The Sun.
London, England, 1831-05-03 00:00:00

WOODSTOCK, MAY 2.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)
The election for this place closed to-day. In pursuance
of Mr. Buckingham's avowed determination to try the
question of whether this borough could be opened to the
householdsrs as well as freemen,—a long argument took
place at the Town Hall, when it was decided that the
householders' rotes should be tendered and recorded, but
without deciding on their legality, leaving that to a Com-
inittee of the House of Commons. The result was that
the votes actually received stood as follows :
Mr. Buckingham
Lord Charles ChurchilL Bl
Lord Stormont 74

But in consequence of the reformers consisting chiefly of
householders not freemen, though far superior in
genre, wealth, and importance, while the latter were of
freemen only ; and most of them on the very verge of
pauperism,—the votes of a great many of the former were
rejected, and the two latter were duly elected. Notwith-
standing this, the inhabitant householders claiming Mr.
Buckingham as their Member, determined on chairing
him before the other candidates, and accordingly he left the
Guildhall, chaired amidst three-fourths of the population
of the town, while Lord Charles Churchill and Lord
Stormont were glad to retreat to their Inn, and left the
town soon after.

Mr. Buckingham, after the chairing, addressed the in-
habitants from the Inn, and the evening was passed with
great conviviality, when the popular Member was sur-
rounded by the acclamations of the whole town. It is his
intention to petition against the return, while the inhabi-
tants themselves are determined, to a man, to unite in a
petition also, complaining of tt.e rejection of their votes,
and demanding the decision of a Committee, as to the in-
terpretation of their charter, whether the householders are
to vote or not,—the words of the charter being " tenants,
residents, and inhabitants," and the word " freemen," not
being to be found in any part of the charter. Their suc-
cess is considered beyond all doubt.

NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT, MAY 2.

(E'ROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

The farce of an election was this morning played off by
our Corporation, and as a strong feeling was known to
exist almost unanimously in the town in favour of the
Ministerial measure, reports were industriously circulated
that two reformers would he returned. Invitations were
issued to the principal reformers, which strengthened the
impression. The Town-hall was completely crowded by
the inhabitants, amounting to some hundreds. The Cor-
poration on the Bench, who returned the Members,
amounted to only nineteen persons.
Sir R. BASSETT KNIGHT, Mayor of Newport, rose and
stated that in consequence of the precept which he had re-
ceived from the Sher•ff, it became their duty to return two
representatives for the borough of Newport.
The writ was then read by the Toss n-clerk ; after which
the Mayer was sworn. The different Acts against bribery
and corruption were then read.
The Rev. WATTON WHITE then rose, and begged to
congratulate the Corporation at being freed from the dis-
grace of having men as their representatives (Horace Twiss
and Spencer Perceval) whose principles and conduct were
nut only opposed to the community at large but also to
most of the corporate body. The King had acted with
decision, in removing by an exercise of his preroga-
tive, that Parliament which 'was opposed to the expressed
opinion of the people, and deserved their thanks. Under
these circumstances, it became the duty of the Corpora-
tion to proceed with great discretion in the exercise of a
power committed to their charge for the general good of
the community. On this occasion they were called on to
regard the general expression gone forth on the subject of
Reform. As one of the Corporation, he would state that
he bad no wish to possess an exclusive right, and he was
sure he stated the opinion of most of the Corporation, that
they could not conscientiously wish to keep a power that
was opposed to the interests of the town and the commu-
nity. They were called together under circumstances par-
ticularly favourable to the extension of the elective fran-
chise, anti the sum proposed at 10/. renters would include
most likely all those whom the charter originally intended ;
but circumstances rendered a change necessary. If we
survey the ancient tenement in which the Mayor of this
town entertained the Royal Princess who first gave them
their privileges, in one of the back streets, we shall be
convinced it was never worth 10/. per year ; and it is fair
to conclude that the other corporators were of the same
class. By extending the franchise to 101. renters, it would
restore the right of voting to those for whom it was ori-
ginally intended. In the choice of a representative we
should not look abroad if we can find a proper person
within our own body. If there be one, be is the man
whom we ought to choose. I have in my eye a gentleman
every way qualified to be our representative. His property,
his talents, his character, and his principles, entitle him
to that honour. He would he found to support whatever
was proper, salutary, and beneficial in the way of Reform
—not dangerous or visionary notions. He felt pleased in
proposing William Mount, Esq., of Wasing-park, Berk-
shire, as a proper representative for the borough of New-
port in Parliament.
The Rev. P. GEARY seconded the nomination, and
stated that he felt great self-gratification in seconding the
proposition. He considered him a fit and proper person
to represent the borough of Newport. Mr. Mount was a
loran of integrity, possessed of property and high intellec-
tual attainments—the tried friend of a deceased gentleman,
Sir L. W. Holmes, whose picture opposite reminded him
of the high estimation in which he was held by the inha-
bitants of Newport.
Mr. Peasio here inquired whether a few observations
which he had to make would be allowed, he not being one
of the Corporate body ; but was refused by the Deputy-
Recorder.
Mr. E. WILKINS then begged as a particular favour and
out of courtesy—not right—whether he could be heard,
but was not allowed to proceed.
THOMAS . Sesvann, Esq., Deputy Recorder, rose to
propose a second Member, and observed that Mr. Mount
was the particular friend of Sir Leonard Holmes, anti
guardian to his children, and particularly qualified as the
Member for Newport. He then eulogised the conduct of
his deceased friend. He urged, however different the
political opinions may he of those by whom he was sur-
rounded, the propriety and necessity of going on in a
friendly and peaceable manner. lie asked for himself and
friends the same liberty which they wished others, of acting
freely, fairly, and independently on political subjects. He
bad the honour to propose a gentleman whose political
principles were known—who had voted for the Bill of Re.
form of the Ministers.—(Loud and continued cheers.)—
He proposed John James Hope Vere, of some place in
Scotland, which we could not catch, as a proper Member
for Newport.
E. B. Roe, Esq , seconded the nomination, and the
Members were enanimously elected.
W. MouieT, Esq., the only candidate present, returned
thanks, and claimed the right of voting independently.
He was favourable to Reform, but could not swallow the
Bill, the whole Bill, and nothing but the Bill.—(Loud
hisses.) lie was favourable to such a Reform as would
extend the franchise, anti also to the clause which would
disfranchise himself, as an out-voter. When the Bill
entered the House many alterations would be made. He
would support those alterations which time had rendered
necessary, but caution and time were necessary. He would
not raise a suicidal hand which would bring the building
about our ear•. When the franchise was extended, he
should be as happy to meet the town as on the present
occasion.—(Loud and continued groans and hisses.)
Mr. PRING then rose and read the account of theWhit-
church election from The San Paper of Saturday last, in
which Mr. Mount seconded the nomination of an Anti-
Reformer.

The whole of the Corporation were then hissed and
hooted out of the Town-hall, and Mr. Mount was Iol-
li!wed by the groans and hisses of all the people to his re-
sidence.

We have the following anecdote on good au-
thority:--After dinner, at the Duke of GLOUCF.STER'S,
on Friday, where his AIAJESTY was present, the Duke of
CUMBERLAND began such a tirade against Reform and
the Ministry, that the KING rose instantly and broke up
the party without a single observation.— Caledonian Merv.

BANBURY, MAY,2.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SLR,-John Easthope, Esq., a Reformer, has this day
been returned for the borough of Banbury, flooring the
Marquis of Bute's interest, in the person of Colonel
Hutchinson. This is grand—as it should be—destroying
the borough cocks on their own dunghills—but for the close
rotten borough of Banbury to do t his ! Miraculous ! ! This,
the glorious feat of a patriotic few, will resound from
place to p 1 ice, and loudly tell the eNtHRALLED, that to
he free, they need only to be steady, firm, united, and de-
termined. Yours, &e. R. R. J.

P.S.—At Coventry at one o'clock Fyler was near 500
behind, and it is expected this election will close to-
In orrow.

At Warwick it is pretty certain that Greville will be
brown out, and that this will also close tomorrow.

PE TERSFIELD, HANTS, APRIL 30.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)
If any thing were wanting to show the absolute neces-
sity of Reform in the present corrupt iniquitous system
pursued in rotten borough's like Petersfield, yesterday's,
proceedings would prove it—no oath is necessary to be
taken by the voter, and all at the mercy of a returning officer,
appointed by the patron of the borough ; in the numbers
below, on the part of Messrs. Jolliffes, votes were admitted
where the parties refused to produce their deeds, to state
when they received them, or whether they ever paid any
consideration, or received any annual value for them—
while on the part of the popular candidates, bona fide
freehold property, for which the parties proved they had
paid 1001., were objected to by the Mayor, and referred
to a Committee of the House of Commons for redress.
Strange it is such a vile system should have been permitted
to have existed so long.

SATURDAY EVENING.
FIRST DAY'S POLL. Number polled.
Reform Candidates—John Ogle, Esq.ls 4
H. Marsh, Esq.
Bona fide freeholders, but objected to by returning
officer, to bedecided by a Committee of the House 3t!
—3B each
Anti-Reformers—Colonel Jolliffel
29 each
Sir W. JollitTe

STAMFORD, MAY 2.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

The election proceeded with great spirit to-day. On the
Mayor • taking his seat at nine o'clock, a fresh attack was
commenced on his Worship by Mt. Tennyson, for employ-
ing► as special constables the prostitute pugilists and scamps
from London. Mr. Tennyson demanded a list of theie
extra parochial assistants of the civil peace. The Mayor
quibbled, and did not produce it. Mr. Parkes infermed
his Worship that the scamps were all shut up in a malt-
house, and that he would not answer for the people not
setting fire to it and burning them alive. The Mayor
affected no knowledge of the nature of the constables.—
The poll at five o'clock was as follows :

Lord Cecil 336
Mr. Tennyson 340
Colonel Chaplin 274

At the conclusion of the poll the several candidates
addressed the crowd on the hustings. The result of the
day's poll, added to the fact of numbers of Mr. Tenny-
son's votes being referred to the assessor on frivolous
grounds, leave no doubt of the triumphant success of the
independent cause. An immense and enthusiastic multi-
tude afterwards accompanied Mr. Tennyson, the band
playing " God save the King" to the Tennyson's Arms
Inn, where Mr. Tennyson, Mr. Parkes, General John-
stone, and Mr. Northhouse, addressed them from the
windows. The utmost enthusiasm prevails. On Sunday
night the whole town was up watching and protecting the
independent voters from the bribes, tricks, and bat-fowling
of the Marquis of Exeter's partisans.

SANDWICH, MAY 2.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SIR,-Your Patriotic Paper we read at Margate.
After an impudent insult to the expressed wish of the
King and his People for Reform by Lawyer Price in again
obtruding himself here to uphold corruption. The poll
the first day, at Sandwich, doses thus—from ten till six.
Marryat '2:3o
Sir T. Trowbridge lSt
Price

(Reform 2(3 a head.)
We recommence to-morrow, expecting to root out this
fast hold of corruption here ! ! !

REFORM.
" Reform" is the whole nation's glory !
" Reform" is our Sailor King's cry!
" Reform" shall be fam'd in his story!
For " Reform" we will conquer or die.
Hark ! the spirit of Fox from the grave,
(In the Senate oft heard with delight)
" When bad men to corrupt you conspire,
All good men against them unite.!"
Scarce had William the Fourth cried " Reform,"
Some few days to his people so merry;
When the holds of corruption you storm,
Men of Dover, Sandwich, Canterbury.
Has not " England's metropolis" too,
Done her duty on this great occasion
This Queen of all cities we view,
Protecting our rights from invasion.
Men of Kent, and all England, behold !
And follow their virtuous deed;
Nor your liberties barter for gold,
Then our glorious cause must succeed.
great
r Kentishr ; ()I—c
battle
Penenden Heath now prepare,
And'Gthenst uFor our Patriot King! Russell! and Grey !
Like our three eastern towns—haste'. combine !
aletsleelfitg i of
f there,l‘iay ;
They were first in the fight 'gainst our foes,
May " Reform" the whole nation entwine,
Round the shamrock, and thistle, and rose:

CHELTENHAM, MAY 2.

TO TILE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Stn,—Lord John Russell's Reform Bill demands the
best thanks of the productive classes of the people, as well
as their most strenuous exertions in its favour : I mean
the people who earn their livelihood by the sweat of their
brow. It is full of kindness and good feeling towards
them, and will prove to them a great blessing, as it is a
premium for industry, and will create a spirit of merito-
rious exertion among them—because personal comfort in
their houses will nut only add to their domestic happiness,
but also to their reTectability in society ; by their rent
they will obtain the right of a vote for returning Members
to Parliament, which will prove a strong stimulus to
economy in the expenditure of their earnings.
The good effects of the Reform Bill will first be seen
in the towns that have the elective franchise given to
them. It will rapidly extend its beneficial influence
throughout the kingdom, and promote the well-doing of
the agricultural population, as the money that is now
wastefully spent in gin-shops and ale-houses will then
be used for better purposes, which will increase the de-
mand for comforts at home, and produce and give addi-
tional profitable employment to all the productive chr.ases
of the people.
The Reform Bill will decrease vagrancy, lessen crime,
and prove the death-blow to the present wasteful expen-
diture of the money raised for the use of the poor-rates :
and further, the Reform Bill will enable Parliament to
establish equitable system of poor-laws in Ireland and
a measure would promote the prosperity
r
as it would soon produce permanent good
order and happiness among all classes of his 'Majtsty's
subjects.
Asa firm friend of the Reform Bill, believe me to be
Yours respectfully, ' G. G.
Scotland.
Old tlan
England, a
gn Sland,