Star.
London, England, 1831-02-02 00:00:00

SPIRIT OP THB JOURNAL&

CHIRONICLIWO arr net disposed to notice the idle rumours so
as-
siduously circulated by those who are opposed to every description of
pultamentartedorm. The Anti-Reformers will be disappointed in
all their adtulations. It is for the desperate In circumstances to bawd
the peace of the country ; those who have a deep interest in the preeea
scion of order are better advised than to think of making rash =pai.
ments on the patience of the people. Reform must be carried; and the
only question now with all men of sense is, the extent. In a few days,
row, the public will be enabled to approach this momentous subject.

Citaorricmc.—Our Paris Correspondent informs us that it was con-
tidetaly reported at Paris the Duke of Neiman had been chosen King
of Belgium. We suspect the report originated in the confident antici-
pation of such a choice. That the Belgians and French intend a politi-
cal marriage we do not in the least doubt ; and, considering all circum-
stances, we should doubt either the wisdom or the policy of forbidding
the banes. As to the balance of power, the less that is said about it
the better, ao long as Europe is doomed to connive at the partition of
eland by Russia, Austria, and Prussia, who retain the spoil in defi-
ence of the public opinion of Europe. The lovers of good Government
arc certainly far more deeply interested in the strength of France than in
the strength of the three Powers, banded against all improvement in
the institutions of nations. Far be it from us to wish to abet France in
Any ambitious views of aggrandisement ; but this we say. that France
is not the Power of which Europe has at present the most cause to
be jealous.

Times.—The private accounts from Dublin announce unanimously a
decided improvement in the state of the public opinion throughout Ire-
land within the last few days; and, by consequence, a sensible abate-
ment of the hopes and spirits of the agitators. as may, indeed, be col-
lected from the increased fury and extravagance of their language

HIRALD.—In General Sebastianfs attempted vindication of the pa
'icy of France towards Belgium, he has endeavoured to support his ar-
gument by taking a very great freedom with historic truth. He gravely
sap, " As soon as the late grand separation had taken place, without
looking at the condition of our strength, we hastened to proclaim
the tutelary principle of non-intervention t—we need not be afraid of
saying that France saved Belgium from faeign invasion." Now,
if what the French Government did to avert the threatened
violation of the Belgian territory by the " armed legislators"
of the despots bad been all that happened toprevent that calamity, we
are of opinion that, keg before this, Diebitsch, with his Cossacks,
would have undertaken to cut the " Gordian knot." of the Belgic ques-
tion, which it now tasks all the ingenuity of the diplomatic artists of
the Five Great Powers to unravel. Under such circumstances what was
it that saved Belgium, and, with Belgium, saved France from invasion ?
It is clear it was not the " tutelary principle" which Frame so ineM-
ciently proclaimed. We will tell General Sebastian' what it was. He
will find it written in that page of modern history which records the recent
change of Minute, fa England. Here was the event which first made
the Holy Alliance pause in their wicked and ambitious project—and
the revolution in Poland luckily succeeded, to make the intended
invasion of Belgium and France appear still more desperate. Though
we cannot approve of all that our present Ministry have done with
regard to the Belgic negotiations, and to some other matters at home,
yet to them undoubtedly belongs the credit of having, for a time,
at least, and we hope permanently, stopped the mad career of despots,
who, in their hatred to freedom, and in vindication of their usurped
authority over the rights of nations, were preparing to inflict Europe
with the curse of a war, of which no man could forecast the tre-
mendous consequences.

POST.—It is pretended, we perceive, by the partisans of the present

Administration, who anticipate with prescient sagacity the downfall of
their patrons and leaders, that the ear of his Majesty is daily abused,
and unfounded apprehensions of the danger of the Reform to which AM
maters are pledged introduced into the Royal mind. This insult to the
understanding of the Sovereign is accompanied by the menacing
assertion, equally insulting to his firmness and moral courage, that a Re-
form of Parliament, by which is meant a revolution to be accomplished by
Legislative authority, is the only means of averting another and more
deplorable kind of revolution, to be accomplished by popular violence.

We are quite willing to give the Reforming Ministers and their threat-
ening partisans every advantage. They shall have on their side the
Scotch Corporator', with all their new-born and disinterested seal in the
cause of Reform. They shall have also those whom, two months ago,
they vainly imagined they could afford to despise and renounce—Lord
Grey's Revolutionists, the Universal Suffrage and Vote-by-Ballor
rag-tag and bobtail of England ; and then, if they presume to
talk of any change to be effected in the institutions of our country, by
violence, or the apprehension of violence, we confidently tell them that
there is scarcely a single parish, and certainly not a single hundred, in
broad England, which does not contain loyal subjects of the King, de.
termined Anti-revolutionists, more than sufficient, if It were necessary,
to chastise the whole of these Scotch mercenaries into manhood, and
the whole of their English auxiliaries—the sudden and quick &vole- I
tionists• -into sobriety and moderation.

Official documents prove that the number of barristers at
1,132, whose fees constitute nearly 25 per cent. of the whole
expences of law suits; conveyancers and pleaders, 142 ;
London attorneys, 9,342 ; country attorneys, 2,732 ; total
number of " gentlemen learned in the law" in England and
\Vales, 13,341, being 453 more than there were on the list
of January, 1830. For the last ten years ending in 1830,
the attorneys paid in duties on articles of clerkship, admis-
sions, and yearly certificates, nearly one million one hundred
thousand pounds sterling !
INSOLVENT DEBTORS.-.4t appears Nom the official re-
turns, ast made up, that the number of insolvent debtors dis-
charged under the present Act, up to the end of 1829,
amounted to 51,000; their debts, four millions sterling;
assets averaged one farthing in the pound, and the expense
of discharge 251. each prisoner. Net more than 65 out of
every 1,200 " estates" produced any assets at all ! The an-
nual salaries of the four Commissioners amount to 11,2541.

Their travelling expenses (which are necessarily great) are
not included in this sum, all which might be saved, and
creditors get, on average, 10s.in the ponnd,if a majority were
permitted to settle with the debtor.

TH Z GOVERNMENT N EWS PAPE kS.

A vulgar error prevails, that this or that newspaper is a
government paper, and as such has a priority of official
information. There may, during the forty-two years ex-
istence of the STAR, have been such London papers : but
the times mere not propitious, when such partiality and cor-
ruption of the press prevailed. Perhaps, however, even
then, more was puffed and boasted on the subject than was
stricdy true, and other papers did not usually condescend

to expose such interested gasconade..
Doubtless, within forty-two years, there bare been ad-
ministrations, certain members of which have embarked
(*OW in London► papers, and the object has been to influ-
encer the public in favour of the measures of the adminis-
tration ; but as thick and thin support did not satisfy the
independent purchasers of papers, they generally died of an
ill name, or with the power of their patrons.
An independent public press is the greatest blessing
which a people can possess, and a corrupt and servile one
their greatest curse.
The American war and the Wilkes' opposition were com-
batted by the most bare-faced corruption. Lord North's

Administration permitted the public Boards to dispense an-
nuities of 3001. per annum among the London papers, on
the pretext of recompensing their attentions to the particu-
lar office ; and these pensions were freely distributed for at
least twenty-five years. The bluff old sailor, lord St. Vin-
cent, first put his finger on them. and some foul or five of
these tributes, paid by the Admiralty, were at once stopped
by him. " Pay tribute," said he, "to venal Editors for
prides! The BRITISH-ADMIRALTY pay tribute to a few
goose-quills Gon forbid I" The world will remember the
abuse which followed ; and though the cause was generally
known, yet the public at large want energy in discrimina-
tion. The pensions, however, were stopped, and, we
believe, have never since been revived. We could name the
papers which enjoyed the last, and one in particular which
enjoyed seven or eight of them from different Boards, till
the sturdy old Admiral made the Government ashamed of
the practice.
A system of favouritism was then adopted by a succeed-
ing Administration, and some Editors who praised and flat-
tered, enjoyed better access to official intelligence than
others. But during the last Administration, no undue or
corrupt preferences were given, and we have not traced any
in the official practices of the present. In a word, and it is
a fact creditable to them, the present Ministry have no
avowed organ ; and, we believe, as far as the general po-
licy of the Government is concerned, no exclusions or pre-
ferences prevail. The advantages which private friendship and
long-established respectability confer, are of course distinct
from system ; and of the.. the STAR has always enjoyed,
and still enjoys, many advantages ; bat such adventitious'
connections impose no obligation to praise or qualify the
measures of Government, as our own columns sufficiently
testify.

There is a medium course of candour without servility,
and of honesty without coarseness or vituperation ; and
believing that these qualities in a Journalist are at once the
most useful to the Government and the Country, we confer
them on the STAR. There are and always have, however,
been papers which, by praising alike the virtues and vices
of Government, desire with adroit craft to hitch themselves
on its affections, and them seek tolelude thi public into a
false notion that they possess preferences in intelligence ;
bat if such have in other times been advantages of such
Editors, it is our duty to disabuse the public, as to the fact
of their being enjoyed by any paper at this time, more
than by the STAG, or more than by any paper published.
In proof we may challenge comparison, and quote our
columns day by day for several months past, both as to our
intelligence, and our independence.

STAMP DUTIES.

A numerous and respectable meeting was held at the City
of London Literary and Scientific Institution on Monday,
for the purpose of determining on Retolutions and appoint-
ing a Committee for the furtherance of all measures tending
to obtain the entire removal of all restrictions on the commu-
nication of knowledge through the medium of the press.
Dr. BIRKBECK WWI called to the chair, and addressed the
meeting, stating his conviction that the welfare of mankind
could not be better promoted than by the diffusion of know-
ledge among all classes of people.
Mr. BuLwElt then moved the following Resolution
Resolved—l. That since knowledge is tbe source both of morality
and wealth, any tax upon knowledge most neeemarily be highly injurious
to the prosperity and happiness of a people.`•
Dr. Bow RING said that government had long made ex-
periments with ignorance, and tl'e results were sufficiently
fatal ; and he trusted, therefore, that the time was now come
when they would try what could be effected by imparting
knowledge to the poorer classes. He conolnded by
"2. That recent events in the arias/turd and mond ad=
trims have pored the necessity of immediate and general estedwas he
the removal of every obstacle to the diffusion et knowledge amengst the
great body of the people; and that the most injurious of those obstacle
are the various fiscal imposts upon the Press."
Mr. E. PER R Y seconded the Resolution.
Mr. HILL, after expatiating upon the many collateral evils
arising from the taxes that affected the Press, moved—
" 3. That a Permanent Commitse be appoioted for the furtherance of
all measures tending to procure the attire removal of all taxes ape
knowledge, and that the academe who have moved and seeded
the Resolutions of this Meeting, with power to add to their number, do
form the said Committee.

After a speech from Mr. Hums, thanks were voted to
Dr. 13t RIC DECK, who returned his acknowledgments, and the
Meeting separated.
The Resolutions were all carried unanimously.

Amongotber subjects no longer to be evaded by Ministers,
who have at heart the restoration of the country, the ques-
tion of the Currency must force itself as primary. Good,
however, comes out of evil, for if the golden visions of
Peel and the half-witted economists bad not so distracted
the country, the question of Reform would have slept for
another 20 years. Nothing makes people think but pinch-
ing necessity, and the follies of the currency measures
made the people think of the crimes also of those, who were
capable of such legislative absurdities. Paper money taxes
to be paid in gold, and paper mow trade, to pay paper
money taxes, suddenly limited by gold, have not only ruined
tens of thousands, but brought the whole nation into un-
parralleled embarrassments. It has made Peers beggars—
merchants bankrupts—and labourers paupers I—And wu i ?

PARLIAMENTARY REFORM.

ram, OpWoos, sad Pulls liceetioas osmosst with this rat We-
"RI Quid's.
(Ts M essedssupd visa is Mae lie Ma rgit Way Parlkond.)
COLISIIIIIIR RIZOIX MIITING.••••Callikla Lime*
Friday, Jan. 28.—One of the most important mealings that
has yet taken place, as indicative of the state of public feel-
ing among the substantial yeomanry and farmers of this im-
portant county, hes just been held, and, notwithstanding the
inclemency of the weather, between 2,000 and 3,000 free-
holders attended it. The High Sherif, General Johnson,
was called to the Chair, and Sir R. Heron, Sir E. F. Biome-
bed, Colonel Sibthorp, Sir W. Ingilby, and many other pn-
tlemen, addressed the meeting, and a petition for reform was
unanimously agreed to.

TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
" We, the undersigned Freeholders and Inhabitants of the county
of Lincoln. humbly represent to your honourable house-.. That, by the
grievous weight of taxation now Imposed upon the country, all produc-
tive industry k paralysed, sod must, if such taxation be madaeed, be
shortly annihilated. We have sees with horror aadi diesmt *at bog
catalogue of unmerited pmsleas which has lately been exposed to
public Indignation by the wise sad honest decision of his Ma-
jesty's Ministers. We deprecate that waste of public money
which ensues from keeping up umecassry elves, civil, sodealas-
dal, and military, and from an untessonabis mom= of so-
larks paid to great alms of state and of the law. We de.
pounce, as opposed to the principles of the Christian religion
(whose kingdom is not of this world), sod destructive to society, those
enormous emoluments which we lavished upon the higher order of the
Clergy. We complain that National property, commonly called Caw I
land, is misapplied. We believe that these grievances have Meat
fran $ want of popular representation to the House of Commons,
and that nothing am give to the people the unbiassed exercise of their
elective suffrages, and restore to them a just influence and control over
their representatives, but a well-organised system of voting by ballot.
Feeling a perfect conviction that this measure, and this alone, can com-
plete your plan of retrenchment—that this and this alone can remedy

existing grievances and eve security for the future, we conjure your
Honourable House by all you bold dear and sacred, u you would save

your country from an impending convulsion, to give attention to our
prayer. We pray that your Honourable House would be pleased to
remit a large portion of the existing taxes. That all unmerited pensions,
and all unnecessary races, civil, cedadastical, and military, may be sup-
pressed. That the salaries doilicen of the state and of the law may be re-
duced. That a more reasonable provision may be made for the hierarchy.
That the Crown lands may be sold.—That the savings resulting from
the correction of all these abuses may be applied in the place of taxes to
be remitted.—Above all, that you world cause those old laws to be
respected, whose object it is to secure the freedom of election, and enact
• system of voting by ballot, with such regulations as shall to your wis-
dom seem best calculated to prevent the wealthy and the powerful from
invading and usurping that dearest privilege of the people, the right of
choosing their own Representatives.

It is confidently stated in the best-informed circles, that
the recent conference of Ministers with his Majesty on the
subject of the important questions of Retrenchment and
Parliamentary Reform, were most satisfactory.—Morning
Chronicle.

LAMBITH.—A meeting of the parishioners of Lambeth
was held this day, at the parochial school, Lambeth-green,
for petitioning Parliament for a reform in the House of
Commons, for a repeal of the Assessed Taxes, and for re-
trenchment in the public expenditure, Mr. Churchwarden
Roffey, in the chair. Mr. Moore submitted a series of re-
solutions, embracing the objects of the meeting, which were
successively put and carried ; and on the subject of vote by
ballot being brought forward, some difference of opinion
was expressed ; but the majority being in favour of that
mode of voting, it was eventually carried.

CLaw wiLLiais.—There was a great reform meeting of
the above barony held in Tipperary on Monday. Richard
Sadlier, Esq. J.P. of Scallabeen, presided, and the chair
was eloquently addressed by Mears. Wyse, M.P. Scully,
Dwyer, Morrissey, Ryan, Rhyne, &c. Much difference
of opinion prevailed at the meeting, at which upwards of
5,000 persons were assembled. and which (the Court-house
not being sufficiently large) was held in the open air. After
the meeting the immense multitude gave three cheers for
O'Connell and a repeal of the Union, and then separated.
Tipperary Free Press.
POPULATION OF SOME OV THE CLOSE BOROUGHS.--
Old Sarum, 6 ; Bramber, 98; Gatton, 135 • Newton, 200;
St. Michael's, 178 ; Castle Rising, 254 ; Beerslston, 200 ;
Dunwich, 200 ; St. Maws, 300 ; Ludgershall, 477; East
Looe, 770 ; West Looe, 953 ; Corfe Castle, 823 ; Boa-

siney, 877.
Fscre.—The 45 Scotch members are returned by 3,000
voters ; 100 others by boroughs whose united population
falls short of that of Manchester.
RIEQUISITIOVII.—That voting be by ballot, and by
parishes—that housekeepers be allowed to vote—that bo-
roughs having fewer than 2,000 inhabitants be disfranchised
—that the Scotch and Irish systems be assimilated to ours.
Among the great borough proprietors or patroas are the
following :—Marquis of Aylesbury, 2 boroughs, 4 members ;
Duke of Buckingham, 3 boroughs, 5 members ; Marquis of
Cleveland, 3 boroughs, 6 members ; Duke of Devonshire, 4
boroughs (in England and Ireland), 5 members ; Earl Fits-
william, 3 boroughs, 5 members
' • Earl Grosvenor, 4 boroughs,
6 members • Marquis of Hertford, 4 boroughs, 6 members ;
Earl of Lonsdale, 4 boroughs, 6 members ; Duke of New-
castle, 4 boroughs, 6 members
Duke of Northumberland,
2 boroughs, 4 members ; Earl of Powis, 3 boroughs, 5 mem-
bers ; Earl Radnor, 2 boroughs, 3 members ; Duke of Rut-
land, 3 boroughs, 4 members • Elul of St. Germain's, 2
horoughe, 4 members; Mr. A. Baring, 2 horocghs, 3 mem-
bers; Mr. Buller, 2 boroughs, 3 members; the Holmes
family, 2 boroughs, 4 members; Mr. Pitt, 3 boroughs, 4
members.
PITT.-- So defective, so inadequate is the present prac-
tice, at least of the elective franchise, that no impression of
national calamity, no conviction of ministerial error, no ab-
horrence of disastrous war, are sufficient to stand against
that corrupt influence which has mixed itself with election,
and which drowns and stifles the popular voice.
Bunny. •••• The Artue, spirit, and easedse of a House
of Commons, consists in its being the express image of the
feelings of the nation. It was not instituted to be a control
upon the people, as of late it has been taught by a doctrine
of the most pernicious tendency, but as a control for the
people.
Fox. It is demonstrated, beyond the power of subter-
fuge to question, that genuine representation alone can give
solid power, and that in order to make the government strong,
the people must make the government. I say that you
ought to act on this grand axiom of political wisdom thus
demonstrated, and call on the people, according to the origi-
nal principles of your system, to the strength of your govern-
ant. I say, that in doing this you will not innovate—you
mil not imitate—you will only return to the true path of the
destitution of England. In making the people of England
a esnatituent part of the government of England, you do no
mere than restore the genuine edifice, designed and framed
by ear ancestors.

The magistrates of Shropshire have resolved to apprehend
all vagrants and suspicious persons passing through the
county. About thirty were lodged in the county gaol last
week. The magistrates of Staffordshire have adopted a si-
L miler determination.