Star.
London, England, 1818-03-24 00:00:00

not be the instrument of scattering infamy against the
reformers, by producing such forgeries in the House
of Commons. They were the production of the Bo-
roughmongers ; and the same Honourable Gentle-
men would be ready to stand up in their places, if he
produced their Petitions, to say that they were fat-
geries, and that he was one of those who forged them.
He should on this ground oppose the Resolution pro-
posed, as encouraging this great abuse. Public Meet-
ings were the best bulwark of liberty. Were not the'
feelings of every one of them at that moment dif-
ferent from what they would be, sitting at their fire-
sides and signing a bit of paper ? (applause). The
only influence that could affect the Assembly which
met over the way, was fear. They were in their hearts
towards. Conscious of mal-administration, they
trembled to encounter the public voice from the
hustings, or public meetings—(great applause). Why
had they prohibited their meeting in that place where
their forefathers had been accustomed to meet, and
to discuss public questions? The pretended reason
was palpably absurd. The true cause was fear of
encountering the public voice—(applause). The
whole acts of that Assembly were against the people,
for establishing military despotism, and for sharing
among themselves the plunder of the people—(wuch
cheering). He therefore moved an amendment, " That
,notwithstanding the Act prohibiting Petitions with
more than 50 signatures, and notwithstanding the
proneness of Ministers to prosecute according to law,
and contrary to law, the people should, like their fore-
fathers, meet in thousands, and hundreds of thou-
sands, and cordially co-operate to obtain redress of
grievances." He hoped the men of Westminster would
not follow the example of the Gentleman (Mr. Hunt)
who had said that he was ready to support every
thing thtt should be proposed by Major Cartwright.
Neither approbation nor disapprobation was valuable
unless they judged for themselves—(great applause).

Mr. PERKINS seconded the Resolution. He agreed
with the Noble Lord in this, as he did in every thing
else proposed by him on that day. He had fought
their battles both in and out of the House, aftd on all
occasions advocated the cause of Reform, without
which the country would not be worth residing in.
Major CARTWRIGHT said, that there was no diffe-
rence between the Noble Lord and himself in point
of principle ; the only object he (Major Cartwright)
had in view, by proposing that no more than twenty
should sign any Petition, was to conform to the law.,
It was the opinion of the Judges in the time of Lord
George Gordon, when a law of the same kind exist-
ed, that it would be illegal for more than the pre-
scribed number to sign a Petition. It would be fit,
then, to put the people in the country upon their
guard, and prevent them, if possible, from being
made the victims of Spies and Informers. If Oliver,
or Castles, or any other Spy, could prevail upon
more than twenty to sign a Petition, the consequence
would be, that the persons so signing might be put
in prison and fined 1001. People ought to be put
upon their guard againt such a snare. It was not
for his own individual safety that he made the pro-
position. He was ready to sign any such Petition as
that alluded to by the Noble Lord (Cochrane), and
to encounter any personal risk that might arise from
it. But at the same time he was desirous to put the
friends of the cause in the country upon their guard,
that they might not be subjected to inconveniences,
by contravening the law. The Noble Lord did not
lippear to him to have proved any impropriety in
the proposed Resolution, so far as it regarded the
numbers who should sign. He (Major Cartwright)
•hould therefore adhere to it.

The Amendment of Lord Cochrane was then put
by the Chairman and carried unanimously.

Lord COCHRANE then put his former amendment
respecting the diabolical employment of Spies and
Informers for stimulating the needy and destitute to
acts of outrage. He proposed it now as a distinct
Resolution, and hoped the Meeting would consent
to it. To employ such miscreants was, as he ob-
served, a disgrace to the character of a free nation.
The Resolution being seconded by Mr. PERKINS,
was carried by acclamation.
Mr.Warcza then proposed, that the word twenty'
should be omitted in the Resolution, and by this omis-
sion nothing would be adopted inconsistent with the
amendment to which the Meeting had just acceded.
Mr. HUNT expressed his gratification to find that
the inhabitants of Westminster were for the first
time about to recognize the principle of Universal
Suffrage. This recognition appeared to him a mat-
ter of great importance. He trusted that the Re-
presentatives for the City, neither of whom had as yet
declared in favour of the principle, would stand for-
ward on this occasion to state their opinion; and
that if any change had taken place in the mind of
either, he would not hesitate to avow that change.
Lord COCHRANE said, that after having been ten
years a Representative of Westminster, and under
the observation of his constituents, he did not feel
himself called upon to avow his principles. He had
made it a rule through life not to do any thing
which he did not conceive it right to do. He was
indeed a very obstinate fellow, and would never al-
low himself to be induced or compelled to express
any opinion upon the mere demand of another. But
who required him to make a declaration in this in-
stance?—(" Not an Elector of Westminster!" er-
claimed several voices).—The Noble Lord disclaimed
the intention of making any personal specific allu-
sion ; he merely meant to observe, that the call upon
him for a declaration of his opinion was not such as
he felt himself bound to obey. His constituents
knew his conduct for ten years; and knowing also
the conduct of his colleague for double that period,
he submitted, that it was rather too much to demand
from either a profession of principles. Adverting to
the subject of the motion, the Noble Lord observed,
that it was much better to leave it to each district to
draw up its own Petition, combining local or parti-
cular grievances with the universal desire for Par-
liamentary Reform, than to send forth a general
prescription to the country at large, with respect to,
the precise terms in which every class of Petitioners
should approach the Legislature.
Mr. WALKER disclaimed, on the part of his ve-
nerable Friend, Major Cartwright, any intention to
prescribe or dictate to the People of England, ob-
serving, that it was only meant to declare, that, ac-
cording to the feeling and judgment of the Electors
of Westminster, it was expedient to recommend such
a Petition as that specified in the Resolution.
The Resolution was agreed to; as was a Petition

and Remonstrance founded upon diem, on the pro-
position of Alajor Cartwright.
Major CA RTWR G lIT. proposed a Vote of Thanks
to Lord Somers, for having Written " An Essay ad-
mirably well calculated to accelerate the downfall of
corruption as by law established, by exposing the
extreme ignorance of Its defenders, the brazen fore-
heads of its champions, the incorrigibility of its gang,
and the imbecility of its apologists."
In seconding the Motion—
Mr. HUNT observed, that this Lord Somers was
the descendant of a man who was impeached by the
House of Commons for invading the liberty and rob-
bing the property of the people ; but yet the House
of Lords acquitted that great thief, in consequence,
of which acquittal the Commons adopted a Resolu-
•tion, that the Lords had by this act opened a door
for every species of public fraud and villainy.
Lord CocilnAse deprecated the idea of combining
any levity with the grave proceedings of the Electors
of Westminster. Such conduct would, in his opinion,
be quite inconsistent with the dignity which ought
to be maintained by the assemblage which he had
the honour to address—(hear, hoar). Lord Somers
had, in the publication alluded to, promulgated such
sentiments as deserved the universal abhorrence of
the British People, and of course it would be quite
preposterous to vote thanks to such a person. If by
such a vote it were intended to render this person
ridiculous, the ridicule must rather recoil upon the
Meeting itself, for Lord Somers was not deserving
of any attention, unless to mark the folly, falsehood,
and impudence of his publication—(hear, hear).
Major CARTWRIGHT observed, that as enough had
been said and shewn to fix a stigma upon the weak-
ness and wickedness of the publication alluded to, lie
did not think it necessary to press his motion ; and,
therefore, with leave of the Meeting he would with-
draw it.—The resolution was accordingly withdrawn.

A resolution of thanks to Mr. BES7TtI A ST, for his
work upon Parliamentary Reform, was then pro-
posed by Major CARTWRIGHT, and adopted by the
Meeting with acclamations of applause.
Uponjihe proposition of Major C R IGHT. thanks
were voted to the Representatives for the City, ac-
companied by a desire that they should propose a
Bill for Parliamentary Reform, founded upon the
principles of Universal Suffrage and Annual Eh ction.
A Gentleman outside the hustings expressed a wish
to know why Lord Cochrane had not attei ded the
!House of Commons at any of the Divisions upon the
Indemnity Bill, for he observed that the Noble Lord's
name was not to be found in the published list of any
of the Minorities upon those Divisions.
Lord COCHRANE declared that he had attended the
House of Commons until he was quite sick of it.
There was really something in the fumes of that
House which was enough to kill the devil. Debate
or Division upon any subject, in such an assembly,
was, in his opinion, a mere mockery, until a radical
Reform in the system of the Representation was ob-
tained, and therefore he saw no utility in pressing any
question to a division, while he would ever protest
against the whole character of its proceedings.
Mr. WOOLEN being recognized upon the hustings,
was called upon to address the Meeting. He expres-
sed the highest gratification at the proceedings of the
day, and especially at the recognition of the principle,
of Universal Suffrage. Such a recognition, founded
upon the opinion of the illustrious veteran by whom
it was proposed (Major Cartwright), would, he had
no doubt, be productive of the best effects. But the
whole of that distinguished individual's career had
led to good effects. His example was, indeed, an im-
portant stimulus to the exertion of every man capa-
ble of appreciating his virtue and talents. For when
the worthy Major commenced his exertions in favour
of Reform, his partizans were scarcely numerous
enough to fill the hustings upon which he then stood ;
whereas those partizans now comprehended every in-
telligent, impartial man in the country. Such was
the effect of integrity, intellect, and perseverance.—
The worthy Major's endeavours had, indeed, driven
all the enemies of Reform from the field of argu-
ment ; and he had no doubt that those enemies would
soon be driven also from the field of usurped power.
Mr. HUNT observed, that, according to the prac-
tice of the House of Commons in good times, sup-
plies were never granted to the Crown without con-
sulting the People, and stating their grievances. This
practice had, however, been long given up. Nothing
was left, then, for the people, but to do that them-
selves, which their Representatives, as the Members
of the House of Commons were called, did not feel
it their inclination or interest to do. The immortal
John Hampden refused to pay ship-money, and being
a rich as well as a good man, he appealed to the
Courts of law against the imposition. Those Courts,
however, decided against him ; but being a resolute,
undaunted Englishman, he persevered in his resis-
tance, until, with other patriots, he took up the sword,
and overturned the tyranny which sought to rob him
and his fellow countrymen—(expressions (/igappro-1
bation). He (Mr. Hunt) disclaimed the intention of
urging any one to take up the sword, or to resort to
force against the collection of taxes ; but he would
have his countrymen generally resist the payment of
taxes as the Quakers resisted the payment of titles.—
For example, he remembered that during the reign
of that odious imposition the Property Tax, namely,
about 6 years ago, a fellow called upon him in Somer-
setshire to say that he had an order to distrain for a
surcharge under the Property Tax Act. He dared
the fellow to do so, but the fellow withdrew, and
some time afterwards lie returned with a warrant
from the Commissioners for collecting the Property
Tax, accompanied by a letter, that unless the amount
of the surcharge were paid, its payment would be en-
forced. This menace had, however, no influence
upon him, forhe distinctly told the agent of the Com-
missioners that he would surrender his property only
to a military force, which it would be absurd in him
to resi;t. The tax-gatherer again left him, and he un-
derstood that a communication upon the subject was
made to the Commissioners of the Property Tax in
town ; but since then he had neither heard any thing
from the tax-gatherer, nor paid a farthing of the tax
demanded from him. But a tenant of his at Glaston-
bury, had also refused to pay scene l'roperty Tax, and
his oxen were in consequence taken by the tax-gatherer.
These oxen were taken by order of Drake, who was
sent to the Continent by a certain Noble Lord to as-
sassinate Bonaparte, and who then receiving PAKt:.
a year from the Public Purse, acted as a Conin,i-.-
sioner for the collection of the Property Tax. The
oxen were brought to market to be sold, but the

owner advertising tliat they were taken from 1,.
the Collector of the Property Tax, no buto.,..;Lu.
'u.
be found in SGmerset,liiie to buy then,
were actually restored to their owner, atcrr,
by a note from Drake. Ilis tenant, hewer.;
watdc paid t 71.0 Property TAR, bet I.:: Itint.;'
paid that demanded of him. Nor
mend any Englishman to pay these tat,
thought, indeed, that the only thirg th,at
mained for the people was not to pay rues_
not mean that they should resit •!-11
force, but that like the (strikers they s'•.e
they would not pay, and leave the
carry away their goods. If such r2s(
formed by one street, for in. a- he
that Vansittart would find it ciiisc:ilt
of the furniture or to meet brokers to
any money upon it.—(l/tar, bear, f:Wf
With respect to what rind been said by
Lord (Cochrane) respecting .utendanc?
of Commons, he observed, that he heard::
prize and sorrow. The Noble Lord bad s
air of the House of Commons was irttolcrA';',
and his Honourable Colleague in the Chair x.
to declare, that he disliked that llott,e
disliked bad company and bad hours. lite
would ask, was to hecome of the people of l•
if in that House no honest mart was row
up for them? It; indeed, it became the
the proi:essed advocates cf the people
House of Commons, dia.. Ceorge
the son of old mother 11. in, might go
nit yin abusing the char.“ the n- t:.
the v.ishes oldie pe,ipleol.E '1
favourite practice was, I.e observed,
what he in contempt called the lt.wer t
he forsooth, now deemed himself on,
orders. Yet the fact was, that this Mr. C;t
himself sprung front the very dugs ,;:*
tOr his mother was a strolling an.
father was nobody knew—!krar, hear i.—Su:e
competent to the Noble Lord (Cochrane.,
lents he respected, and whose courage
knew, to put down this man, and c•Arb hi
on the people of England and the friends
It was indeed matter of astonishment Ont.. t:.
of equivocal origin and proverbial daplic:t;
be so long allowed to deal in unqualified
once to abuse the character of those w::,,
poses, and to betray the ct,lll.dence of !Iv •
he supports—flu-y/6 hear.)—Were he (Mr.
the House of Commons, he I,cl it hi
expose and repel such a man, who, v..i:h hi, r,K
and two sisters, had so long been quartered opc
resources of the country ; and instead of in;
the conduct of the Noble Lord, he would
every obnoxious measure by all the mear.l
power, and press for divisions as often as 1( -
for he would never allow corruption or tyLe..
triumph without a struggle.
Here the following Itesolutiin was adqted
applause:
That the cordial and respectful Thanks of this Mc.!.,
presented to Major Cartwright, the Patriarch cf
Reform, who, by die exertions and pi rseverance of A:in
a century, has contributed so powerfully to disserairaa
ideas, and keep alive the interest of this great quesTion,
the spotless purity and virtue of his life have been such as
have done honour to the noblest cause

rs;

-

;c of f

Sir FRANCIS BURDETT said, the.: it now out
mained for him to declare the meeting at at en.
was not necessary for him to enter at lergthi:.e,
topics that had been before them, andit %void!?
fore he improper to detain them by any obserw,
at that hour. In putting the long strir.g
tions, as their chairman, it was not nece;.e:'
supposed that he acquiesced in them. Nc, p:
sions of faith were necessary on his part. If •
conduct did not satisfy them that he weal.i
tibly, to the hest of his ability, exert himself !e:'
establish, and secure the liberty of his ccuntryr:,
should attempt in vain to satisfy them by cre:.:
He agreed with his Noble colleague,
of the people, publicly and frequently declare
the only effectual mode of obtaining their
Those who blustered about violent measure
ther sincere or not, only brought weak, we'll
ing, and good men into trouble. The only
of the people was to turn upon all who pi
violence, and represent their conduct, althc
in this there was great danger, for Scholes
fered in consequence of giving informatics
Oliver. But Mr. Oliver was now a part c:
blishment of the country. Lord Sidmeut::,..,
his familiarity with him, ought to knew
pronounced him an honourable man. II
the character of the mow-lairds de
meet spies) in France of old, but a
of since England was England, till the Yr
But such characters were now vindican
Ministers, but by men of a higher chlr.•:
of a singular piety—by men, who,
the Church of England, inculcated vi:
From his experience of it for nearly :r
century, this vital Christianity was, :
Christianity. It was mortal and
liberties of the world, and to the dean.
terests of men. In the gradation of the •S•
there were degrees of criminality v.!'
responding degrees of execraticnn
was at the bottom of die scale.
temptation, induced him to pra,:ti•-e
abhorred. Ear higher in crirninally w
created, employed, and rewarded S,
nisters were thus more infamous th.:li
But there was another degree.
exalted piety, of exalted char tcters.
Spies, and had hardly words su:F.c:;s:
their virtuous indiguatien against thei;-
could in the same breath pass pane,.:
who employed Spies, and give •
of Indemnity to shield be',. seere . . •
criminal and execiahle. In the
fashionable Orders, they might exy,n; e
to he called " the Most Honourable
It should have a medallion and a 111,:e
the one side of the medaliion shoLld 1.
the figure of Judas; but, no, poor din:.e,
uniformly execrated ; yet he repented.
a suitable act of justice on himself.
modern spie:i %VCre not disposed to
the High Priest who had bribed him that
criminal. This was the Church and S!.ee.
age united. (hi the one side then the;
the figure el the high Priest v ltd crcated
warded the act of the spy. with the motto.
aid State •
01: the other aide there should be id

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V .e S:
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