The Sun.
London, England, 1832-04-27 00:00:00

MR. IRVING.

Yesterday a Presbytery was held in the Scotch
Chapel, London Wall, for the purpose of bearing and
deciding upon the charge brought by the trustees
of the National Scotch Church against Mr. Irving,
—namely, that he was an unfit person to continue
to discharge the duties of Minister in that Church,
The doors of the chapel were opened at eleven itf
the morning; and the place was immediately filled.
by a vast number of respectable-looking persons of
both sexes. The Rev. Mr. Browne acted as Mo-
derator to the Presbytery.
While prayers were being offered up, previous to
the commencement of proceedings, the attention of
the congregation was disturbed by the utterance of
some unintelligible sounds by Mr. Taplin, wno, our
readers will recollect, has made himself conspicuous
from his delivery of the unknown tongue at Mr.
Irving's chapel. His displays on the present occa-
sion only continued for a few minutes, and he ter-
minated his incomprehensible jargon before the con-
clusion of prayers.

'When prayers were ended, the Presbytery pro-
ceeded to the business before them; and the state-
ment of the trustees, signed on behalf of the whole
body by Mr. Mann, was read, setting forth the
various proceedings which had taken place in the
National Scotch Church since October last to March
in the present year, which were inconsistent with
the form of worship prescribed to be followed by
the Church of Scotland. The statement contained
four or five separate charges against Mr. Irving,
which, though varying in the mode of expression,
were substantially the same,—namely, that Mr.
Irving had, contrary to the terms of the trust-deed,
permitted persons, not being members or licentiates
of the Church of Scotland, to hold forth publicly
and during the time of divine service in the Scotch
National Church

Mr. D. M'Kenzie, an elder of the Scotch ra,
tional church, Mr. David Carr, a deacon of tip:: same,
and Mr. Taplin, who had in the course of the morn-
ing given a proof of his powers in the unknown
tongue, were called to verify the allegations of the
complainers. They deposed to the interruptions
which different persons, professing to be endowed
with the gift of tongues, had caused to the regular
and ordinary service of the chapel, and likewise
stated that no attempt was made by Mr. Irving to
repress those interruptions ; but that, on the con-
trary, he often prayed that the Holy Spirit might
manifest itself through the unknown tongue, and re-
turned thanksgiving to the Lord for the manifesta-
tion. All these witnesses declared their belief that
the power of speaking in the unknown tongue was
a gift from the Holy Ghost. The witnesses also
testified to certain doctrines promulgated by Mr.
Irving respecting the humanity of our Saviour, and
his speedy arrival in this world.
Mr. Irving asked the first witnesses whether those
manifestations to which he had deposed as having
been made at the National Scotch Church did not,
as far as he could discover, agree with what was
written in the Scriptures ?
The MODERATOR said that they could not enter-
tain that question. The case which the Presbytery
had to decide was, not whether these utterances
were in accordance with the Scriptures, but whether
they were in accordance with the standards of the
established Church of Scotland. (Here some
slight disapprobation was manifested by part of the
audience. The Moderator having directed order to
be preserved, continued.) The Church of Scotland
had put certain constructions on the words of
Scripture, and those constructions were embodied
in its constitutions and standards. To those con-
stitutions Mr. Irving had vowed adherence, when
he became an ordained minister of the church ; and
the question now before the Presbytery was, not
whether those constitutions were correct, but whe-
ther Mr. Irving had adhered to them.
A short discussion ensued on this point, at the
conclusion of which the Presbytery ruled that the
question proposed by Mr. Irving was not relevant to
the case before them.

Mr. Irving said, that the Cour►, having prevented
him from from appealing to Scripture, had proved
itself to be not the Court of Christ, but the Court
of anti-Christ.—(Some applause.)
The MODERATOR said he was bound to see that
the order of the Court was preserved, and directed
a person who was very noisy in his approbation of
the observations made by Mr. Irving to be expelled.
The examination of the witnesses, which was
conducted in a very tedious manner, and the sub-
stance of whose evidence has already been stated,
was then continued. At a few minutes past seven
o'clock, the case of the complainers was closed, and
the Court adjourned until eleven o'clock this morn-
ing, when Mr. Irving will be beard in his own de-
fence.

M. LE GALLOIS, who commanded the Stlf-
fren in the expedition to Ancona, has arrived at Marseilles.

RIOT AT SPRINGBANK.-A man named
JOHN 11I'COL'LL, whose residence is a harbour for a great
:flatly of the lowest Irish, had made ample preparation for
the Easter, and by the afternoon his house presented such
a tempest of riot and confusion that the well-disposed
neighbours were compelled to beg the assistance of such
authority as they could command. The force was resisted
to the very utmost, and the jar of the contenders, to ti e
taste of the profane originators of the whole, added a double
zest to the mirth of the day. A female—., listen, ye
daughters of our happy land"—hurried from the affray for
a moment, and purchased a couple of empty bottles, with
which she returned and wrought fearful work on the bodies
of her antagonists. JOHN GELDES, one of the most ac-
tive and determined of the constables, suffered severely in
t le skiimish, every article of his apparel having bten lite-
rally soaked in his own blood. He and his associates,
however, managed to take into custody a ball dozen of 'lo
peace breakers, who will, it is probable, be ceverclv •1
tilb Ir; the Justices.—.Scottisk Groirdwa.

EDIMALP.triI REFORNI NIEtTING.

(Frera the New North Briton of Wednesday.)
Yesterday, in compliance with a requisition of the Re-
form Committee, a pulaite meeting was eosemhled in leis
King's Park. The business of the !tenting was opened by
Mr. Seurat., who said—Frietels and fellow-citizens, ws
are met here to perform a -great and pleasing taslsepleas-
' (1, when the citizens of Edinburgh seen meet in such a
Me
splendid area, to give support to the beset of Kings, a o‘i
the best of Ministers.—(Cheers.) That the busies may
be conducted with propriety, you must have a Chairman
to keep order, and I propose a gentlemac of splendid talents,
one of the greatest friends to liberty of which this city can
boast-1 mean John Archibald Murray, Esq.
Mr. Meetter—(Upon his rising the vast asseniblel,-e
took off their hats.) Friends and Isllowscitizerees unless
you put on your hats, I must keep eff mine; and, on such
st day as this, I think we had better all begin the busieras
by putting on our hats.—(Gnat cheering.) There is
still, I hear, a procession advancing ; they are still
coming, and I think there is no ens! to them. Should
they so proceed at this rate, me will have them eu day
and all night teo.—(Laughter.) We must, however, pro-
ceed with the business of the day. Gentlemen and fellow.
citizens, I return
you my best thanks for the honour you done me by , desiring me to preside et this, I
believe, the most numerous meeting tilt ever was
held in the city of Edinburgh. will he in vain
the me to attempt to preseree order unless you give rere
your unanimous aid sad support.—(Great clesetlng.)
I know it has been said that Scotsmen cannot aisein•
ble in numbers without riot and bloodeheal being the con-
sequence.—(No, no.) I beg to sty that this is a foul
calumny.--(Cheers.) I de wet feel the smallest appre-
hension of any riot or disturbance, unless such persoese as
those who have said an should endeavour to tesaliee their
oera predictions.—(lmmense cheerios) But if it were
true—which it is not—that Seetemen could not assemble
without riot and bloodshed, who are known to be the retest
orderly individuals in Europe.—(Cheers)—to whet tSsould
it be owing tint to their not being accustomed to meet to-
gether in the exercise of the volitieel franchise—l say,
therefore, that if the falsehoods and calumnies of our ad-
versaries were just, it would only afford a stronger ate-I-
ntent for passing the Bill that is now in Parliament. Will
Any person say that Scotsmen arc unworthy to hold and
exercise those privileges which Englishmen have exercised ?
—(Great cheering.) I know, realemen, and we all know,
that hitherto the trust of voting for Members of Perlia-
rinent has, in Scotland, been confided to a ;IT individuals.
I call it a trust, because, I say, that in executing it, a man
is bound to act for the good of his coentry,and not for his own
private advantage or emolument:. loud cheers.) But how
is that trust exercised at, pwoent? We may judge bee our
own city. Thirty-three men choose a ISleteeet of Par-
liament for the whole of us.—(Greet tonghter.) Is it
not teo heavy a burden for their shoulders ?—(Laughter
and cheers ) Ought they net to be thankful to have them-
selves relieved of it—to have themselves lightened of it
and to have that trent shared with them by their fellow-
citizens ? I knew it is frequently asked, wbtt better will
a man be by holding this political fraewhist ? I say, if any
man expects, by gaining a vote, to put one. shilling in his
pocket by it, he is as bad as the 'worst of those who at pre-
sent vote for Members of Parlianient in Scotland. It is a
trust, a sacred trust, and whether it is held by one
or another, every one who holds it ought elWeys to con-
sider that he holds it for tl,c good of the country.—
(Cheers.) It is not private emelnment, it is not private
eain, that any man can expect to have by Reform in Par-
liament. lam sure that there is no honest nan The has
ever attempted to support that delusion. It is the cause
of the country—it is the cause of good government—it is
to prevent bad government that it is desirable—and that
it is necessary that the Parliament of the country should
Ire reformed—(lmmense cheering)—and there cannot
be a baser falsehood, there cannot he a fouler calumny,
Co throw out against Reformers, than to say that they had
ever said that any other advantage was to he derived from
Reform but the benefit and the advantage of the whole
empire. We are told, however, by our adversaries, that
this is something new—that it is a new ids—and that
the people have been deluded into it. C say, that for the
last half century, no man who has been well acquainted
with, and who has calmly cotlt,idered, the constitution of
Great Britain, will hesitate in avowing the necessity of
Parliamentary Relhem.—(Cheering.) I, on every occa-
sion, when I hear tl at said, and I call on all of you to do
the same__] task our adversaries what opinion did their
own oracle, the late Mr. Pitt, give on this question at the
end of the American war? Did he not say, that the state
of the representation was the great disease of the country?
,--(Great cheering.) lie stated that all the loses and
disgraces of that war were owing to the want of Reform
in Parliament. Is that a delusion ? If it is, it is not a
new one ; it is not one created by us, the Reformers of the
present day ; it is not one created by the present Minis-
ters ; it is a declaration made 47
.years ago, by the very
person whom they declared to be the best and wisest cf
men. But it derives its authority from a higher source.
Mr. Pitt was the son of the Earl of Chaiham, and he must
be held to have communicated at that time the sentiments
of his experienced father.--(lmmense cheering.) Re-
;oral, he said, was necessary ; and lie attributed the
evils of the American war to the want of that Re-
form. And he said more; he said if you have not
Reform, you will soon have a new war. And have we
not had a new war ? He tried to obtain Referm in va-
rious ways—justice must be done him for that—again and
again he endeavoured to sweeten the cup to the borough-
mongers, but one drop of it they would not swallow.—
(Cheering.) He brought forward plan after plan of Re-
form ; hut they said, we are glad to have you as a Mini-
ster, but we will give you no Reform. He told them, un-
less you have reform, you can have no safety against bad
Ministers, and even good Ministers will be of no use. He
told them this honestly, but still they would give him no
Reform. And what did they get ? They had what he
predicted—a new war, and you all know what was the re-
sult. We have another instance in Earl Grey, who, in
the year 1797, while he was a Member of the House of
Commons, declared Reform to be necessary—to this de-
claration he has been steady ever since he has brought for-
ward this Bill, which will place the elective franchise
within the reach of all, for there is no person who may
not expect to obtain that franchise ; and I can only add,
that I trust that this great measure, being so far advanced,
will be carried, and that being carried, it will produce good
government. And when this has been achieved, all those
animosities to which it has given rise will cease, and that
it will promote the happiness and the prospects of the
British empire. The Learned Gentleman concluded amidst
long and continued cheering.
Sir DAVID Barran—Although he was certainly not an
inhabitant of the city, or of the vicinity ; and, therefore,
according to the literal acceptation of the terms of the re-
quisition, it might appear to some individuals that he had
scarcely a right even to be present, much less to take any
pat t of the proceedings of this day ; yet, when it is consi-
dered that any property which he possessed lies in the im-
mediate neighbourhood of the town, he hoped to be
allowed that he had not obtruded himself upon the meet-
ing, without posseesieg some small claim to its attention—
not that he ever thought of taking advantage of any such
adventitious claim, being, he lisped, too well aware of his
own demerits, in comparison with many of the talented
assemblage which now surrcunded him, who, he was well
aware, were much more capable of engaging their atten-
tion; and he would, much rather, therefore, have preferred,
along with some friends from his own part of the country,
to have been a listening spectator of the meeting, bad it
not been for a request made by some too partial friends, to
whom he felt too much indebted to think of refusing to gra-
tify their request, even though the affording them this grati-
cation has been the means of placing hint in a situation,
which lie feels well satisfied, in his own mind, he was by
no means worthy of occupying. When he considered
'be exclusive nature of the system of representation which
ails hitherto existed in this country, and when it is consi-
dered that the direct effects of the Ministerial measure of
Reform, which is now in progress of being carried, will
be to abolish this most unjest system, and grant to those
classes in this country, the same/ lights which the same
classes in the other parts of the kingdom would consider
worthy of being intrusted with, cannot be a matter of
wonder to him or any one else—the present spectacle
which this field presents to the view—it cannot be won-
derful that this city, which has often been distinguished by
the proud title of Modern Athens, but which, if it were
to be described by a certain Noble Peer, who lately took
an active part in opposition to this measure for tile ad-
vancement of which we are now met, would probably have
been designated as the chief receptacle of all that remains
of bigotry throughout the land ; can it be surprising that
this city should have in a manner disgorged itself of al-
most the whole of her male population? And when he
looked round he was happy to see, arid proud ought they
all to be, that there is even a sprinkling of the softer six
giving to the proceedings the countenances of their fair
faces. Is it wonderful, that this city has thus poured
forth to afford a tnanifestation throughouthichprevails
among
a of that unanimity of opinion w
a vast majority of her inhabitantsonthis most mong
important
subject ? It was impossible for any man not to have
observed the rapid strides which the questiohofo
Par-
liamentary Reform has made of late, in the mind, even f
those who were formerly most opposed to it. So where
now do we ever hear of an out-and-out Anti-Reformer,—
even in certain resolutions which were passed at a mect;i
held in this city some three or four mouths ago by a pun:.

her of gentlemen, who fityled theini,elves the conservative
party, to agree to a reform and corretrtion of any practical
abuses or grievances th-A r..'raulil be proved to exit. Ilut
he did not recolto;:t that in any one of the resolution ‘.vhich
were thte:':. -Pasted, or in any one of the spee:her; wnich were
tl-sin delivered, was there any eatp!atlation or pointing out
of what the gentlemen ooh posing the meeting would have
allowed to he = 'practical abuse or grievance; nor de I
think trace was even so much as an admission of the pos-
srodity of discovering such, wero one to look fur them.
Was it necessary for then to have searched far to have
found a specimen? '.‘,"ri the contrary, they had one in a
manner at their. 7ery elbows. It was only eoessary for
those gettletnen to remember *lit 'Last election for this
city. It was onlyneces'ts'ily for them to have recalled to
their recollectitilt the circumstances attending thst
w:'rrifi, notwithstanding the fact that nl'oeteen twirl-
tiolhs, or at all events a very ltirge majority, of the in-
habitants of the city, Wee in favour of the return of their
talented and ',..tighly gifted fellow-citizen, the present Loill
Advt-'sle—(lnatnense and continued silioering)—wh, n a
petition signed by, if I recolitett 'right, 17,000 of respect-
able inhabitants of ti.to 'town, was forwarded in his favour
to that entn2.ave of thirty-three individuals—higliry te-
spertable he admitted—when nottvithStnolib'g this, if he
might call it, universality of opinion in his favour,
another individeql-2 most highly respectable and honour-
able s-entlescalft:.--but who, he would comparatively
spea.l-71.1k.g, was scarcely known to them, and who, in 'ether
respects, on account of his opinions on this lile&tion of
Parliamentary Reform being objeetionable.; when that in.
dividual was returned, ecu9. there have been a more into-

lerable grievance to the ,tthabitants of the city of Edin.
burgle, at 'watt as far as the election of a Alesntiee to serve
them in Parliament could go, then they could not
support the cause of the ea.r.d::ate of their choice in any
other way than an•rting him their inoperative wishes?
What could Lave been snore mortifying or more humiliat-
ine-:l'6 'those 17,000 individuals who signed that peti-
tion, thin that not one of them all ttentii tender a single
vote in his favour ? Put may it be necessary for
him (Sir D. li.' t- confine himself to this one election ?
On the cuottary, he contended that the circuMstant•e.swh;els
attended all the elections that toot: rlaze in this country
last year were felt, and naturally felt, to be an in-
tolerable grievance 13y the whole people of Scotland ;
when, after,• tle appeal which, by the dissolution of Par.
liasteenl, was made to the whole nation for the express
pUrpose of ascertaining its real opinion on the question of
Parliamentary Reform ? and when, in consequence of that
appeal, the inhabitants ti every county and of every burgh
where they hazi the power, were responding to that appeal by
the rr.t`±:n of those candidates whose opinions coincided with
own, was it not a grievance, and one scarcely to be en-
dured, and although equally alive to the importance of the
question, tLough equill" intions for its success, that in
no one place bad the people of Scotland the power of
following hit example? It is such grievances as these
has caused the present unanimity of feeling
amongst us ; it is such grievances as these that has made
the representation in Scotland more to resemble the
close and rotten burgh system of England than any thin.;
else. It is these abuses, which we require to be abolished ;
and he Or . would
follow tut rn. And
after that 'r it has
been ears 'rtained
whether he had
already a, \s—that
the reprete
_Liresent.
atiees of '
4nr any
other qui --Terfect
convictio

of them al
as was ex,
House of
ting the
now proceei

Cot one

bigotry
pres-nt
forget-
lierefore
was so

far easy as that ha could anticipate no opposition or objec-
tion being made—it being simply that he proposed a reso-
lution for their adoption expressive of their satisfaction
and acknowledgments at the triumph which the
nation's cause has lately achieved in the House of
Lords—(Laud applause,)—a triumph which, in his
opinion, is the more satisfactory, and the more va-
luable, from its having been reaped without the benefit of
any extraneous act—without, in fact, any aid whatever,
excepting it be the necessary consequence of the natural
progress of the cause of jusrice and truth, since the former
period of the question's being brought under the consider.
ation of their Lordships' as,embly,-•a progress which has
effected a difference in their decision upon the very same
question, of no fewer than fifty votes, -during the short
period of xis months.—(Cheers.) He did not know what
their feelings might he, but for his own part, lie
could scarcely find language to express the feelings of ad-
miratio❑ which he entertained with regard to the nu
in which Earl Grey had conducted this measure. Neither on
the one hand, conceding, in consequence of the overture of
Reform enemies, one tittle or iota of those main principles
which constitute the efficiency of his measure; nor, on the
other, allowing himself to be hurried on by too zealous
friends, to the exercise of that undoubtedly constitu
tional prerogative vested in his Majesty, for the purpose of
aiding any permanent or apparently otherwise hopeless
collision between the two Houses of Parliament. He Ir;s
pursued the even tenour of his way. and has at length suc-
ceeded in proving to that same House of Lords who for-
merly rejected the measure, the absolute necessity of their
adopting the principles of his Bill, and of their taking the
whole measure into their most serious consideration. And
now that they were about to do so, he sincerely trusted
they would go into Committee with an upright and honest
intention, to simplify and amend the Bill if they can, but
by no means to mutilate or destroy it.—(C-eat cheering.)
Sir David concluded by readin4 the first resolution, which
was acceded to amidst loud and continued shouts, waving
of bats, &e.

The resolutions, petition, and memorial, were severally
put, and unanimously carried.
Mr. AYTOUN, Advocate—Fellow-townsmen, this is a
proud, a glorious day fir Edinburgh.—(Cheers.) Here
I see around me at least 50,000 of my fellow-citizens,
brother Reformers, united together by one common bond,
the desire to obtain our common rights.—(Tremendous
cheering.) We are here men of all classes, from the great
landlord to the honest and intelligent artizan, who obtains
his livelihood, in the most honourable of al! ways, by his
own industry.—(Cheers.) No false distinction of rank
does there exist amongst us—we are all here upon a per-
fect footing of equality—the rich here hold out the right
hand of fellowship to the poor, and the only object of am-
bition is, which amongst us will evince the greatest zeal
to serve the good cause—which will do most to render suc-
cessful the people's Bill, that charter of our libertics.—
(Loud cheering.) This immense assemblage is composed,
I repeat, gentlemen, of Reformers of all classes. The
Honourable Baronet who has just addressed you, and
whose speech was received with such applause, is the
representative of one of the old aristocratic families of the
land, hut he is, at the same time, what we all know
hint to be, a true and sincere friend of the people.—
(Cheers.) I again, who have now the honour to solicit
your attention, avow myself a radical Reformer—(Cheers)
—and a political unionist—(Continued cheering)—but
one who is ready to wave all difference of opinion to pro-
mote that great measure upon which we are all united.—

(Loud cheering.) This is indted a glorious meeting, this is
a sight which makes the heart of the patriot beat high with
triumph and joy, but which, at the same time, must
throw a withering blight upon the prospects of the bo-
roughinonger—(Laughter and cheers)—and prove to him
that his reign of corruption is over for ever. This is not
one of your hole-and .corner meetings. Here we are
assembled in the open face of day, challenging open
discussion.—(Loud cheering.) What will those dege-
nerate Scotehmen now say, who declared in Parliament,
a short time ago, that the people of this country could
not meet in large bodies without tumult and disorder ?
Fellow-countrymen, your peaceful, orderly, but, at the
same time, enthusiastic demeanour upon this and former
occasions, has given the lie to the calumniators of their
native land.—(Cheers.) But I am afraid my feelings of
pride ;as a Scotchman, and as a citizen of Edinburgh, are
carrying me away from the subject of the resolution which
I have the honour to second. This resolution expresses
the satisfaction we all feel at the second reading of the
Bill in the House of Lords. Need I inquire of you, my
friends, if this is the case?—(lt is, it is, from many voices.)
Need I ask you are you satisfied with the result of tile late
vote of the House of Lords?—(Tremendous cheering.) I
take those cheers for my answer. We meet now, fellow-citi-
zens, under very different circumstances from those under
which the meeting last October was held upon this ground.
A great part of you will have that meeting fresh in your
recollections. Then the people had been cruelly disap-
pointed, their dearest hopes had been postponed, a gloom
was depicted upon every countenance, a sullen determina-
tion expressed in every face. But now, whilst I look
around me, 1 see triumph sparkling in every eye.—(Loud
cheers.) Nut a man amongst you but has the proud
erect bearing of freemen ; who feel that we have gained
a recent victory over our oppressors ; who fed con-
fident that but a short time must elapse before we
have obtained our ri.thts ; before, in short, we can
! boast of being perfectly free.—(Great cheering.) Yes,
my friends, we have indeed gained a great victory.
And to whom, I ask you, is our triumph to he at-
tributed ? Why, to the people themselves._-(Loud che,rs. )
The !inn, determined, persevering attitude of the Blitisl,
nation; has at last succeeded in cvnvincin4 the House of

Lords that it will nut du to trifle longer with a milted and
unanimous people.—(Long and continued cheering.) I
shall now conclude with seconding the resolution which
you have heard read.—(Greit cheering.)
Sir Join.; DALRYMPLE said—This was the first time he
had been upon or had seen htettings is Scotland. He re-
collected, berzeseer, that an Hon. and Learned Friend
of his had said, at a public meeting held not many months
ago, that he hoped, ere long, to iiee a httstings erected
at the Cross of Edinbl'irgh.—(Hurra ! burra!) This
was a tpeelinen of what might be expected, and,
Le begged to observe, was not very far from the
spot named by his lion. Frier,d, sit,..s.t. te,:s 'part, he re-
joiced in the scene ber3re him. He liked to speak from
under the cation of heaven fully as well as in a hot, citric,
and crowded room.—(Cheers.) He felt to breathe Mere
freely, and he, besides, liked to meet vailtee all may come,
and where every !elan riay speak his sentiments withoet
resent. tie was no friend to packed and hole-and•coener
meetings.—(Laughter.) He presumed there was not
much danger of the present being so ternied.—(;)7c, no.;
All that was dune the re yeas (...ohe in open day. All were
welcetrei, and were invited to a general attendance; so that
should a reaction exist, it might be seen. Sir John said, lie
might then mention, that he bail been named, through the
partiality of his friends, as the person who was to have
the honour of submitting the .ecotail resolution for the can-
sideratiun ttf th'e nieeting ; and in no way could his friends
have done a thing more agreeable to his feelingS, or more
in accordance with his wishes, than in calling upon him
to bring forward a resolution for Maintaining tile purity of
the Reform Bill, by which lie meant, that in its principle
it thould pot be altered.—(Great cheering.) The resolu-
tion which he held in his hand, expressed the satisfaction
of the meeting relative to the second reading of the Bill
in the House of Lords, and prays their Lordships to pass
it without rai ing the qualification.—(Surely; surely.)
1-1 e could conceive nothing more reasonable; and, in his
view of the case, Ministers could accept of nothing less.
Thee were pledged to the principie of the Bill. B. sides,
to alter the 101. franchise in England, he esteemed impos-
sible.—(Cheers.) And lie could not even picture to
himself any thing so impolitic, any thing so grossly unjust,
as that of giving one species of franchise to England
and another to Scotland—(lmmense cheering)—and
that, he felt confident, would never ;happen. They
may thoroughly confide in his Majesty's Government.
Their general management of the Reform Bill had been
admirable. The best thanks of the country, their
hearty support, and their unlimited confidence, were due
to Government, for having, he might say, secured Parlia-
mentary Reform to the empire in general, and to Scotland
a representation, where hardly a shadow of it existed
before. He knew that certain misgivings existed in this
country relative to the 10/. franchise; he esteemed them
quite groundless; he, therefore, recommended peace, pa-
tience, and firmness ; and he then repeated what he had
said from the chair at their last meeting, that they were
as certain of Reform, and, he would add, with a 10/.
franchise, as they were certain that he then addressed
them.—(Great cheering.) Sir John then read the second
resolution.
Ale. HUNTER, Advocate, said, that in seconding the re-
solution now proposed for adoption, and more especially
after the observations with which the Hon. Baronet had
prefaced the proposal, he felt confident of the unanimous
and heartfelt concurrence of this large assembly of the
zealous and decided friends of Reform. They certainly did
feel the highest a ltisfaction that the Reform Bill hail so
far received the sanction of the House of Lords that its
principle had been admitted—(Lond cheers)—and that
their Lordships had conceded the necessity of giving
to its details a full and deliberate examination. .But, for
the future, they must, as true and consistent Reformers,
still feel deep anxiety. For the success of the disfranchise-

went and enfranchisement clauses, there was little reason
fur entertaining doubt ; but, for the success of that clause,
by which the elective franchise was extended, he did fcar

that there was some ground for apprehension. The Hon.
Baronet had said that this clause must undoubtedly form
a part of the Bid, and he (Mr. Hunter) eirnestly hoped,
that his predictions might be fulfilled.—(Cheers.) But

still it was their duty Co use the must strenuous and un-
remitting efforts to insure its success, and to defeat every
attempt which may be made to impair its efficacy.—
(Loud Cheer 3.) By that cliuse the measure must stand or

fall. He trusted that it would not be rejected ; but it was
indispensable that they should make it known, th4t as free-
men they valued their just rights, and that they would law-
fully hut firmly assert them.—(Great cheering.) The 101.
qualification was chosen because it was already known—
because it agreed with the large and liberal principles upon
which the measure was founded—and because it was suit-
ed to the wants and condition of the country.—(Cheers.)
This qualification was no novelty, but what was that
which even a Tory Ministry had adopted as the lowest
which could he justly riven to the electors of Ireland ? Who
then would venture to say that a qualification which To-
ries thought fitted fur the people of Ireland, could not be
sagely intrusted to the better educated, the more steady,
and, he trusted he might say, without offence, the more
orderly inhabitants of Britain.? The rapid but steady ad-
vances of the working classes of this country, in intelli-
gence and iu the practical management of business, had,
confessedly, qualified them to make the best use of the
elective franchise; and, by the qualificatio❑ which had
been chosen, the acquisition of that sight is placed within
the reach of every honest and industrious man.—(Cheers.)
They had the best reasons for hoping that the highly
raised expectations of the people would not be disap-
pointed.—(Cheers.) For their fulfilment, they had the
sanction of a King, who, while other princes shall have
seen forgotten, or remembered but for evil, will thus
have secured an unperishable name.—(Tremendous cheer-
ing.) They had the repeated votes of a House of Com-
mons, which, though elected undir the present pernicious
system, had manfully spoken the sentiments of the nation.
—(Cheers.) And he trusted, that the Peers would, for

their own honour, and from considerations of prudence,
not mangle in detail what they had admitted in principle.
—(Loud cheers.) They had the solemn pledge of a Mi-
nister of high and powerful mind, and of unquestioned
firmness, who had never tampered with his word..__
(Great cheering.) These were some of reasons for which
he steadfastly hoped that the success of this great and
righteous cause would he secured. It was a measure
which, while fraught with the highest immediate benefits,
must confer the richest blessings upon future generations.
Nor was it limited to the country alone, but must insure
the immediate peace and prosperity, and, ultimately, the
liberties of Europe.—(Loud cheering.)
Mr. ROBERT TIIOMSON, merchant—Gentlemen, I have
been requested to submit to you a petition to the House of
Lords, and I am exceedingly sorry that it has not been
committed to abler hands. It will be quite unnecessary
for me, after what has been said here and elsewhere on this
great national question, to trouble you with many words.
I shall merely take the liberty of answering an objection of
those who are hostile to the measure. I have looked over
the whole of the speeches, pro and con, and have been
anxious to find out a single argument, if it could be found,
against this measure; but I have looked and looked in vain,
fur I have not found the shadow of an argument against
its justice. All that has been said is against its expediency.
Of late we hare had a few noble prophets, who came for-
ward to prognosticate evil from its adoption. Now, the
worst wish I entertain to these Noble Lords is, that
they may live long enough to see the falsity of their pro-
phecies. From the orderly and decent conduct of this
meeting, I think I am warranted in anticipating, that
when this great measure is carried into a law, the people
will use the privileges which it conveys to them with dis-
cretion and propriety.—(Cheers, and cries of ,g We will,
we will.") 'We are all of us rich as well as poor, concerned
in supporting Government, for without a Government
there can be no security. And, therefore, I anticipate
that the good sense and the principles of the people of this
country will give the lie to all the prognostications of the
enemies of this great measure. Considering what has
been said, I really feel disinclined to take up your time
any longer. I am a reformer on this ground, that I think
Reform necessary for the stability of the Government
itself ; bscause, unless there be a wholesome change, there
will be a violent one, and the latter no man can deprecate
more than I do. Allow me then, gentlemen, to read ts
you the petition.—(Great cheering.).
Mr. BIGGAR, in a forcible speech, seconded the motion.
Sir JAMES GIBSON CRAIG, Baronet—Gentlemen, I
have the honour of being appointed by committee to move
a resolution that a memorial be presented to Earl Grey,
expressive of the entire confidence of this meeting that his
Majesty's Ministers will see the necessity of all constitu-
tional means being used to secure the complete success of
a measure so essential to the welfare of the people. In
proposing to address this memorial to Earl Grey, I am
sure I am speaking the opinion of every person here pre-
sent, that no minister has more entirely deserved the gra-
titude and admiration of his countrymen, and no man hies
exerted himself in his public life as strenuously as
he has done. Forty years ago he brought forward
a measure ofoiteforni, to which be has ever since
most steadily adhered.—(Loud cheers.) And now he
has brought forward a measure, which again chews the
strength of his mind ; he is about to confer benefits upon
you, greater than any Minister has yet been able to achieve.
—(Cneers. ) Atter so much has been already said, it were
idle for me to waste your time m going over topics hat
have already been so ably illustrated, but one thing I wculd
observe, in regard to the 101. franchise, that it does Ep-
vac to me to be of the very essence of the Bill, ten ling to
increase the moral ..trtngtb of the country. To put it in

the passer of any man of couunou iuclusti y to obtain an
object which must be a subject of ambition to all, is
surely a benefit worthy of contending for. And, gentle-
men, when this object is gained, observe what the cen-
sequences will be. He who has gained thiS high pre-
eminence is entitled to look beyond entitled
to be intrusted to ell tto lionoirds of the State, and to
that political franchise from which he has been so lung
excluded. He is, in fact, entitled, to look to every thins
that can interest the feelings of a man, anxious to pro-
mote hinnelf, and, at the sat* tinie anxious to benefit his
cionittry.—(Loud cheers.) You will observe that the re•
solution I have proposed is couched in general terms.
There is no allusion to any partictilar measure being adopt-
ed—there is no allusion to any particular time or place—hat
there is a confidence expressed that when the time does
come, all means, he what they may, necessary to carry this
measure shall be adopted. Gentlemen, you may have en-
tire confilence in Ear l Grey.--(cheers.) The salvation of
the country is in his hands.—(Cheers.) The ,„„B„re
must be carried, or consequences the most unfortunate
must ensue. Trust to him. Look to the manner in
which he has carried this measure hitherto. Look to
what has be opposed lately in the House of Lords, where,
without any adOntitious aid, lie has triumphed, and in
his proceedings he has out.generallcd the great hero or
Waterloo.—(Loud cheers.) You cannot doubt that in
trusting to him, you repose your trust in a tower of
strength, which can never be overcome, and which will
most indubitably carry your wishes into speedy execution.
Now, gentlemen, while I congratulate you on possessing
the confidence of a statesman of Earl Grey's unflinching
integrity, and while I heartily approve of your appear-
ance and conduct this day, will you allow me, one of the
oldest Reformers i.t the country—(Great cheering)—one
who has never swerved from the cause of the neople—
(Loud and continued cheerhag)—to entreat every one of
you, and to impress upon you individually, to observe the
same regularity of conduct upon every future occasion
which I now see before me, as your enemies are only
anxious for that violence and tumult that will disgrace the
great cause in which you are engaged. If you only ad-
here to your present conduct, I cannot doubt that at no
distant period of time you will be in possession of those
privileges for which you are now so anxious. You will
be enabled to achieve a triumph worthy of the conduct
you have now shown.—(Sir James concluded amidst loud
and continued cheering.)
Mr. WEIR, Advocate—l come forward to second this
motion with sentiments of peculiar satisfaction. Can I
doubt the pledge of adherence to the measure which the
long-consistent life of Earl Grey gives ute ? He and his
colleagues are sensible that they dare not desert the mea-
sure.-.--(Loud cheers.) They know as well as we do,
that upon this measure, upon its success, depends the wel-
fare and existence of the country.—(Cheers. ) They
know that, under the old system of misrule, we can no
longer go on. Under the shuffling system hitherto adopted
our opponents have got thumselves.into such a condition that
they can carry on their old system no longer. They dare
not look the doctrines of free trade manfully in the face—
(cheers)—while, at the same time, they cannot hold their
old restrictions. These have withered before the breath
of a half emancipated people. The confidence of the
people is no longer with them or their system. The
spirit of Reform is not of yesterday, it is not of
mushroom growth—it goes back for well nigh a century.
It is like the growth of the oak, slow, but waging war
with the tempest of ages. Defeated in its attack upon one
nuisance, it is turned to lay huh! of another. Put down in
one district, it has reared its head in another quarter.
Trampled down in Nottingham it appeared in Manchester,
and no sooner is it put down there than it raises its head
here in the north. The lambent glow of this genial
flame here and th; re appeared above the dark inert mass,
amid every attempt to crush it. This is not a spirit that
can be put down. If that system can work no longer, we
need not fear that Ministers will see the necessity of mend-
ing it. —(Cheers.) They know as well as we, that by the
success of this measure is to be kept up that confidence
which is necessary between the governed and the govern-
ing, nay, the very existence of the Government it-elf. We
there!ore memorialize Earl Grey, because, circumstanced
as he now is, be will be bettered by this cheerful unanimous
expression of adherence to him,—(Great cheering.) We
have been long at sea, and our pilot must be aware that,
to reach the land, he must steer the vessel boldly among
the breakers. If ever there was a time, when ;ill depended
on the strong arm awl strenuous assiduity of our pi-
lot, now is that moment. Let us cheer him on by the
expression of our synipathy—(Cheers)—let us uphold him
by the expression of our admiration.—(Continued cheer-
ing.) For this purpose we meet in the free air, in the
bright light of day, beneath the broad eye of heaven, where
all may see. —(Applause.)—We meet the blood and lives
of the 36,000 individuals, whose existence has been politi-
cally denied to give our corporeal assent to what our
hands before subscribed.—(Applause.) We met to tes-
tify that we adhere to this measure in all its details, that
we look on it as the ark of God to Great Britain, which,
like that of old, carries death to the profane hand which
shall dare to touch it. —(Loud cheering.)
Mr. Tnomsoes, Advocate—lt is now my duty to
submit to you the memorial proposed to be addressed to
Earl Grey and his Majesty's Ministers ; and, after the elo-
quent statements that have already been made on this sub-
ject, it is not necessary for me to occupy much of your
time in stating the general import of this address. It is
proposed, first of all, to express our satisfaction in conse-
quence of the trend triumph which the Reform Bill has
obtained in the House of Commons, and the persevering
exertions by which that triumph has been achieved. On
this subject I shall say nothing, because the exertions of
those distinguished men who have carried this measure
through the House of Commons are deeply engraven in the
hearts of their countrymen.—(Cheers.) But it is also pro-
posed to express our approbation of the exertions by which
that great measure has been read a second time in the
House of Lords ; and in this I am sure you will agree with
mein saying, that it is matter of delight that to this veteran
statesman, whose political consistency, by the confession of
his greatest antagonists, is without a stain, has been reserved
the achievement of obtaining, for the first time, from the
House of Lords, their assent to any measure of Reform. And
to what measure of Reform has their assent been thus
partly obtained? Not to a measure which keeps the
word of promise to the ear, and breaks it to the hopes—
not to a measure by which enough is-given merely to feed
our appetite for more—no, no, my friends, it is not ob-
tained to a measure which has been described, one would
almost think prophetically, by an old poet, as that sort of
Reform

Which always must be going on,
And, still by doing, never done,
As if the Commons were intended
For nothing but to be amended. Cheers.)
No, the assent of the House has been obtained to a
straight-forward and efficient, and, I hope, a durable
measure of Reform.—(Cheers.) It is farther proposed to
express our earnest hope, that this measure will be finally
passed by the House of Lords without any thing that can
impair its efficiency ; and, in particular, that no attempt
will be made to raise the qualification of electors, to de-
prive the measure of that which, I humbly think, is the
most valuable part of it, viz. that which places the right
of voting within the reach of enterprise and industry among
the humblest classes. And what may Scotch industry
and enterprise not achieve ? By connecting the highest
with the lowest classes of the community, provision is
made for the expression of the opinions and wishes of all.
Gentlemen, we express our hopes that the measure thus
unmutilaied will be carried through the House of Lords
by the use of constitutional means, and in this we may
safely trust Earl Grey. 1 do trust that illustrious
man will have the satisfaction of carrying this measure into
eEct ; and I am quite sure you will concur with me in
the expression of your confidence, that he will use all con-
stitutional exertions for this purpose. I. shall read the
memorial which it is proposed to present. Mr. Thogasou
then read the memorial.

Sir THOMAS DICK LADDER—The knowledge that
there are in this assemblage many individuals yet unheard,
who have much stronger claims on your attention than I
can possibly have, inclines me to wish that the duty
I have undertaken might have devolved upon souse one
else. In the cause of Reform I never have shrunk, and I
am determined that I never will shrink Irons the fulfil-
ment of any such task that may be put upon me ; and I
have come the mere readily to this determination, because
in considering the stirring question which has assembled
together this immense multitude of the intelligent inhabi-
tants of Edinburgh, I am persuaded, that even the eloquent
orations of practised speakers are frequently of less actual
importance in support of it, than a few plain and honest
sentiments proceeding from some sound-headed mechanic—
(Cheering)—or sense straight-forward country gentleman
--(Cheers)—who may have been urged to break silence
by the magical influence of Reform itself. I think, that,
perhaps, one of the most marvellous effects of this question
of Reform has been to open the mouths of our young
dumb Scotch country lairds, which is a miracle more
wonderful than the unknown tongues which we have heard
so much about in Mr. Irving's chapel and elsewhere ;
but, as it will be admitted that we of the present day are
many degrees better than the immortal Dumbiedykes of
the last century—(Cheers)—as, I think, has been pretty
well proved by the speeches of this day, so we may reason-
ably expect that our comparatively fertile voicss will be
much surpassed by those of our successors ; and, at all
events, we may be satisfied of this fact, t'aat our sons and
our grandsons, to the latest generation, Will Seel the impe-

riuus nccessaa of acquiring the art of epeaking truth err
sense to their 'fellow-men. The Ist refobto meet lug I had
the honour of addressing in this city, was held In the large
Waterloo-room. Large as that room is, it was filled to aa
overflowing bumper ; and, overflowing as that bumper
Was, it was but as a drop in the bucket compared to this
vast sea of citizens which now covers the field before
mc. And, truly, to carry the metaphor a little farther,
if such an ocean of reformers does not satisfy the thirst
of the Antis, they arc most unreasonable. On this
last occasion, the heat was oppressive, sufficiently so, in
deed, to be very inconvenient to any one who, like me, has
been more accustomed, for a good many years back, or
scetrt the breezes of the Grampians, than to be stewed up
in any such frying-pan. But the influence of a much
worse evil was then upon up, for at that time we had no
small risk of being turned out of the frying-pan into the
fire. Our best hopes, which had been raise' to the
tiptop of expectation, bad then experienced a disap-
pointment requiring the fullest exertion of that rationa'
philosophy, and moral feeling so remarkably characterising
Scotsmen of all ranks. But, gentlemen, we stand in very
different circumstances at the present monnent—here we
breathe the free and pure air of heaven, and, what is still
better, we breathe it in the happy conviction that we and
our children shall continue to iebale it under the protec-
tion of a renovated and healthful constitution. I would
s..y a great deal more ; but, at this late period, I find that
I must curtail my remarks. I shall only say, that, on
the occasion of our meeting in the Waterloo Rooms,
our object was to deplore our disappointment, and
to express our most sincere confidence that Earl Grey
and his Majesty's Ministers would persevere in prosecuting
the great work, until they had carried it to a consumma-
tion. Locking to their conduct, Ido not see that we have
any reason to regret that we should have placed cur con-
fidence in them. They have been surrounded with diffi-
culties of no ordinary description, which hose met them in
every part of their path ; and of these, not the least dis-
tressing- are the false remarks that have been propagated by
their entnii,s, for the malicious purpose of rendering them
suspected and unpopular. Gentlemen, I will ask, is it
likely that Lord Grey, wishing to erect a monument to
his fame on some such elevated summit as that before us,
should carry up the column to within a few feet of the
top, and being there met by certain well-disposed Peers,
who say to him, "My dear Lord, we really cannot permit
you to pass with so great a load as that—why, it will
bring down the very hill itself. Our advice will be just
to roll it down, not in the least minding friend or foe, and
let it take its course along the plain. But if you will be
p'eased with this pretty little pebble of ours, we shall,
with great cheerfulness, lend you our aid to place it on
the very pinnacle." Is it likely, I say, that Lord Grey
would submit to any such condition as this, a condition
that would destroy the very identity of his Bill ? I re-
member a story of a certain Irish baronet, who, when
he returned home from his travels, was followed
to his mansion by his nurse, who threw her
arms around his neck with the tenderest expressions
of endearment. " Ocb, get along wid ye! " exclaimed
he, shoving her from him, " bad luck to ye for an ugly ould
woman—sure I was once as pretty a boy as ever was born
in a long summer's day, and when I was at nurse you
changed me."—(Laughter.) Now, Lord Grey has put
his Bill into the nursery of the Peers' Committee, and do
you think he will allow the noble nurses there to• change
its provisions, and so to destroy its identity ? Depend upon
it, not even Lord Elden himself, though he has worn a
coif, and twirled a distaff,—l mean the distaff of our
destinies in the Court of Coancery,—shall be permitted to
do that which the old Irish woman was accused of doing.
No, it is my firm conviction that his Majety's Mini,ters
will succeed in planting the column entire and unimpaired
on that eminence to which they have been so long toiling
to carry it ; and that they will not cnly be rewarded by
the blessings of all good men, aye, even of those who have
hitherto conscientiously opposed them, but that they will
receive that deathless fame which embalms the memory of
statesmen, who devwe their lives to secure the best in-
terests of their country. No man, lam sure, can deserve
such a reward more than the Lord High Chancellor of
England. I might very easily pronunce a long panegyric
on his Lordship for his services to his country; for his
virtues are as numerous as the heads which I see around
me ; but I will merely recal to your recollection his ex-
ertions in the cause of education, and his many exertions
to establish, on the best footing some of the noblest insti-
tutions of the country, and his glorious ackievements in
the law, and especially in the Court of Chancery. We
may call him our townsman, of whom we have so much
reason to be proud; and therefore, at once to show our re-
spect for him arid to give full weight to our petition, I beg
to recommend to you that he be requested to present it to
the House of Peers.

Mr. PuzsincE—l beg to second the resolution, that
the Lord Chancellor be requested to present the petition
to the House of Loid:. The times are changed, fellow-
citizens, since I had the pleasure of seeing you on this
field before. Then we were full of sorrow, disappoint-
ment, and indignation ; but now we have joy for our
sorrow, hope for our disappointment, and for our indigna-
tion, let it perish with the cause of it. I have 110 fears
for the success of the Bill ; but certain expressions in a
certain house has created fears, and impudent assertions
have been made, that we had grown careless of the mea-
sure, and it has therefore been thought proper to meet as
we have done to petition ; and I have no doubt, that our
meeting this day will contradict the base assertion.—
(Great cheering.) The principle of the Bill is disfranchis-
ment and enfranchisement—it lops off the rotten burghs,
and creates a constituency numerous, respectable, and in•
dependent—takes the representation out of the hands of
those who have used it for party purposes, and places it
en o
where it ought to be, in the bands of the people. It
country.—(Cheers.)
whoAndendeavoured
may
we t
callo for destroy
the the
Bi
ul
the t
ex-
tracts the venom from those who have hitherto endea-
voured to poison our institutions, aid it pulls the tooth
out ofC
whole the
hmonsterers.
Bill, and nothing but the Bill. I have to re-
turn you my thanks for the attention and good humour
with which you always listen to what I have to say. I
have always felt proud of it, and I am sure that you will
achieve the victory completely by going home quietly. I
stand here in as particular a situation as any one upon the
hustings. I have been a member of the Inhabitants Com-
mittee, and a member of the Council of the Political
Union, and a member also of the Working Classes Com-
mittee, all at one time, and I feel proud that my consitu-
ents have gathered:together this day with one voiee to de-
mand their rights. I beg leave to second the tnotion.
Sir 'WEER". DICK moved the thanks of the meeting to
their distinguished Chairman, who had so long and elo-
quently advocated the cause of Reform.—(Loud
Sir ALEXANDER MAITLAND seconded the motion.

Mr. MuRRAY said, I return you my best thanks for the
honour you have done me ; but the good order you have
preserved during all the difficulties of the meeting, entitles
you far more to the thanks, and to the gratitude of your
country.—(Great cheering.)
Three cheers were afterward; given to King William
the Fourth, the father of his country, three cheers for Earl
Grey, and three cheers for Reform.

ROYAL NAVAL SCHOOL.—A General
Meeting is advertised to be holden on the 10th of May,
previous to which a report of the Managing Committee
will be issued, and to which we will draw the attention of
our naval friends. In the meantime we know that the
spirit of conciliation, having un tnimity for its object, is
abroad, and that the institution bids fair to prosper, and to
be of great utility. The flag officers of the United Service
Club, who have not yet subscribed, have expressed their
determination to attend the above meeting, to offer their
advice, countenance, and subscriptions.— 'lamp. Tcley.

A further sum of 20,0001. has been granted
by Government to complete the Welhsley BriJge in Lime-
rick.—Dublin Morning Register.

PAGANINI has given a concert at Paris for
the benefit of the poor cholera patients. It produced
9,750 francs.
FLIGHT AND DISGRACEFUL. CONDUCT
Or TWO MEMBERS 01' THE CA LVA!sTISTIC C111.11tC11••••
Considerable sensation has been excited in Manchester in
consequence of disclosures of a most horribly disgusting
nature, which have recently taken place in a respectable
ttached to tl e
parish in the immediate neighbourhood. The parties
charged with committing offences of the dye
dye, are two hypocrites, who have hitherto borne respect-
able characters, one as a merchant, and the other as an
accountant, and of whose piety the members of the church
to which they belonged never entertained the slightest. sus-
picion. The wretches alluded to were placed in the volun-
tary at the
ecxbtaep extensive
situation
e a,nid
from
lecturersrr t
respectable
statements andsu Sunday
instructors ta rd us e
bht oyo rosl ofa
some
of
the
got
s
to their parents, and to a worthy clergyman of the santc
persuasion, belonging to another chapel, an enquiry was
immediately instituted by the heads of the chapel, when
facts were detailed of time most _
built
description, and
the result of the investigation left no doubt of the ouilt
i
the parties. Upon the first ntnnation of the disclosure.
the fallen saints absconded
issued.
but warrants for their ap
prehension are about being 'We are in p. B,BSi
of the names and the whole of the facts implicating th•
n in Manchester, and it
sindelinquents,erely
hopedw b o
tahract weerel ILnnogw
they may be brought In
justice ; and we regret that the disgusting nature of ti.,
particulars prelude our giving publicity to them.

THE REFORM BILL

To the EDITOR or" tilt MOIIMNG CHRONCLE.

have seen a printed circular addressed by Mr.
Cobbett to the people of Birmingham, and to the Be-
formers in all the rent towns, inserted also in the Morn-
ing Chronicle of yesterday, which requires from me a
public and immediate reply.
Mr. Cobbett, on the authority of some person, imputes
to me conversation with a stranger in some bookseller's
shop in Loridor:7; on Wednesday, the 18th ult., in suby
stance as follows :

1. That I would accept any comprtyrchT of the Reform
Bill.

That I would consent to (or not opposa) the raisins
of the 10!. town qualification.
S. That the ardour of the people was abated, CI 6414
they would not " keep together."
4. An inference by Mi. Cobbett, that, assuming the re-
port of this convt,rsation to he correct, the Ministry intend
to raise the 101. franebite.

That a conversation on the nnbiect of the Reform Silt
may have been held by me with a stranger, Mr. Cobbett't
informant, is probable ; but I have no recolit'etior: of suelt
person or conversation, and I assert that the report of it
sent to Mr. Cobbett in incorrect; and either that his in.;
form tnt misunderstood any rernarhs of mine, or that they
were so brief that my sentiment.; on the subject-matter
were not fully expressed.
My opinions on the Reform Bill have been so fre-
quently and publicly stated, and to the present moment arc
so fully and unreservedly Icnown to most of the leading
Reformers of London and the country, that I need not de-
tail then, on this occasion. I supported the measure
as a whole, although I always did, and do consider it too
aristocratic in the prepondering influence given to the
Londoners, in the division of counties and in the franchise.

On the means ta:. carrying the Reform Bill, I have, on
every public opportunity (and recently, as the author of the
pamphlet on the l'reragative of Creating Peers), ex-
pressed my personal opinion that the essentials caul(' only
he secured ley an addition to the present Peerage. Corn-
, mon sense now tells me, that if no Peers are made, the
essentials of the English Reform Bill will he modified and
injured ; but I have no knowledge of the power or inten-
tion of the Ministry with respect to new Peers, and I know
of no intention of the Ministers to alter the Reform Bill now
before the Lords. I hope and believe, that, if necessary, Peers
will be made. But if any alteration of the Blil is meditated
or p .seed by any party, I shall independently act, under the
circumstances, in such way as I judge the interest of the
people requires.
Oa the subject of the ten pounds' franchise I have con-
sistently expressed my opinions. In public and in private,
and wherever I had any political influence, I have advo-
cated the ancient constitutional franchise of scot and lot as
an electoral qualification, more equal and extended, and as
preferable to the ten-pound rent standard. The existing
seat and lot franchises, not comprised in schedules A and
B, are the best parts of the present representative system,
and ought to have bten wholly preserved—especially when
the rights of freemen are maintained. The scot and lot
electors, who made the greatest exertions and sacrifices at
the late general election, are, I think, unjustly treated ; and
I trust that their rights will yet be respected. If that
franchise had been continued, I should have considered
that any new franchise for new places was a gain; but I
would give no consent to any alteration of the present fran-
chise of the English Reform Bill which does not continue
or increase the popular influei ce, and further reduce the
usurpation of the Boroughtnor gers.
On the state cf public opinion, I maintain that all
classes of Reformers throughout the kingdom are more in-
tensely interested and determined on tl:e success of the
full measure of Reform than at any previous period of the
d'smssion ; but "assert, that the lapse of thirteen months,
and the continued delay of the means (through new Peers)
of attaining the end, have lessened the confidence of the
people in the Ministry. They will not renew their Peti-
tions to the Legislature; there is a growing public feeling
to demand and enforce a larger measure of Reform ; and I
do fear that the Reformers wilt not again unanimously act
with the moderation which has hitherto distinguished this
memorable and peaceful contest : they will combine and
unite to demand a larger, perhaps, too large a Reform!
I must, notwithstanding, state may individual opinion,
that Lord Grey and the Ministry have hitherto forfeited
no claim to public confidence by any reduction of the mea-
sure ; and although I still advocate more strongly a
creation of new Peers, I am nut insensible to the diffi-
culties of the Cabinet in the original agreement of tbc
Reform Bills, anti in the practicable means of insuring
success.

I hope that the people will "keep together," and that
the Ref anters will not be divided by differences among
themselves.

I am, Sir, &c. JOSEPH PARKES.
Birmingham, April 25, 1832.

PAROCHIAL REFORM AT HULL.

(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)

A contest, unparalleled in the annals of churchwarden
electioneering is now carrying on in Hull. On Easter Mon-
day (the day on which the election has from time imrce•
morial commenced and terminated) the candidates, with
their friends, and an immence concourse of the parishioners
f Holy Trinity, assembled in the choir of the church',
which was crammed to excess. The vicar took the char.
The candidates were—Mr. Acland, who has for some time
been successfully engaged in waging war against the many
local abuses with which the corporate and other public
bodies of the town of Hull have for years been infected;
Mr. Edward Woolley, Shoemaker, Silver-street; and Mr.
Henry King, Ironmonger, Mai ket-place. The latter gen-
t'eman was brought forward by a junto, who have for
long time been in the hat it of ruling the roast ; but,
thanks to the march of public opinion, have now a pretty
fair chance of being turned to the right-about.
Alter the candidates had been proposed and seconded,
they addressed the Meeting.
Mr. ACLAND, in a brilliant speech, which occupied
nearly two hours in the delivery, went into a detail of the
duties incumbent cm the office of churchwarden ; replied
to and ridiculed the opinions of his opponents ; showed
that he was neither a stranger nor an irresponsible person,
as it had been alleged ; and confidently predicted a suc-
cessful result from his appeal to public opinion.
The vicar then called for a show of hands, when siic
were held up for Mr. Woolley, about 20 for Mr. King,
and certainly not lees than 1500 for Mr. Acland, accompa-
nied with the most enthusiastic plaudits.
A poll having been demand,d, and an assessor appoint-
ed, Mr. Carrick tendered three votes for Mr. King, for &
warehouse situate in Grimsby-laue, for which he is as-
sessed at 90!.

Mr. ACLAND objected to these three votes, and stated
his grounds at considerable length. The only ground on
which a party could claim a right to more than one vote
was under the general Vestry Act, passed in ISIS, the
58th of Geo. 111., but ha contended that this meeting,.
was not assembled under that act, but under the 13th of
Chas. 11. (entituled "an Act for dividing Trinity Church
in Kingston-upon-Hull from Heple,") by which the
meeting was held on Easter Monday, for the purpose of
electing churchwardens. He contended that the Vestry
Act did not supersede any local act, and this act had not
been superseded. He contended that by the 13th of Chase
11. Mr. Carrick had a right to one vote, as it was stated
there, that two churchwardens were to be appointed, one
by the vicar, and one by the inhabitants, and the inference
was, that he was to be elected by the decision of a certain
number of men against a certain number.

Mr. FROST, (for Mr. King,) contended that they were
bound to decide that the meeting was held under the ge'
neral Vestry Act, by which a part of the act of Charles
had been repealed.
Mr. ACLAND replied to Mr. Frost, denying that any
part of the act had been repealed.
Mr. Woom.Ev, (for his father,) followed, and argued
that the meeting was held under the Statute of Charley'
The assessor stated, that his opinion yeas, that the parisbef
had met there under the statute of Charles 11., and that
the mode of voting there prescribed must be adopted'
Mr. Woolley then said—and that is, that there is 0°
p'urality of votes, and that every inhabitant or boug'
holder has a right to vote.
Three cheers were thin givtn, and after a vote had
he n tendered for each of the candidates, the meeting ad-
journed.

At the close of the poll on Tuesday, the numbers were-'
Aciand 42:3
King
2-4383
6
At the close on Tuesday—
Atiand 778
King l3O
Woollev
Majority .............................................. --648 ,
The poll was then adjourned to this day. The town 15
all excitement. It is not known when the election will
terminate. The Society of Liberals have engaged an el"
tective band, which parades the town with flags and bo-
ners, with appropriate devices. The members of the
society are actively canvass'n; the parishoners, and they
cansider the victory as certain, and parochial reform ac'
camp fished.

A decree has been passed by the Brazilian
Government, authorizing the free circulation of gold du,t,
as merchandise, to cny extent, after the payment of dui/
in those provinces whore mining is carried Vn.

reedy I not to tell them that their abolition
be ca '• in; of the ministerial Bill of Reform
it Ateit.•.i.!.i. 'as gassed into a law—and after
Tied int% '...:./. on, it will then be aSCI'I
• the 41 ; 1 • nobleman, to whom h
alluded, tof ... : • nether it be libellous
er.enntives p) :. , will be more the rep•
bigot w 4 es- -lo are returne• i
iarter. lie OA d:-.Z, y e :.,• -s his
on, that So (gpf,frogplithat to: 7 e case, 1
all will ever aftortiiii perk, 7, .. ample of I
!xhibittd during tbArver '::-.. -, in
~liile 1
if Commons. But he eared `.. ~-;,- half
task assigned at this meetitigoit.:_ o`ll th
ieeed forthwith, and be was ha` ,'hat it e