The Sun.
London, England, 1819-07-22 00:00:00

Mayer of the City of Landon—(Lingliing and
Hises).--4-ie then 'nioved the following Resolu-
tion :---

kvtping theta in ase •custody duriub lilesure, and for
Alimited'neriod, ignorant of their accusers or their offences,
hts:e afterWards'discharged them wiatout legal adjudication,
or. it'ffoided them the
.slightest indethnification or redresi
that they hive .etitploYed and encouraged a host of vile spies
and InTormerS, io ;foment and excite disturbances amongst
the oppressed and starving manufaetarers and labourer-s in
the Vnited Kingdom, and have after Wards puoislied with un-
exampled severity the unfortunate victims to their villa►ious
snares ;—that` they have practised every species of corrupt
and sinister influence to gain over the majority of votes of
a venal senate, composed of the agents of the great borough
proprietors, to aid tlteir..views, and induce them to pass cruel
and oppressive laws to starve the honest and industrious
labourers, raanufactnrers, and mechanics, and rob the
wretched peasant of the hard earnings wrung from the sweat
of his brow ; that they have upon many occasions suspend-
ed the ancient laws of the laud, and violated the liberties
of the subject, for the purpose of stifling the general
voice of the nation, loudly and universally expressed in
support of Radical and Effectual Reform ; that in addition
to these and many other wicked and unjustifiable sets, too
numerous and painful to enumerate, and for which offences
we anxiously trust, as well for the security of your own per-
son, as for a salutary example to future corrupt and wicked
Ministers, your Royal Highness will assist your faithful sub-
ects in bringing them to a severe and public account. They
have either kept your Royal Highness in profound ignorance
of their mischievous and uneonstitutioual acts, or they Have
succeeded in poisoning your ears, and in alienating your af-
fections from that people which you were especially called to
protect, and to whom you are solely indebted for the dignity
and statility of your Throne.
_

" We therefore beg to remind your Royal Highness, that
the history of past times, and particularly of our own coun-
try, amply demonstrates, that wherever civil commotion or
rehdlion have prevailed, it has not arisen from the fickleness
or turbulent disposition of the people, from their love of vio-
lence, or desire for frequent changer ; but from flagrant and
often repeated misconduct and oppression on the part of the
Sovereign, or his favourite and confidential Ministers. Had
Charles the First and .lames the Second shewed a becoming
deference for public opinion, and a little decent respect fur
the liberties of their subjects, the one would not have lost
his head on a scaffold, nor the other have been driven from
the throne by an insulted and justly enraged people. We
feel it also our duty,, at this critical moment of national
discontent and universal distress, to remind your Royal
Highness, that it was no exclusive attachment or favourite
predilection for the private virtues or personal merits of
the family of Brunswick, that induced our ancestors to
go to Hanover for a King, and transplant them from the
obscurity and poverty in which they found them, to the
splendour and dignity of the English Throne ; but it was
from a fond, and it is to be hoped, a rational assurance,
that, under a mild and paternal sway, the blessings of Civil
and Religious Freedom would have been better secured and
maintained, and that both the Sovereign and the People,
feeling and comprehending their, relative duties and obliga-
tions towards each other, would have lived together in lasting
bonds of mutual confidence, harmony, and peace. How
far this exception has beets realised in the events that have
followed, and which have furnished such ample materials for
the historian of future times, must be.left to the serious re-
flection of your Royal Highness, and to the awakened feelings
of this agitated and distracted country. ' The period, how-
ever, is now arrived, when all doubt or equivocation upon
this important subject must be quickly terminated, and the
troth, unwelcome as it may be to your royal ear, must be
freely told without hesitation or reserve. The evils which for
the last fifty years have been accumulating and destroying
us, trader a corrupt system of Borough Proprietors and their
t; aitorous agents, who have usurped the power of making laws
under the assumed and false title of Representatives of the
People—these evils are become at length so frightful and
ererwhelming, that they can no longer be silently or patiently
endured. The effectual remedy must be quickly so-tight and
fearlessly applied. The people must determine which of the
two must be their lot, liberty or ,bondage ; and your Royal
Highness, if you would continue to rule over a free and loyal
people, must respect the solemn obligations of humanity and
justice, and hasten to decide between your private inclina-
tions and your public duty.
" We submit this frank, this imperfect remonstrance to the
attentive Consideration of your Royal Highness; and with
the honest sincerity of men panting for the blessings of that
freedom of which we have beers so long and so.nnjustly de-
prived, pray that Heareo may inspire you with the favourable
disposition to listen to its salutary adintmitions, and treat it
with that due regard Mid generous sympathy, which the
important facts it enumerates so truly merit and demand.
if we be asked, what is it that we want ? We answer briefly,
the impeachment, and, if found guilty, the condign punish-
ment of the present Ministers. A change of measures, and
an immediate abolition of the odious arid accursed bur ough-
mongering system. A radical, and such a complete Reform,
as will secureta the People the exercise of that great and in-
cootroveltible principle that every created human being is
entitled to—an equal participation in the sacred.blessings of,
political freedom ; and every industrious labourer, manufac-
turer, and mechanic, have a right to reap the ample and
substantial fruits of his virtuous and useful toil.
(Signed) "H. HUNT, Chairman of the Meeting."

Dr. WATsotc expressed his surprise at the con-
duct of the Noble Lord in declining to present the
remonstrance of Englishmen to their Ruler, who
was bound to :war the complaints of the country.
He could not but express his regret at the refusal
of a Iklinister to present to his Master this Re-
monstrance of the People. He moved that it
should he again presented.
Mr. Howe could feel no difficulty in having it ;
presented, for it had been twice in the hands of the 1
Noble Lord, and if any thing improper or this-
respectful was contained in it, it would have been
mentioned when it was returned to him. If there
was any thing seditious, and the Noble Lord had
not made remarks on it when he gave it back
again, the Noble Lord must have been as great a
spy is Oliver himself. He would Make a point to
have it presented to his Royal Highness by some
means or other.
The Remonstrance was then unanimously
adopted.
Dr. WATSON then stood forward.—He com-
menced by observing, that numerous meetings
had been held in different parts of the country on
the subject of Parliamentary Reform. Alany per-
sons had at different times advocated this ques-
tion, but like that great apostate, Mr. Pitt,
they bad nearly all apostatized from the great
cause in which they had embarked. If any

. . .
z form of the eras to be
brought about, the queitioti was, bow :far, and
by what means; it could be effected ? Nothing
was to be expected from the House of Nmmons.
The people of the three kingdonis, breathed but
one spirit ;..;-eVety heart panted for liberty, and
every arm Was,.as it were, ready to be raised in
support of it. What could the people desire less
than a choice of theil-. Representatives, Annual
Parliaments, and Election by Ballot ? Was it not
Monstrous that men "should be so besotted with
power as to refuse these jest claims of the peo-
ple 1 Would not their children's children rise
against them for possessing themselves Of the
public liberties ? It was aitObishitig that men
'mould be so besotted as to risk their lives awl
interests by refusing to accede to a Parliamentary
Reform. There were men now present who would
not fat sak e the public cause. Their worthy
Chairman. had for the last 15 years followed the
direct path of public duty. and he was convinced
would never forsake the cause of liberty.—(Ap-
plause.)—That friend to public freedom bad been
the means of bringing many wavering men to the
standard of liberty ; Mr. Cobbett, and even the
venerable Major Cartwright, had at one time
wavered as to Universal Suffrage, but Mr. Hunt
had brought them round to the public cause.—
He was aware that he (Mr. Hunt) had been
publicly abused and misrepresented, but as long
as he was supported by the public he would
never be found a backslider. Another Session
of Parliament had it appeared gone by, with-
out the introduction of any singile measure for
the relief of the public distresses. It was then
of the greatest importance to consider, whe-
ther, before the next Session of Parliament,
they ought not to represent to his Royal Highness
the Prince Regent the necessity of having new
writs issued for the return of representatives for
those large districts which were not at present
represented in Parliament. This was a subject
which every man ought to keep in his mind, and
on which they ought to meditate on their return
to their homes. The most important measure
adopted doting the last Session, was an increase
of three millions of taxation ; and on whom were
these taxes to fall? on the lower and industrious
classes of society, who were already pressed down
beyond endurance. The Meeting ought to re-
collect also, that the Livery of London had re-
quested the Lord Mayor to call a Common Hall,
for the purpose of censuring the imposition' of
those additional taxes. The Lord Mayor refused,
and yet the Livery had not the spirit to burst
open the gates of their own Hall for the purpose.
But Mr. Atkins would now find that a multitude
had assembled who \dared to discuss their rights,
and who dared also to censure him for his refusal
to the Livery of London.—(Cheering.)—With
respect to Lord Sidmouth, he could not help
stating, that that Noble Lord- had acted wrong in
refusing to present the remonstrances of the peo-
ple to the Throne. It was highly improper that
any. Minister should exercise such an authority,
and for this conduct he meant to move a vote of
censure against his Lordship. He then moved
the following Resolution
Resolved—That, this Meeting, jealous of the right they
possess of addressing by Petition,Memorial, or Remonstrance,
the highest Authority of Government, with feelings of in-
dignation towards any individual that presumei to stand in
the Way of this right, publicly censure the conduct of Lord
Sidmorith, for having dared to withhold Petitions and ite-
moostranees from his Royal Highness the Pt ince Itegeut."
'Mr. WALKER seconded the Resolution.
Mr.. HUNT said, that undoubtedly this vote of
censure would gratify the Noble Lord ; and he
could assure the Meeting that his Lordship would
feel displeased if all hands were not- held up
against Mtn.
The Resolution was then put and carried.
Mr. HU,NT said, be understood it_ was the in-
tention of-some Gentlemen, before the meeting
broke up, to 'propose a vote of thanks to the
Lord Mayor, for his very great anxiety to for-
ward the ends of the meeting, by preserving the
public peace.—(Applause.)—He wished to call
the attention of the meeting to two letters which
he had received from persons invited to attend
this meeting, but who were unable to be present.
The persons were Mr. Johnson, of Manchester,
and Mr. Mariner, of Winchester [Mr. Hunt
here observed that Mr. Harrison was under -the
protection of the Lord Mayor, but he would get
the letters read by some gentleman presentl—He
begged again to request that the meeting would
abstain -from any nets of disorder. "li c firm,
be resolute, but bear a great deal before you re-
taliate," said Mr. Hunt. Mr. Johnson's letter
was then read. It commenced as follOws
Sniedley Cottage, July 18, 1819.
" To the Chairman of the Non-represented People .of Lon-
don, assembled at. Smithfield, to take into consideration the
best method of speedily obtaining a Constitutional Reform
of the House of Commons.
" VRIPNIDS AND FELLOW-CITIZENS,
" In acknowledging the,reccipt of your Circular, iuviting
me to attend a " Public Meeting" of Nun-represented People
of-the British Metropolis, to be held in "Smithfield Marke,t-
place," on Wednesday, the 21st inst:; your inviting that brave
and respeoted Patriot,- 11.4-lunt, Esq. to' the Chair—your
having invited such a band of excellent and enlightened
men to conduct your businessand a strong desire on my part
to seethe assembled thousands of Radical Reformers in Lon-
don, meeting to assert their Rights. as men and Englishmen,
all combine to .urge me to- make every possible personal sa-
crifice to enjoy the glorious and 'delightful sight of such a
Meeting; but, lam sorry to say, a peculiar:press of domestic
business preeledes the possibility of my. enjoying such a
heart-cheering scene. 'However, Fellow Citizent;• the Re-
formers of the North ,hehold,with ecstacy your. determination
to co-operate with them in the attainment of what can aldne
saveshis country from total ruin.—namely, a Real Reform."
[He then proceeded at considerable length, and with great
freedom, to discuss the conduct of "the sportiveCanniag," as
he called him, anff the *• * Castlereagh, and to state his
view of the conduct of public affairs, and the remedy which,
' he thought, ought to he applied.]
" These are some of the reasons which indrice me to.advo:o
cute the principles of ijniverial Suffrage.; and.the possikililJ
of unworthy, men being elected to serve in Parliament; is My
reason 'for. advocating Annual 'Elections, winds. prevents. not
those who have both talent and integrity from being re-elect-
ed ; and the great influence, not to say absolute power,
whichsome individuals have over others, in the present state
of excessive inequality 'of property, induces me to wish frit.
Election by. Ballot. This I have given you ,'brief sketch,
not only of my political opinions, but also the reasons on
which they are founded.—Wishing every possible success to
crown our united efforts in the promotion of a Radical Reform
of the House of Commons,
" I am, fellow-citizens, yours truly,
". JOS. JOHNSON "
The other letter was also read ; it stated that
the heart and feelings of the writer were with the
Meeting.
Mr. Wtaxert said, he held in his hand a Reso-
lution, which he doubted not would meet with the
approbation of the Meeting, It was a vote of
thanks to the Right Hon. John Atkins, Lord

".Resolved, That thC grateful ThankS of this Meeting- are
(foie to the Right Hon. John Atkins, the Lord Mayor of this-
Ciy, for the unusual degree of anxiety he has manifested for
the protection and the due support he has afforded us in eon-
dneting the proceedings of this day, which is a proof that be
is not, insensible of the aclutoaltion given him at the last Coal-
ition Hall."
Dr. ‘lll,yrsoN Seconded this Resolution. Ile
could not help offering art Obaervation or two on
the conduct of the Lord Mayor, and contrasting
it with that of Sir V. Wal worth, in the titne of
that honest matt, War Tyler. After some obser-
vations on the cause which instigated Wat,Tyler
to resist, the Doctor added, that the conduct 'of
the public spewed the' native purity of the public
mind, and the inherent morality of the human
heart. Whether any such si retch of power would
be now exercised, it the people rose to chastise a
base and 'odious act, was a matter of considera-
tion. But the conduct of the present Lot d Mayor
showed, that whatever might be his opinions on
Parliamentary Reform, he was anxious that the
public peace should be preserved. He did not
mean to go into his Lordship's motives for this
conduct, as, whatever they were, the feelings of
the Meeting were carried into effect by it, a,nd
it was a compliment paid to the principles of
reformers- generally.
Mr. HUNT, in putting the Resolution, observ-
ed, that he did not think his friend the Doctor
could have made such a speech with a grave face.
He had sat behind him, and was surprised at the
uncommon nerve be had shewn during his address.
All who were seriously desirous that this Resoln
tion should be carried would hold up their hands.
—(No hands up—groans and hisses from all quar.;.
tern.)—Those who were of a contrary opinion
would hold up theirs.—(An universal stew of
'lauds and cheering).
Mr. HUNT.—Gentlemen, it
,is my duty to in-
form you, as it will be my duty to inform his
Lordship, that this Resolution is unanimously
carried—in the negative.—(Loud cheering.)
Mr. HUNT said, he held in his hand the Ada
dress front the People of Great Britain to the
People of Ireland ; it was rather long, and be
would take the sense of the meeting as to whether
it should he passed without being read.- The
sheer of hands being taken,
Mr. Hu NT said, that the Address was agreed
to without being read, but he could, assure them
that all Ireland would be inundated with it, as. a
set of gentlemen had-subscribed to have it. printed
and distributed in that country. Those gentle-
men hart not, however, come forward to-
day, becauie, as they stated, " the time was not
yet come at which they 'ought to come forward.'"
The substance of the Address. was of such -a na-
ture as to conciliate all classes of people in
Ireg
land, and induce them to co-operate with their
English brethren in the cause of Reform.
Mr. GAST, a ship-carpenter from Deptford,
was the next speaker. -Before he gave his opinion
on the subject of the Meeting, he y..ished to say a
word or two respecting himself. He had seconded
the Address to the Prince Regent, proposed at
the last Palace-yard •Meeting, shortly after whicit
some genius had sent to a Morning Paper an
anonymous account of who and what he was.
Now he took this public opportunitY of challemg-
ing that individual to come fairly forward, and .he
.would treat with him in every way as an honour- ,
able man. He was aware that the House of Comm
mons was prorogued ;—during their sittinas,which
were long, they had talked much, but bad done lit-
tle for the country. If the Members of the House
sincerely wished for Parliamentary Reform, sonic
of its Members would have fairly brought that
question under its consideration. Bnt no such
thing had been done. Ile well recollected that
when, in the Session before last, Sir. R. Heron
moved for the restoration ot Triennial Parliaments,
he could scarcely get his motion seconded. Was
this indicative of a wish for Parliamentary Reform
ou the part of the Representatives? In tact, the
words Reform and Moderate Reform, as used in
that House, were a delusion. A Member of Par-
liament, a Mr. Dawson, he believed, stated in his
place, that the lower classes of society were too
ignorant, too vulgar, to understand the mysteries '
of Government. Perhaps be was right ; butt
the lower orders of society were More wise in the
regulation of their private affairs titan Ministers
were in the regulation'of the affairs of the public.
(Appiause).7—He now addressed a very large as-
sembly,.the greater part of whom were of the la-
bouring class of society ; -no doubt but many of
' them belonged to clubs and benefit societies. If
so, they all knew that these societies were go-
• verned by, positive laws, the violation of which
was visited by the censure of the whole
_body.
Things were, however, managed differently in the
House of. Commons. What would arty society
GAO their Ste Ward were propose a grant of
10,0001. a year to a son for visiting a sick father ?
Perhaps they.would consider such a grant unrea-
sonable, and would be vulgar enough to prefer
keeping the money in their pockets, to grnntin7
it for such a purpose. if also a grant of 22,0001';
were called for, to' be laid out in useless presents
of snuffshoxese perhaps they would practise a si-
milar vulgarity ; but Ministers thought otherwise,
and a: sod' of 10,0401. a year, besides 22,0001.
which the vulgar lOwer classes would have saved,
the wiseacres in power • immediately squandered
,After some observations On the necessity of
Universal Suffrage, the:speaker concluded by mov-
ing. the ,tl4ank's of the Meethig to their worthy
Chairman Mr,l,l4lunt.:.
Mr. Nem& seconded this motion. it was car-
Hest- with lon&huzzae.
SonwpersonsJio the. Meeting complained that
,the water-plugs4ad been opened, in consequence
of which the lower part of the market-place was
filled with water:,
Mr: HUNT, in risinkt to return thanks for the
honour conferred upon him, observed, that hi-
therto he bad.studiouslriteered clear of any thing
like sedition ; but now he was about to become
the most seditious man under the canopy of
heaven. He wished to read to time Meeting
au item or two out of the Black Book. It was
originally caiied the Red Book, but since its
jitib-
lication by Mr. Fairborn, ielhad changed its COle.
The whole of the corrupt prtris bad attacked the
Reformers, but they had nut, attempted to point