The Sun.
London, England, 1834-11-17 00:00:00

IMPORTANT MEETING ON SUNDAY.

At two o'clock yg,sterday afternoon, a private meeting of
a number of the principal members of the Council of the late
National Political Union (Which has enrolled in its books
upwards of 50,000 members), many active members of the
Common Council, and other eminent Reformers from the
various districts of the metropolis, was held at the Crown
and Anchor Tavern, to consider of the steps necessary to
ha taken in the present alarming crisis of public affairs;
The meeting, which was called in great haste, and only at
a late hour on the previous night, was very numerously and
Most respectably attended. Amongst those whom we re-
cognized were Mr. C. Buller, M.P., Mr. A. Buller, Mr.
L. Murray, Mr. R. Taylor, the Rev. W. J. Fex, Mr. Gal-
loway, Mr. Patten, Mr. Fox Smith, Mr. D. Wakefield,
Mr. R. Franks, Mr. Williams, Mr. G. Lewis (of Birming-
ham), Mr. Effingham Wilson, Mr. Cumming, Sir D.
-goose, Mr. Hewitt, Mr. Ranford, Mr. W. D. Saull, Mr.
J. Taylor, . Mr. S. Harrison, and many others whose names
were perfectly familiar to the public during the great
struggle for the Reform Bill.
The greatest anxiety appeared to prevail in the meeting
as to the course which events were likely to take, together
with one unanimous determination not to yield to the

slightest compromise with the Tories ; to do nothing pre-
maturely, yet not to suffer any opportunity of strengthen-
ing the popular cause to escape, in order to be prepared for
every shape which the approaching exigency might possibly
assume.

CHARLES BULLER, Esq., M.P., was called to the Chair.
Mr. POWELL was requested to officiate as Hon. sec.,
pro tem.
The CHAIRMAN introduced the business of the meeting,
and said that it gave him great pleasure on the very first
occasion which called for the exertion of their energies to
meet with so many active members of the National Politi-
cal Union, surrounded by so many other well-known re-
formers evincing the same zeal for popular liberty, and the
same determination to support the rights of the people
against every attempt at aggression, which distinguished
them during the great struggle to obtain the Reform Bill.
It was a high and gratifying proof of the state of public
feeling in the metropolis, to find that they, in whom so large
a confidence had been placed, by whose efforts the Reform
Bill had been mainly won, were equally determined that
the accomplishment of the legitimate consequences of that
measure should neither be prevented nor delayed.—(Hear.)
He was aware that they, in common with the large body
of reformers, had felt much discontent with the Whig Mi-
nistry for not going far enough, speedily enough, nor boldly
enough, in asserting those principles which the people of
England almost unanimously entertained.—(Hear.) He
had, however, felt, from the course events had for some time
past been taking, that the necessity of adopting and acting
on liberal principles, had more and more forced itself on
those who were but so recently at the head of affairs ; and
every modification which that Cabinet had received had
given more and more promise to the people of the pro-
gress of those principles, by the success of which they
could alone effect a safe, a permanent, and an effectual re-
form.—(Hear.) There could be no doubt that the late
event had blighted the hopes which the people had so rea-
sonabl) entertained. There could be no doubt that it was
shecause Lord Melbourne's -Ministry had held out expecta-
tions of a progressive practical reform, and because his sin-
cerity was believed, that those intrigues which had termi-
nated in his dismissal, and that of his colleagues, had been
begun and carried on.—(Hear, hear.) Whatever faults the
reformers had reason to find with Lord Melbourne's Ad-
ministration, they might depend upon it, it was not for
those faults that he was displaced. His successors would
commit those faults to a much greater degree, and deprive
us even of any hope, however distant, or however unde-
fined.—(Hear.) The course which the friends of good
government should pursue, appeared to him to be clear.
They should at once come forward and express their deter-
mination not to admit of any delay, er retrograde move-
ment.—(Cheers.) They should shew that the people who
withheld from the late Ministry much of that force which
any Ministry may derive from popular support, because
they went neither far enough nor quick enough, would have
courage and consistency enough to throw insurmountable
obstacles in the way of any Minister who should come in
with the determination of overturning any part of the good
effected by the late Ministry, or of maintaining any of those
abuses which it was their avowed intention eventually,
though timidly, to abolish.—(Hear, bear.) Nothing but
the assumption of an attitude of watchfulness and determi-
nation could intimidate the common enemy ; nothing but
vigorous and united exertions could vanquish him, if he
ventured to meet them in the field. But the present
spontaneous meeting was a proof that neither watchfulness
nor exertions would be wanting. At present, whilst no-
thing certain was known, it was probably more prudent to
take no step beyond that of extensive combination, though
the event of another day or two might perhaps demand all
their energy. Having thus hastily laid his views before the
meeting, he should conclude by expressing a request that
those vela-, had been mainly instrumental in calling it toge-
ther, would state their views and objects in so doing.
The SECRETARY Said, in reply to the Chairman's request
—he would briefly state that the meeting had been called
to supporrno particular party, nor to further specific ob-
ject. It was summoned, after taking the advice of several
eminent reformers, solely with the view that those who
were known to represent the public feeling in the metropolis
might have an opportunity of conferring together as to the
most advisable course to pursue in this unexpected crisis ;
and that by uniting together in the pursuit of one common
object, they might give to their exertions that efficiency
which was the invariable result of harmonious deliberation
and united energy.—(Hear.) They knew well that the
least appearance of indifference would be easily seized hold
of by the enemies of social improvement, and that every
endeavour would be made to spread dissentions amongst
the reformers, and divide their forces. Under these cir-
cumstancesit became necessary to establish, as soon as pos-
sible, a point d'appui, and to announce to their political
enemies, the Tories, that however reformers might be di-
vided amongst themselves, against them they would ever
continue united.—(Hear.) These were the circumstances
under which the present meeting was called. Notices were
not given till a late hour yesterday evening, and he thought
an attendance so unexpectedly large sufficiently exonerated
those who had taken upon themselves that responsibility,
and proved that the urgency which demanded it had not
beea overrated.—(Hear.)
Mr. W. D. SAULL agreed in the propriety of calling th
meeting, which ought, in his opinion, to assume, at least
during the present necessity, a permanent character.—
(Hear.) It was high time for the people to convince the
insane men who had made this attempt, that they would
not be trifled with—that they would not permit reform to
be delayed—that they would not suffer the fruits of their
dear-bought victory to be snatched from their very grasp.
—(Hear.) That such was the motive which led to the
dismissal of the late Ministry was too clear to admit of a
moment's argument.—(Hear.)
Mr. GALLOWAY recommended, in strong terms, that all
minor differences of opinion should be set aside, and that
the most perfect unity of purpose and action should be ob-
served. There was no man present who could not readily
name many more who would be most anxious to join them
in their endeavours ; and there were none who were not
able to exercise a very powerful and just influence in the
different districts and constituencies with which they were
connected. It was the intention of the members of the
Common Council (several of whom were present) to have
a meeting early to-morrow ; and from them he knew they
would meet the most cordial co-operation—(Cheers.) He
was quite satisfied that not only this meeting, but the pub-
lic at large, would set their faces entirely against the rein-
statement in power of the Duke of Wellington, or any of
his myrmidons.—(Hear, hear.) He was perfectly satisfied
that the hatred of the Duke to the cause of practical li-
berty was so steady, that the people could expect nothing
from him but mischief. Whatever improvement in cha-
racter be might profess, he had committed too many sins
against the people to admit of their placing the slightest
confidence in him.—(Hear, hear.) He was quite satisfied
that the late Administration had not been fairly treated
since the resignation of Lord Grey. New blood had been
introduced into it ; and the public were disposed to place a
larger degree of confidence in it, as altered and recom-
posed, than before.—(Hear.) This Ministry was dismis-
sed, not for what they had not done, but for proposing
to do a great deal more than the enemies of liberty in
this country could quietly tolerate. The Administration
was at least a reforming one ; and if not positively iden-
tified with, at least usually acted, as far as it went, with
the people. Had Lord Melbourne's Administration been
permitted to meet the Parliament, it was well known that
several most useful and important measures which it had
in preparation, would have been produced by him. The
people—and the people alone—must decide the question.
Their manifestation would be a calm—a temperate, but a
powerful and decided one ; a manifestation such as would
become a reasoning people ;—a manifestation whielLwould
teach those who intrigued against them, that any attempt
on the part of the King to force on the people of England
an unpopular and unrefbrming Ministry, could never fail to
meet with that effectual resistance which such an attempt
deserved at their hands. For his own part, he was willing
to devote his individual exertions to the support of any
course of action which should be thought best calculated
to secure their united object.—(Cheers.)
Mr. R. TAYLOR was exceedingly glad this meeting was
called together, and deemed it highly advisable that it
should take upon itself a recognised character. It was
desirable at such a juncture that the most known and ex-
perienced friends of reform should assemble together as a
medium of communication between the different consti-
tuencies, in order that they might act together with an
unity of feeling and design.—(Hear, hear.) He was glad
to observe that some gentlemen from the country were also
present, who would be of the greatest assistance in inducing
a co-operation in the provinces. It might be highly im-
portant in the conrse of a day or two, if events which they
feared should occur, to assemble the various constituencies
of the metropolis and country, and to proclaim with a voice
that could not be mistaken that the people would never
desert the banner of reform.—( Hear, hear.) When re-
form met with a check, then it was time for the people to
make an advance. One great obstruction to all reform was
the Honse of Lords—(Hear, hear), and no opportunity
could be more favourable than the present for the people
of England to demand a radical reform of that House.—
(Cheers.)
The Rev. W. J. Fox expressed his great delight at the
symptoms of unity of feeling which had been exhibited.
The main duty which at present devolved on them was that
of watchfulness, and preparation for any ulterior measures
which might become necessary.—(Hear, hear.) He
thought, however, the public should be apprised of their
existence. It was right it should be known that they were
on the alert ; that they constituted, as it were, a Committee
of watchfulness, ready at any moment to take any step that
might be necessary—ready, the instant the emergency arose
again, to call into existence the political unions—(Loud
cheers)—Those unions which had already achieved so

splendid a victory, and whose moral force was sufficient
to conquer every difficulty that could rise up against them.
(Cheers.)
Mr. D. WAKEFIELD'S views on the propriety of making
their existence public were in perfect accordance with those
of Mr. Fox. He saw no difficulty in forming a very influ-
ential and very useful body. He approved much of the
idea of calling into existence a committee of watchfulness—
a watchfulness which would show those blinded men who
sought to take the direction of public affairs, that any
attempt to hoodwink the people of England, or roll back
the tide of intelligence and freedom, would indeed be a
vain and bootless task.

Mr. L. MURRAY viewed the present crisis with intense
anxiety, and agreed with the preceding speakers on the im-
perative necessity of forming a committee, with power to
add to their numbers. Although no one could state posi-
tively whether the late Premier resigned or was dismissed,
yet no one had any doubt that he was dismissed, and that
not only unexpectedly, but ungraciously.--(Hear.)
Mr. G. LEWIS (of Birmingham) expressed his pleasure
at the course which had been pursued. He could answer
that the provinces, would strongly reciprocate that feeling
which had exhibited itself in the metropolis ; and that the
formation of the proposed committee would inspireta strong
feeling of confidence from provincial, towards thejnetropo-
litan, reformers.—(Hear.)
The CHAIRMAN said they could not seek to produce any
definite result till they know the proceedings of their ene-
mies. What was now required was a distinct declaration
of vigilance and unanimity. The Tories founded their hopes
on the disunion of the Reformers. It was a great point,
therefore, to show them that they were, and would be op-
posed by precisely the same men who opposed them so suc-
cessfully on the question of the Reform Bill.—(Hear, hear.)
Indeed, the propriety of reviving the National Political
Union, which could be accomplished in full efficiency in a
a very few days, would, in his opinion, shortly become a
matter of very important consideration.--(Hear.)
Mr. Fox SMITH hoped the people would distinctly un-
derstand that those papers which asserted the possibility of
the Duke of Wellington becoming a Reformer, were the
most dangerous of all their enemies.—( Hear, hear.)
Mr. GALLOWAY repeated that, in his opinion, the late
Ministry had been most unfairly treated. The moral force
of the people of England depended not so much upon their
feelings as upon their exhibitions of them. Had ten days
after the event of yesterday been suffered to pass off quietly,
the Tories would have obtained a hold which it might have
cost months to deprive them of.
After some further discussion, the following resolution
was unanimously agreed to : _

" That the removal of the late Ministry appears to indi-
cate a determination to put a stop to the progress of all fur-
ther reform ; we, therefore, do hereby form ourselves into
a permanent committee, to watch the course of events, and
promote such measures as may become requisite' to secure
the rights of the people, and advance the cause of good go-
vernment "

An adjournment till this evening at eight o'clock, was
agreed to.
A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman, and the
meeting broke up.

MEETING OF ST. MATTHEW, BETHNAL-GREEN.

We, the undersigned, being inhabitants of the parish of
St. Matthew, Bethnal-green, in the county of Middlesex,
do hereby request the churchwarden, constable, or other
proper authorities of the said parish, to call immediately a
public meeting of the inhabitants of the said parish, to be
held in the vestry room, or other convenient place, to con-
sider, at the present most important crisis of public affairs,
the propriety of determining on a declaration of political
principles, asserting the rights and liberties of the people to
the fullest extent. And also to address his Majesty the
King upon the necessity of forming such an Administration
as will be likely to conduct the affairs of the country with
the strictest regard to economy at home, peace abroad, the
extirpation of every abuse in Church and State, and the ex-
tension of the national liberties.

The above requisition is in active course of signature, and
a meeting will be held at the earliest possible period. The
excitement of the public mind in the eastern part of the me-
tropolis is extreme, and the people seem determined to meet
the present crisis of public affairs with the greatest energy
and boldness. The watchword every where is "To your
tents, 0 Israel !"

At a later period of the evening a rumour has gradually
been spreading itself abroad that the Duke of Wellington
has accepted the Premiership, and surrounded himself with
purely Tory colleagues. People can, however, scarcely
make up their minds to credit such a proof of insanity.
Let him beware ; for the storm is rising, which he will find
it difficult to lay.

To THE EDITOR OF THE MORNING CHRONICLE.
Brighton, Sunday, Nov. 16.

Stn—The Duke of Wellington has left the Palace for
London. It is understood that the Court party are in
high spirits. They assert " that all is going right ;" by
which I conclude that, for the people of England, all is
going wrong. I arm unwilling to state all I hear, lest I
should misguide you ; but it is quite clear, from the secret
exultation of certain individuals, that they have suc-
ceeded to their hearts' content. They hope to " neu-
tralise the Reform Bill," and " preserve the Church ;" by
which you will understand that they intend the conti-
nuation of Church abuses. In a well-informed quarter I
hear that the overthrow of the Whig Ministry has been
determined on for some time past. And the people here
ask, Who has managed it ? " Who is the traitress?" There
are some who do not think that the Queen has meddled
much in the affair ; another lady is mentioned as having
been very busy ; whilst others assert that the second lady
would not, and could not have done much harm, if she had
not been countenanced by a superior. The name of Syd-
ney has long been celebrated in the annals of this country
as tho champion of popular rights : we trust this will not be
reversed by the misconduct of one bearing the same name.
It will be painful to liberal minds to perceive that name
held in contempt, as the back-stairs channel of misleading
a Monarch whose name and glory have been identified up
to this time with the Reform Act of 1832.
It is rumoured here now that the Earl of Munster will
be appointed to the Government of India. Is this the
price of Tory installation ? The great Captain is indeed a
bold man, if it is so. We shall see what we shall see ! !
Will not the people of England be likely to feel that their
bounty has been sufficiently lavished on these insignificant
personages without being insulted by their meddling and
busying themselves to oppose and subvert constitutional
rights ? I am sure you will be on the watch, and I shall
be attentive to give you all the information I can obtain here.
OBSERVER.