Star.
London, England, 1830-10-26 00:00:00

SPIRIT OP TilE JOURNALS

Texts.—A Norfolk county meeting took place on Saturday last,'
and others are in progress elsewhere. for the purpose of petitioning Par.
liament to take off the inalt.duty. This, upon the heels of the septet
of the beet-duty, will not, we apprehend. be thought by the public at
large very modest. The unanimity of the meeting for it was one of
landowners and landholders against the rest of the community—was
spoiled by the intrusion of a set of logicians equally unreasonable, who
called out for a free trade in corn, and against the use of machinery in
their manufactutes We say. that the object of the meeting was one
in)urious to the interests of the community, for it was simply to enable
landlords and their tenants to receive the whole of the money arising
from the sale of their barleys, without suffering the government to par-
ticipate at all : and thus an increased taxation wonld be thrown upon
all other branches of industry. The speech of Mr. Salmon. at tuts
meeting, is, in truth, the only one deserving attention.

POST.—Of all the subjects which will demand the attention of the
Legislature on its approaching deliberations, the state of Ireland is that
which appears to us to be most urgent and important. The condition
in which, from the combined operation of numerous causes, society re-
mains in Ireland—in a country distinguished above most others by the
bounty of Nature, rich in all the means of physical enjoyment, con.
taining within itself in unmeasured abundance the element. of national
prosperity and wealth—intimates, no doubt, a singular intractability
and perverseness on the pan of a large proportion of its inhabitants,
but intimates also, we fear, in a manner equally expressive, that the
duty of Government toward; the Irish people has for sUCCISSire
ages been very imperfectly fulfilled. The relation In which the
rich and the poor bland towards each other in that country
is, we are persuaded, the fertile source of many of the social ca-
lamities which Ireland has so long endured ; and, however excusable it
may be, it is not the less a subject of regret that this relation has been
comparatively disregarded, in consequence of the intense and unremit-
ted attention which the Government has been compelled to pay to the
Irish nation in reference to its religious division into Catholics and Pro.
tenants. For the purpose of obliterating this latter distinction, or of
softening the asperities which it was found to produce, the British Go-
vernment has adopted the policy of placing the two parties on a foot.
ing of social and political equality. This experiment. demanded by
the fashionable liberality of the present day, is already seen to
be a total failure. The Catholic question, which it was pro.
posed for ever to extinguish, has again appeared under
another name, but in a hem mere dangerous, and clothed in a cha-
racter of more inveterate hostility to the institutions uf the /tote, sad to
the public welfare and tranquillity. The question of the Swede,
Union, which now agitates Ireland, is the Catholic genii= let • etegs
more advanced towards maturity, more formidable in he Nom" oil
more epode in its dimensions. The former Catholic Chime vassal,
that an admixture of Roman Catholics should be and Me the Pro-
testaat Government and Legislature el the United Ziagdwess. The
present claim is, that a separate Legislature and Goestmeime shall be
established in Ireland, then effect of which, la *Ades sham-
stances, would be to render the Government and Legislature el that
country exclusively Catholic. The history of the ad Catholic Ques-
tion has, we rejoice to find, taught the British Govoutnent how to deal
with the new one.

Tux Csitoxichs.—The order of Lord Grey is unquestionably the
mainstay of the English Constitution. The English Constitution, as
if fa, gives the property of the House ofTommons to the House of Lords.
The whole hinges on the property of boroughs being chit* in the
House of Lords. This was dearly and explicitly stated by Mr. Burke,
in his letter to the Duke of Portland ;—" They (the blew Whip)
know," he says, " that the House of Lords is supported only by, Its
cosan;ctioits with the Crown and with the House of Commons; and that
without this double connection, the Lords could not exist a single
year." Were there a representation of the people, based on a plan
which should Identify the electors in interest with the people, we do not
hesitate to say, the House of Peers could not exist. The Aristocracy
would not be allowed to put their hands into the public purse were
there a real and not a virtual representation, and an Aristocracy
cannot exist without a ready access to the public purse. This is
a truth which we may be assured the Aristocracy have constantly present
to their mind; and no man, however clever and ingenious, can ever
render reform in any shape worth talking of at ell palatable to them.
The great body of the Whigs are necessarily as averee to reform as the
Tories. In short, the Reformers in Parliament must always be a very
small body—a sort of outcast from their order, if they belong to the
Aristocracy. Mr. Brougham must always be respected for his ta-
lents; but, he has on many occasions gone farther in his advocacy
of popular rights than is acceptable to the Aristocracy, by whom
he is necessarily mote feared than loved. It is, indeed, no easy
task to define the limits in the cultivation of popularity which may
not be overstepped. But however this may be, it is clear that the
Aristocracy can never be brought to relish any plans by which their
ascendancy may be curtailed. Again, the people are far more hostile to
those who do not go all lengths with them than to their avowed enemies.
In this way • member who seeks popularity is not always so sure of
obtaining it as the hatred of the Aristocracy. We have from the first
seen that this instinct of preservation would prevent anything like a
cordial opposition to Ministers. The Aristocracy, we may be assured,
dread nothing so much as change in the Constitution ; and they will
never push Ministers so far as to render change probable. This is
cunningly put forth by Mr. Croker towards the conclusion of the
pmrphlet. The hanging back of the Aristocracy after the late French
Revolution was a sign which he who runs may read.

II x am.to.--Kinf's Speeches, which were formerly looked to as State
documents of the highest authority and interest, have, of late years,
sunk into a kind of milk-and-water nothingness, which has both de.
graded the Regal character and the talents of the Statesman from whom
thly have emanated. A new reign opens to the country a new era, and
sds to the Statesmen of the present time an opportunity of rescuing
both the Ring and the country from the degradation into which the eon.
Lenient insipidity of these modern Parliamentary sepses have fallen ;
and not only does the circumstance of a new reign call fur this shera.
tion,lbut the new and interiiiiing situation in which both ourown country
and Europe are plated demand from die Monarch, on his first address
to a new Parliament, such a declaration of the views and policy of his
Ministers, as may leave no doubts in the minds of rcsarnable men but
that they are feelingly alive to the awful duties of their situation, and
such a statement of their policy as the world at large, and their own po-
pulation in particular, may clearly understand. Of the composition of the
King's Speech the country does not care so much as tUr the matter. A
practised writer, like Mr. Canning, could have penned, had he been
permiued, a 5 which would have der.ct•nded to posterity as a model
in its way. (If the present Adniinistrati )))) , if we except the Noble
Premier's own despatches from the field of battle, there is nut, we be-
lieve, a single individual who can be accused of the vulgarity of evet
having written a line for the Press; and the forthcoming Speech, there-
fore, will possess all the freshness of a writer unhackneycd in the ways of
type; but, whatever may be the nature of its eistenta, the insipidness
displayed of late years will, we trust, be laid aside. The sorry at-
[tempt ,to propitiate all parties by satisfying nose will not, we
hope, be resorted to, bat that the expectation of Europe and
the country will be gratified, by an open, explicit, and mealy avowal
of the views and policy which 'the greatest of its Monarchs designs far
the greatest of Its kiagdeme. We do not wish to see out King's Speeches
diverging into the interminable " lengthiness" it an American Presi-
dent's dissertation. At present the one mumbles the turbid, narrow
wagon of nest Ditch, as compared to the wide-tread rapids of the
Ilisshaippi: If our Statesmen would take a middle 001111 e, and give
re aentething worthy of the stately and unajnetio Thames in he =
to the ocean, the national vanity would be lettered, and the
ehreasere better mouthed.

'rug d•y being the opeaiag of the new Parliament, • con-
manse et dice:thErt. us heii by the Archbishop et Claisebory,
attsotiol by the B sod Alphas's% sad the Pumas sad Civilises,
et sic Paul's The lonia vas teed is leuto by the jotter
Bixby t ibe.ipaa4 re Demo a•d as sadism was pseknood by the
shoir, loathe whole wen ceseleisi with a LaUs sums.

HIS 1114JESTIPS SPEECH AT LEWES. •

On Friday lam their M---"-.lP—ajesties sad suite honoured Lewes
with a visit. They were received by the town suthocities
and the inhabitants with every deinonstration of loyalty. and
affection. Their Majesties partook of a luncheon prepared
fqr them by Sir John Shelley and- Mr. Kamp, both of whom
addressed their Majesties, to whoa the King replied in the fol-
lowing speech, which we extract from the Sussex Advertiser:
In returning an astalrir to that which you, Sir, have just spolum.4
cannot help noticing, in ths dint place, that expression which you have just
made use of, that you dim* me for the bestowment of my time upon
the present occasion. In looking back upon the blessings which this
country possesses. and is hells( grateful for them, it is always to beee-
membered that our time is to be devoted to those duties which belong
to us in our several stations of life, in oder that we may enjoy all those
blessings entire whilst we live, and hand them down. unimpaired. to
those by whom we shall be anecoeded. I can assure you that 1 feel
always, and it is a principle firmly fixed upon my mind, that the time
of the Sovereign is due to the station over which he is called to reign—
and that my time is always well bestowed in furthering the happiness
and interests of the people.
It certainly is a circumstance well worthy of remark, that so long
a period as 600 years should have elapsed since lasts King of this COllO-
- has been present in this ancient and loyal borough. My lamented
brother, his late Majesty, who, where he was most known, was always
best beloved, having, from the state of his health, been unable to see
so much of his subjects in this neighbourhood as he otherwise un-
doubtedly would have done, it is gratifying to me, in that steel= it.
which Providence has now placed me, to have an opportunity of so
doing.
By a late arrangement, it has been provided that whatever pro-
perty any monarch of this country may purchase, at his decease shall,
if not otherwise disposed of by will, become the property of his ',w-
eeper. In this way, the Palace at Brighton, the property of his late
Majesty. has come into the possession of his Crown; and it is path-
cularly gratifyitg to me, connected and conversant as I hive been from
myearly youth with naval affairs, that this. which may be called a na-
sal palace, should at my accession have first become the property of
the Crown.

" I have been so frequently in this neighbourhood* and,in the Cornier
part of my life, spent so much time in this county, that I can never,
at any time, consider myself a stranger in it, but as residing in a
county to which I have long and happily been accustomed. Intend.
ing annually to live some considerable portion of time in It, I have
commanded that the tailitis of the county shall bear in future the
tame of the }toys! Sussex Militia--a name which I have great
pleasure in bestowing, and which, I believe, is usual where a Royal
residence is for any length of time established.
"I have always been attached to agricultural pursuits; and I need
scarcely say to you, Gentle•en of SUIJCZ, that this county is highly in-
teresting to every lover of agriculture—not only from its productive
soil, but from that excellent breed of sheep, which may perhaps be con-
sidered as the best which England anywhere produces. I consider the
county of Sussex as one also of the best-conducted, most loyal, and
exemplary counties in the kingdom.
" I feel great gratification, Gentlemen, in the visit which I am paying
to this town. I accept, with pleasure, the manifestations of loyalty and
which have been made to me; and I conclude by wishes fur the
ItZaf:le of the inhabitants, and by thanking you, and by drinking to
your continuance in good health."
The King, after a short pause, again spoke, and added as
follows :

" There is, Gentlemen, one point which I have passed over, but of
which it was my intention to have taken notice. You have drunk
health of her Majesty the Queen, and, in returning you my thanks, I
meant to have done the same on her part also.
" Among the many favourable circumstances under which Paov t-
DUNCE has called me to ascend the Throne of this country, there is
none for which I feel more grateful, or on which I set a higher value,
than that it had previously been my happy fortune to he married to au
1 individual so excellent in every amiable and good feeling—ln dila
country character finds its way forth into the world, and is always know!, ;
I have no doubt, therefore, that you are already well aware of what
would say; but I must take the opportunity of speaking what I most
sincerely am convinced of—that her Alajesty, who bits before you, pos-
senses every estimable quality calculated to give worth and lustre to her
exalted station. Of this lam satisfied also, that a great share of that
good and kind feeling which has been so largely manifested towards me
since 1 have occupied the Throne, has not only been due to her estinutb:e
qualities, but has strictly and truly been exhibited and paid on account
of that sense which is entertained of them."

This gracious speech was listened to with the deepest at-
tention. His Majesty spoke in the kindest and most bene-
volent manner, and appeared to feel most sincerely every
good sentiment which he uttered. Her Majesty the Queen
appeared anxiously interested from the commencement of
his Majesty's speech ; and, when be so jnstly spoke of her-
self, was considerably affected by the strength of his Ma-
jesty's language in her praise.
His Majesty was heard to say, while at table, that his re-
ception on that day formed a most agreeable rehearsal of the
Lord Mayor's day, which he will attend on the 9th of No-
vember.

RADII

/LOGGING IN Tat MINT AND NAVY.
Yesterday evening, •t eight o'clock, a very numerous assemblage
took place at the Rotunda. Blackfriars-road, for the purpose of taking
into consideration the propriety of petitioning the King on the subject.
of the torture which was inflicted both in the army and navy by means
of flogging.
Mr. HZNIIT HUNT, on taking the Chair, stated that lie was happy
to announce to the Muting the revival of the Radical Reform Asso-
ciation, the members of which bad thought fit to call the present Meet-
ing. That night they had met for the first time to discuss a
subject of considerable importance and interest, viz. the bru-
tal punishment inflicted in the Army and Nary—Aeggiag.—
People might a•y, on hearing of the meeting, that he (Air. Hunt wished
to court the favour of the soldiers. This was no such thing. Although
be had sympathy for them for being placed under such punishment,
still be detested them as a standing any, and inimical to the liberties
of the country. He hoped that be should live to see the time when •
standing army would be abolished, and the country have such a guard ,t
France had—a National Guard.—(Loud applause, and cries of Crave !)
Mr. Hunt here described, in a way that has often been dente better, the
sufferings experienced by a "poor devil " when tied up to tl c halberts,
and the circumstance of the surgeon standing by for the purpose of see-
ing to what length the torture could be carried vu. He alluded to the
late punishment of a soldier in the Tower for having been found asleep
when on duty. In the time of war, such an ect as this wax
punishable by death ; but in peace the humane legislators had
thought proper to limit it to Buggies a punishment which
was, perhaps, ten times more horrible to a man than death.
He was glad to see that the prevent Ministry never attacked the peo-
ple, as was the case in the days of Castlereagh aid Canning, and that
they appeared to have a desire to relieve their distresses. The Beer
Dill was next introduced by Mr. Hunt. lie thought that sac
one instance of their desire, although it was not a very great
boon to the people. He said that he had a share in the introduction or
that Bill. it was not any measure of the Whig., but the production of
himself and the Duke of Wellington. A eorrespondeore had passed
between them, in which be had given his plan. When the Vf.MUTII ss
brought into the House, he was surprised to ITe that some cf his leo-
moms, besides great part of his plan. von contained in it.
D►. A. Tsoursow followed Mr. Hurt, sad stated, After ducaing
the honors of flogging, that it never prr.duetd the effect which it 16AA
intended to do; men who were II ggid ormercifully for an (Keret.
hesitated to commit it again, in she same way es boys robbed
orchards and henroosts, although frelutatly punished for so doing. I f
they were to be punished, let them be deprit.d of their rations and
salaries.

Mr. ('smug, LA seconding pc muted that he had been met in the
Navy, and metabolised Dr. Thompson as to the inelleity of the ati.
nishment. Men who were logged never held up their beads dm. but
in general tumid out drunkards and 'agate& Mr. Cleave stated
that lads under 21, or unrated seamen, were tied to a gun and Ikea's!.
in the indecent way of boys at some schools. He himee9 had
sit-
nessed an instance of this in • brave yoang fellow, who, slier be ng
severely dogged for a trifling offs:4e, was completely cue-rat:tin
and never had that jocular 'exvrtseion which be hal previcuely.
He had knows) him as a brae and excellent seaman in three
boat actions, but he of erlrartiq beeline a vagabond, brought his 014
mother to the grave, and was drowsed in the inlet of some wrongful
action. Plugging' were ordered to be given an account of in the sh p's
log-book, but this was generally tvgdid by logging the sus with their
clothes on.—• punishment which, although as severe as on their bare
becks, was not called flogging.
He mentioned with great praise Capt. Hercules &Masan, of the K.
N. with whom be had sailed 9 months, and who never /ogged--eay.
log be never would revenge errors of the bead by panishing-the she.
Mr. HUT then read the ittelotion, and pat it to the assembly. .
' Mr. Watson thee moved the following &solstice, which was sc.
need and agreed to:—
"That it is notteition that the teeniest to which inctividiuggie the
Army and Navy are exposed, I. ialtuntans cruel, and inelisseisse, and
ought to be abolished, and that a Pewit* be new enbetitted to the
Meeting be adoption, and be wonted to ids Majesty. peeging fee the
ininsediate abolition of that Amid and towobbi paetiee."
Mr. °Barr. at • late brat, in an sereaing and able speech apair.st
the Whigs, mains and usiodere4 owed dial% ' praying ette
thew of -the Swift specs Asia& be alsplsand ' presented en the
Iltey Mr. Hunt. . .
petition prayed that WMajesty won* ellidialt the penlabinene
from die Assay sad Navy, NA was staid by the Minds of LAW
Rehm

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Oi.r•-.11 •• • LAW REPORTS.

430110 LT OF KING'S BENCH, OCT. 25.
4474 • , •
Aim; T. LAIOH T.
t upon a bill of exchange for 821. drawn
• •
31111 a tint.
the t was proved.
• set,uirtam. that the plaintiff agreed to accept a tempo.
;11;01.1111147*. id in; pound, for the debt dae to him by the defend-
r•ne:-Alisttital he aebsequently declined doing so, &Mewls, asoording
so die evidence forthedefendant, he unhesitatingly agreed so swept the
composition, and said that if the other aedltors signed, be should do
so too. The names of eight of the principal of the defendant's credi-
tors were then obtained, bat the plaintiff refused to sign the composi-
lion deed, alleging as a reason for not doing so, that matters had since
wore! SO his knowledge that induced him to alter his mind upon the
outset.
Mr. J. Wis.Liasta, for the defendant, contended that the plaintiff
having agreed to sign the deed of composition, thereby inducing other
eredifbts to agree to the pooposed terms, that he was bound to accept
the proposition made on the part of defendant.
Mr. Comonsti., on the part of the plaintiff, called a witness, who
proved that the plaintiff's assent to the proposition made to him by the
defendant's attorney, was entirely conditional ; his answer being," that
if the ether creditors signed, perhaps he should do sn."
Lord TENTICILDEX said that if the assent of the plaintiff was eon-
actions], as proved by his witness, he was not bound unless he pleased
to sign the deed of compositiou. It was therefore • question of ere-
. dit for the consideration of the jury.
. The jury shortlreassulted, when they retuned a verdict for the
, plaintiff for the full amount of the bill, with interest.
This war the only case of interest that occupied the attention of the
touts during the entire of the day.