The Sun.
London, England, 1836-07-04 00:00:00

17.. Mr. Elgie then referred to the other objects which
the Association had in view. He stated that it was not in
its principle or design exclusive—it embraced . all who
thought proper to come forward and enrol themselves as
.menal,ors to assist in the common cause. He would place
no liin't—he would fix no bound—he would invite every
individual in the city, be his station what it might, to
come forward, if he be desirous of promoting his country's
good—if he be desirous of supporting his Majesty's present
Ministers'in their patriotic endeavours to benefit this coun-
try—if he be desirous of preventing bribery, of putting a
stop to intimidation—if he be desirous of opposing the cor-
rupt practices of their opponents—and of upholding the free
and pure exercise of the right of suffrage—to come forward
and become a member of the Association.—(Continued ap-
plause.) Mr. Elgie concluded by proposing the following
resolution :
" That such Association be now formed, and that it be
called " The Worcester Reform Association," and that all
persons friendly to Liberal principles, may become members
thereof."
Mr. GREENING seconded the motion.
Mr. J. HALL proposed the third resolution, which was
seconded by Mr. J. WiLicEs, and was as follows :
" That George
,Munn, Esq,. be elected President, Mr.
Robert Hardy, Vice-President, and Mr. W. D. Linghain,
Treasurer, and that they be ex-officio Members of the
Committee."
The fourth resolution, which contained the members of
the Committee, was moved by Mr. D. GEORGE, and se-
conded by Mr. WALTER...
Col. DAVIES having been repeatedly called for, and his
name. received with reiterated cheers, he presented him-
self on the balcony,. and was greeted with acclamations
strong and long continued, which, having ceased, he thanked
them for the flattering token of their approbation. He re-
marked that he came before them with much pleasure, as a
staunch, an old, and long-tried Reformer, but more espe-
cially so, when he recollected the close bond of union which
had existed between them for so long a period.—(Hear,
hear.) But he should not have presented himself at that
meeting if he had not been much pressed by a respectable
deputation who had purposely waited upon him, and
strongly requested him to do so.--(Hear, hear.) It was
gratifying to see so numerous an assemblage as were met
on the present occasion to form a society so important as
a Reform Association. It showed that the flame of liberty
and of patriotism was not extinguished in the breasts of the
Reformers of Worcester ; it proved that, whatever apathy
existed-elsewhere, the citizens of Worcester were deter-
mined to do their duty. But when he recollected that he
was addressing, in the assembly before him, his friends and
supporters, it rekindled emotions in his bosom which he
felt difficult to express to them. He would, however,
leave a subject so closely connected with himself, and
speak to the object of the meeting. They were met to es-
tablish a Reform Association, with the view, particularly,
of attending to the Registration of Votes. The registra-
tion, if properly made, was a strong hold of the Reformers ;
but if neglected, it was a dead letter ; and indeed worse
than a dead letter, for they would be much better without
it. Unless every effort at that point was made, their
opponents would arrive at the goal before them ; they
would take every advantage of the apathy of the Re-
formers. Having urged upon the meeting; to attend to the
Registration of votes, and the revision of lists, the Gal-
lant Colonel alluded to the collision between the two
Houses of Parliament, and lamented that the Lords had
not conceded to Ireland those privileges which were con-
templated in the Municipal Bill. He deeply regretted
that they should afresh open the wounds in that distracted
country which that measure would have tended considera-
bly to have healed. Ireland was bound to demand equal
justice and equal rights with England and Scotland.—
(Cheers.) The Lords had, however, thrown down the
gauntlet, and he had no doubt the people would be pre-
pared to take it up.—(Applause.) He believed the coun-
try would not allow them to deprive Ireland of her just
rights.—( Hear hear.) It was not to be endured that 200
men, however high their station in the country might be,
or great their talents and influence, should set at defiance
the wishes of twenty-four millions of people, and oppose
every just measure of Reform which a patriotic Ministry
brought forward, and deprive eight millions of their just
rights and privileges.—(Cheers.) But a remedy which
would compel the Lords to retrace their steps had been
provided by the Legislature ; and would not the people use
the weapons of the Constitution, and force the Lords to
yield to the just wishes of the nation. It was in the poinr
of the people to do it. Much had been said about
Reforming the House of Lords. He (Colonel Davies)
thought it much more easy to talk about it than to put
it into practice. He .feared that a change there would
not be a final step, and the ultimate consequences of such
a measure, he dare not contemplate. It had; he was
ready to admit, been necessary on some occasions to
make most important changes in the State, and even
proper to sanction rebellion, but such occurrences, he
trusted, would not happen in their time. He trusted
then they would use the constitutional means which were
placed in their power.—(" We will, we 41,5') eeeceived
that in all probability there was a dionolotion of Parliament
at hand. He trusted that when that event arrived every
elector would exert himself as though the success of the
struggle depended upon his individual efforts. He was
bound to say that at the last election those in whom was
vested the franchise did not faithfully discharge their duty.
Hear, hear.) At the last contest, ovory species of
bribery and corruption which the Tories could devise,
had been resorted to.—(Hear, hear, hear.) The electors
were in a state of apathy and unconcern. But notwith-
standing which, although Sir Robert Peel was placed at
the helm of affairs, lie was not able to retain it, but was
compelled to give up after a short trial. The victory on
the part of the people was not
,Itliisietit to influeooe the
House of Lords. They ninst, then, at the next election
shew their deterteimtion, by sending Reformers to the
mope of Commons, that wise and liberal measures shall
be adopted. In the last Parliament there was a majority
of two hundred Reformers i and in the last session there
had been an increase, as compared with the previous one,
of more than from 30 to 87. If at another election the
people should discharge their duty properly, and send to
Parliament a large majority of staunch and upright Re-
formers, the Lords would be compelled to pass those -mea-
sures which the people demand. For many years they re.
sisted emancipation of the slaves—opposed Catholie eman-
cipationHrefused to repeal the Toot and Corporation Act,
and threw out the jlcform Dill, But the people made
themselvos hoard, and obliged even the Lords
to ea their own words, and pass those impor-
tant measures.--.(Hear, hear.) This was done in an un-
reformed House. If the people obtained so triumphant a
victory under such a corrupt state of representation—if
they now spoke with a voice loud as thunder, the Lords
would be compelled to crouch beneath it, and quake before
the sound.—(Loud cheers.) If they wished that the pre-
sent patriotic Ministry should remain in office—that the
Dissenters' grievances should be redressed—that the Pen-
sion List should be revised—that equal rights and equal
justice should be afforded to Ireland, they would attend to
the registration, If they neglected that they would neglect
an Important duty, and if they neglected their duty they
would again have the Tories in power, and it would be im-
possible to say what might be the issue. He would ad-
vise them to keep the Tory faction down, 'for like the ser-
pent of old who tempted Eve—they deluded all they could,
not only women, but men too.—(A laugh, and "We will.")
If they did not now come forward and exercise their rights
in a faithful manner, they deserved to be slaves.—(Cheers.)
If they placed their necks for the heels of their enemies,
they deserved to be trodden under foot.—(Loud Cheers,)
Colonel Davies then expressed himself favourable to the
Vote by Ballot, and observed that he considered it essential
to the free and unbiassed exercise of the elective franchise.
-(These remarks wore received with several rounds of
applause,) I'ho gallant Colonel concluded by assuring the
ineetinm of' his intention to offer himself as a candidate for
their suffrages whenever an opportunity arrived. He observed
that they had tried him as a representative for a number of
years, during the whole of which lie had discharged his re-
sponsible duties in an honest, faithful, and conscientious
manner, and should he again become their repregeatative,
he should undeviatingly pursue the same lian pawhket,
(Three-times-three hearty PlltAllt and cheers more,
were then giveq tq the gallaat Colonel,)
Mr, Vii,cl4., ill a shops oomplimentary speech, proposed
the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Hardy for his services in
the chair. This motion was seconded by Mr. James Wall
carried with acclamation, and shortly replied to the
Chairman.

Mr. ELM E 461'11'405. Allioclouced that inc ividuais would
11P lit 444414 e in the Crown Court to enter upcn the
hooks the name of any person who wished to become a
member of the Association, and numbers immediately en-
rolled themselves,
The mooting was attended by upwards of 2,000 persons,
and conducted in the most orderly manner.

LONDON UNIVERSITY.

Saturday, at two o'clock, the annual distribution of prizes
and certificates of honour took place in the theatre of the
University. , The attendance was numerous and respect-.
able. Among other persons of distinction present, we
observed the Duke of Somerset ; Mr. Spring Rice, M.P. ;
Mr. Tulk,, M.P. ; Mr. Brotherton, M.P. ; Mr. Tooke,
M.P. ; Mr. Potter, M.P. ; Mr. P. Stewart, M.P. ; Mr.
Strutt, M.P. ; Mr. Hume, M.P. ; Mr. C. Lushington,
M.P. ; Mr. Pendarves, M.P. ; Mr. Leader, M.P. 1 and
Messrs. Henry Weymouth, Isaac Goldsmid, and J. R.
Mills. Mr. SPRING RICE in the Chair.
The CHAIRMAN said that it was delightful to him to
think, while thus witnessing the success of this great Insti-
tution in the development of intellect„, that he could refer
to the illustrious names who came4orward on previous
occasions to discharge the same duties.—(Lood cheers.).
He trusted that the meeting had them in spirit,-0— •
had with them the mighty mind of the ..at they
(Lord Brougham) to whom
- great personage
1.174.!
its foundation.—(Lawl London University owed
_
be forot.ten-t.n- And therefore let it never
ore especially there, and t all meetings as-
seniblwj for objects connected with eduacation, that their
feelings and their hearts should turn to the man who had
the courage and the perseverance to apply successfully his
tminent talents to the great ohjeCt of giving to education
a new and much more extensive development.—(Cheers.)
He hoped that in a week or a fortnight the London Uni-
versity would have not only the honour of communicating
knowledge, but the privilege of bestowing all those badges
or symbols of knowledge whick other Universities can
confer.--(Tremendous cheering, which lasted for syme mi-
nutes.) And he must be allowed to say, that when he (the
Chairman) had first had the honour of meetinc, with the
Professors and Council, on the subject of conferring de-
grees, they said, " Let there be the fullest competition," for
they were satisfied they had nothing to fear from the com-
petition of other institutions. It was delightful to him to
see the recognition of a principle of liberality on the part of
those connected with the London University ; but he was
not surprised, for that was the principle on which the in-
stitution was based.—(Loud cheers.) It had afforded him
great satisfaction to witness, at the late examinations of the
University of Cambridge—a University with which he was
intimately connected—so many of those who had studied
at this institution distinguishing themselves. There was
one who had so distinguished himself as to receive the
fourth honour—receive it, did he (the Chairman) say ; he
did not receive it, though he had earned it, and it was
awarded to him ; there was a bar when he advanced to the
table—he was a Dissenter.—(Loud cries of " Shame.")
The meeting then broke up.

IRISH MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
BILL.

REASONS OFFERED BY THE LORDS IN CONFERENCE FOR
DISSENTING FROM THE AMENDMENTS OF THE COM-
MONS.
The Lords participate in the conviction expressed by the
Commons, that a good correspondence between the two
Houses is essential to the well-being of the British mo-
narchy ; and it is always a subject of regret to them when,
in the performance of their duty, they are compelled to take
a different view of any important measure from that which
has been adopted by the House of Commons.
The Lords are earnestly desirous of removing all just
causes of complaint, and of promoting all well-considered
measures of improvement in all parts of the United
Kingdom.'
Impressed with these feelings, the Lords were anxious to
co-operate with the Commons in carrying into effect some
of the important objects of the Bill for the regulation of
Municipal. Corporations in Ireland, although there -
one principle in that Bill in which they were ur.,,ble to
,vas
concur.
They assented to the dissolution of
ii
;:
practical effect of whose constitutions ,orporations, the
s
sonable dissatisfaction. a subject of rea-
It did not appear VD, thern
place that partiontar fora, advisable to establish in their
of local government which was
proposed hl the C-°--nnons ; but they
lov*l"h> a" were not without the
that the Wo Houses might agree upon provisions
,omplishing at once their common object, of re-
rnove:lg a just cause of complaint, might at the same
tame Secure the due administration of justice in cities and
towns, preserve the Corporate property for their respective
benefit, and leave their local government under Acts volun-
tarily adopted.
The Lords coincide in the opinion that it is not gene-
rally expedient to introduce, in the form of amendments,
matters which may seem to require the more mature con-
sideration which is given in its successive stages to an ori-
ginal Bill ; but on this occasion the most convenient mode
of procedure appeared to be that which enabled' the Lords
to make the fullest communicatidn of their views to the
House of Commons.
The Lords remain strongly impressed with the belief
that the system of local government proposed by the Com-
mons would, in the actual state of Ireland, be the present
cause of party triumph, and the continued source of party
and religious dissension.
The Lords earnestly desire the tranquillity of Ireland ;
they are unwilling to adopt a measure which would, in their
apprehension, supply new occasions of collision to the adhe-
rents of different creeds and principle's.
They are prepared to do equal justice to all ; but it can-
not always be assumed that, by the grant of similar institu-
tions to countries differing in their circumstances, equal jus-
tice will he done.
The Lords are unable to acquiesce in the proposition
now made by the Commons, that Corporations, as recon
structed by the Bill, shall be confined to twelve cities and
towns, because it is in those cities and towns of larger popu-
lation that the most extensive evils would, in their opinion,
result in such reconstruction.
The Lords disagree to the amendment whereby the exist-
ing Corporations are to be eontinued in eighteen towns
They are reluctant to circumscribe the extent of the gene-
ral relief they deem it expedient to grant.
Neither are the Lords prepared to concur in the peropo-
sition that the Act of the 9th year of the late King George
IV,, to make provision for the lighting, cleansing, and watch-
ing of' towns in Ireland, and to give the power of taxation
for such purposes to elective Commissioners, should be im-
posed upon twenty cities and towns. Anxious that there
should exist the power of taxation for local purposes where-
ever its existence might be desired by the inhabitants to be
taxed, the Lords had not suggeSted any alteration of, that
Act. They had afforded new inducements to its voluntary
adoption by giving the means of placing the surplus property
of the Corporations to be abolished at the disposal of the
Commissioners who might be elected in the towns with
which such Corporations are respectively connected.
The Lords readily acquiesce in the desire of the Com-
mons, that whenever that Act may be adopted, the whole
corporate property shall be at once transferred to the ma-
nagement, of the Commissioners elected under its provisions.
But the Lords must call to the recollection of the Com-
mons that hitherto the inhabitants of towns in Ireland have
very generally refrained from availing themselves Of the
power of' local government and taxation so offered to them.
To render indispensable the election of Commissioners, to
whom would be confided the power of raising taxes for
local purposes, would, undoubtedly, be in accordance with
the principle adopted in the reform of MuniCipal Corpora-
tions in Great Britain, but the Lords cannot but appre-
hend that tho proposed intervention of the Legislature to
overrule a manifest reluctance to be so. governed, and to
ho so taxed, would not, as the Commons appear to anti-
cipate, have any tendency to satisfy the just expectations of
his Majesty's subjects in Ireland, or to rnaintaia and
strengthen the Union,
The Lords have abstained from insisting uponseveral
amendments to which the Commem appear to attach
much importance.
They acquiesce in the pinion that oflieQrs connected
with the administration of justice in Ireland should be re-
moved front looal influence, and placed under the direct
AlAthwity of the Crown.
They have willingly consented not to insist upon amend-
ments which conflicted with the immediate application of
the principle thus ,estahlished.
It will be a mAttet of sincere regret to the Lords if their
adherence to the more important amendments made by
them in the Bin, and their inability to concur in the new
iwopoiitiens made by the Commons, should have the effect
of leaving a just cause. of complaint without a full and
present remedy,
The Lovds will, however, still entertain the hope that
d
the two Houses of Parliament, maintaining the good un-
zealouslyerstanding which happily subsists between them, and
co-operating in the discharge of their common
duty to the country, may at no distant period devise such
measures of roferm in the administration of local affairs as
may give real contentment lay effecting real improvement,
prerpote prosperity, by promoting social and religious
peace. in, the cities and towns of Ireland
Weans° the retention of the preamble as amended by
The House of Lords is rendered necessary by the other
amendments on which they insist.
Because the Bill, as it passed the tleatoo of Commons,
having practically extinguished al; existing Municipal Cor-
porations in Ireland, and tho Lords having assented to that
Provision, the cAtrAtlon between the two Houses is no longer
whethq Vo.r,A).o.rAtms should be abolished, but whether
shemlet be re-constructed.
Bcoatiae in the present state of Ireland the general ease
and contentment of the inhabitants of cities and towns
therein would not be effected without moditioa6on of the
principle of Local Government, as applied to England and
Scotland respectively, different 11.,44n and more extensive
than those which have hem proposed by the Commons.
Because the publics good is the only true object of legisla.
tion ; and, eccording to the difference of circumstances,