbreak of hostilities amongst the
parties is the step which the Minister has lately taken,
as our readers are aware, to modify the Jacobinical
'ode, called the Constitution of 1822, so far as to sus-
pend that article of it (the 34th) which makes Ministers
.of State ineligible as Members of the Cortes. This was
an offence not to be forgiven by the Republicans, who,
borrowing flom the first French revolution their ideas
of government, persist in asserting that the Executive
and Legislative functions are incompatible with each
other. Accordingly, M. Manoel Passos, the hero of
the last change, has been taken to task for his unconsti-
tutional concessions, as they are called, and, from being
a favourite with the violent party, become an object of
their severest animadversions. He has, however, had
the manliness to resist the demand made upon him to
rescind the decree for suspension, and appears by this
firmness, as well as his general zeal and application to
public business, to be, notwithstanding the circum-
stances of his elevation, not unfitted for the important
place which he fills in the Portuguese Councils. He
is, however, now opposed in every possible way, and
the real Government of the country is vested in the
factious clubs which abound under various denomina-
tions. The financial embarrassments increase, and all
the means that have been yet devised to redress them
promise but very partial success. Our Correspondent
is disposed to augur favourably of the intentions of the
National Guard ; but this body has already forfeited
its credit by the violent measures to which it has lent
itself. British influence was at the very lowest ebb in
Portugal—so low that it was doubtful whether even a
change of Ministers or measures could redeem it.
The Miguelite cause in the Algarves was not pro-
gressive, but the chief partisan there had been able to
establish himself in the mountains, in defiance of the
Government forces. The elections for Members of the
Cortes had not concluded, but the results were gene-
rally, though not triumphantly so, in favour of the
resent Ministers.—Morning Herald.

HIS CONSTITUENTS.

(From the Glasgow Chronicle.)
At the request of Lord William Bentinck, a public
meetinc, of the electors of the city was held on Saturday at
one o'clock, in the Justiciary Court Hall, for the purpose
of hearing from his Lordship an account of his Parlia-
mentary conduct. In terms of a previous resolution the
magistrates and town council met at one o'clock, for the
purpose of presenting his Lordship with the freedom of the
city, which the Lord Provost presented to Lord William

Bentinck in a neat speech.
The magistrates and council then accompanied Lord
William Bentinck to the Justiciary Court Hall, where there
were a number of gentlemen assembled. The Lord Pro-

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1636.

vest took the chair.
Lord WILLIAM BENTINCK, on proceeding to address '
the meeting, was hissed by several individuals, but the his-
sing was instantly drowned by loud cheers ; and from dif-
ferent parts of the Hall calls of " Shame" were repeated.
Gentlemen," he said, " I hope you will allow me, before
proceeding to the business of this day"—(The uproar con-
tinued for some time, and it was with difficulty that the
Lord Provost could procure a hearing for Lord Bentinck.)
Lord Wimast BEwrisimc—Here I am, according to
the promise which I made to meet my constituents at the
end of the session, and I am most anxious to hear if any
body has any complaint against me. I am ready to answer
any question which any one has to put to me.—(Calls of
" Come outside.") lam most anxious to hear of any duty
which I may have to perform, or of any thing to amend,
and if I know my own mind, I know of nothing respecting
my conduct in Parliament during the past session. I am
deeply sensible of the honour you have conferred upon me,
and I must be satisfied that you are not disappointed with
me. It would be bad tactics, however, to anticipate any
objections which any gentleman may have to make. I may
appear, in the discharge of my Parliamentary obligations,
to commit many acts of omission, my health not having
been vigorous ; but in respect of principle—in respect of
any pledges which I have made, my conscience acquits me
of all dereliction of duty here.—(Cheers.) I am here in
your hands—l am here your servant if you want any ex-
planations. My opinion on any subject whatever is com-
pletely your property, and I am willing to give it.—
(Cheers and hisses.)
After a few minutes' silence,
Lord WILLIAM BENTINCK said—Then may I hope that
I have your approbation.—(Cries of " No, no ! " " Yes,
yes," and cheers and disapprobation.)
A question was then put, why his Lordship had not
voted for the abolition of flogging in the army ?
Lord NV. BENTINCK said he wished he could answer any
question that might be put to him as easily. He might
state, without vanity, that no man had done as much as
he had done for the abolition of flogging, He was con-
vinced that the person who put the question did not know
what he had done for the abolition of corporal punishment ;
he was convinced that before all was past, the questioner
himself would beg pardon of him. During the time he was
Governor of India, corporal punishment had been abolished
not only in the native army, but also in the civil code—a re.
form which had noi been effected in any other community
whatever.—(Cheers.) Flogging had not been abolished among
the British troops ; his authority did not enable him to do
that ; but he had sent home to the Government, and to the
Board of Directors, a proposition to that effect.—(Cheers.)
When, therefore, he voted as be did, they might be assured
he acted from a strqng conviction that, in existing circum-
stances, it was impossible to carry the object into effect.
The fact was, thatehefore they could safely abolish corporal
punishment, a system of rewards would be required to be
established. Punishment and reward should never be se-
parated ; but in the army, punishment had hitherto been
alone resorted to. He had voted against immediate aboli-
tion ; and he was justified in thus voting, till a substitute
was provided.
Mr. FULTON asked why his Lordship had been absent
when the division took place ?
Lord W. BENTINCK said his absence bad been purely
accidental. He had been in the House all day, and at the
commencement of the debate ; but on the supposition that
the debate would last a considerable time, he had between
eight and nine o'clock gone out for some refreshment, at
which time the division unexpectedly took place. He had
expressed his regret at the circumstance next day to Mr.
Grote, to whom be said, he would have voted in favour of
that motion had he been present.
Mr. FULTON—May I ask if your Lordship has yet
made up your mind in favour of triennial Parliaments?
Lord W. BENTINCK said he was at present inclined to
quinquennial Parliaments. The Septennial Act had on
an average produced Parliaments of four years' duration,
and he believed that were the statutory duration of Par-
liaments five years, they would be found not to last prac-
tically above three years. Shorter than this he was not
disposed to support.
Mr. FULTON next said—l wish to know whether your
Lordship is favourable to a 51., to a household suffrage, or
to universal suffrage, in order to ascertain wherein, in
your Lordship's opinion, the intelligence lies.
Lord W. BENTINCK—Do you think there is no difficulty
in maintaining what we have got ?
Mr. FULTON—That is a mere evasion of the question.
Lord W. BENTINCK—Then my opinion is, that this is
not the time to press for a further extension of the franchise.
—(Much hissing, followed by loud cheers.)
Mr. FULTON inquired what his Lordship's views were as
to a reform of the Lords : whether or not he was favourable
to an organic change of that body:
LordWILLIAM BENTINCK said he was satisfied that the
House of Lords must be brought into harmonious action
with tho House of Commons, and if this was what was
meant by a reform of the Lords, he was favourable to such
a measure. But he was opposed to organic change.—
(Hear.) He was a firm admirer of the British Constitu-
tion ; and he was convinced that by exercising the powers
it gave the Crown, all difficulties would be overcome.—
(Hear.) They could not, according to the Constitution,
deprive the present Peers of their privileges ; but they might
neutralise the bad effects of these privileges by an addition
to the liberal portion of the House. They could not enact
a schedule A, as they had done with the House of Com-
mons ; but they might send into the Upper House an over-
powering majority of liberal members. The present majo-
rity was composed almost solely of the creatures of the last
sixty years : what was to hinder his Majesty from creating
as many ? This was ) the only constitutional means of re-
forming the House of Lords, and if they wished other than
constitutional means, he was not fit to be their representative.
Mr. TODD wished to know why his Lordship had not
voted for Mr. D. W. Harvey's motion for an inquiry into
the Pension-list.
Lord W. BENTINCK—I have no recollection of such a
motion.—(Hisses and cries of " Oh, oh!") Ido not wish
to evade the question, and I will say, that if I had been
present I would have voted against the motion.—(Hisses.)
To settle the question, a compact bad been entered into
with the Crown, and that compact ought not to be in-
fringed on.—(Hisses.)
Mr. TODD—WiII your Lordship state why you voted
against Mr. Sharman Crawford's motion for the total ex-
tinction of tithes in Ireland ?
Lord .WILLIAM BENTINCK had no recollection of such
a motion, but he should have voted against it had be been
in the House. As for these theoretical projects, they did
harm rather than good. The bringing them forward in-
disposed quiet people, and did great injury to the cause of
Reform. He had voted for the Irish Church Bill, as he
would do for any practical measure of Reform ; but he was
opposed to every plan of a merely theoretical character.
Mr. TODD—In the month of April Mr. Rippon brought
forward a motion for the exclusion of Bishops from the
House of Lords. Why, will your Lordship say, did you
vote against that motion ?--(Cries of " Good, Good !")
Lord WILLIAM BENTINCK—I am of opinion that the
Bishops might be better out.—(Cheers.) But it is one of
those abstract questions which could not succeed just now.
In answer to a question relative to Church-rates, his
Lordship said lie would be glad were the Church to make
that concession to Dissenters, and be would support a
measure for the total abolition of Church-rates were it
brought forward.
In answer to another question on the subject of addi-
tional endowments to the Church of Scotland, his Lord-
ship said it was impossible for any thinking man to doubt
the fact that in the course of time a change must take
place in the religious establishments of the country. At
present, as stated by Mr. O'Connell, the nonconformists
out-numbered the members of the Established Church.
Dr. WALKER proposed a question relative to the last
paragraph in his Lordship's address, whether he would re-
sign if his constituents wished him ?—(Cheers and hisses,
which lasted for a considerable times, and the question was
unanswered.)
Mr. D. BELL moved the thanks of the meeting to Lord
Wm. Bentinck for his Parliamentary conduct, for his ap-
pearance there, and for the attention his Lordship had
manifested to their local affairs.
Mr. A. CAMPBELL moved, as an amendment, that the
meeting disapprove of Lord William Bentinek's views on
the subject of an extension of the suffrage.
Dr. WALKER seconded the amendment.
The motion was carried by a great majority.
ROBERT GRAHAME, Esq„ of Whitehill, moved a vote of
thanks to the Lord Provost, and the meeting broke up.

Last week Corporation property, to pay the debts of
the former Corporation of Devizes, was sold to the amount
of 7,0001.
Taking the present amount of outstanding Exche-
quer bills to be 30,0001., the increased interest of penny
per 100/. per day amounts to 456,2401., or nearly half a
million per annum ; and taking the Bank to be holders of
one-third of the whole, its share of the increased interest
will be 152,0001,