Star.
London, England, 1826-04-28 00:00:00

.e

power if be were deprived of his patronage, and compelled to charms,
them by the natural graces of truth and wisdom. On the 541 of
June, ;gig, when the Right Hon. Gentl-man introduced the Corn
Importation Bill, with what was termed a grinding clause for the
landed interest, the latter resisted the measure through their most
sonorous organ, the Hon. Member for Somersetshire. On the
first reading there were 1411. Ayes and 41 Noes. But on the 10th
of the same month, when the Marquis of Londonderry, as Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer, mid that he had altered his mind on the
subject. and advised the Hon. Secretary not to put the clause, and
when the latter persisted in pressing the measure, being determined
to try his strength, he bad only 21 Members to support him, and
Ili opposed the clause. Such was then his fate, and such would it
be now if the thunders of his eloquence were heard on the ill-
omened left. He bad a right to say that the cause of Reform was
advancing. when he considered the Reform which had already been
introduced by the Right Hon. Secretary for the Home Depart-
ment, in the Jury Laws and the Criminal Code, and also the
alteration in the Laws of Trade, brought in Sy • Right Hon.
Member bf the Cabinet of the King. He augured well for Reform
when he recollected that the Right Hon. Secretary for Foreign
Affairs had broken the connection with foreign despots, which had
beenjo disgraceful to his country.
Lord 1.. GOWER said, he could not agree with his Noble
Ft lend upon this question. He (Lord J. Russell) called upon the
house, now that all was tranquil, when the sea was smooth and
tranquil around them, to enter upon this great question of Reform.
But if he should engage to enter upon it, who was to assure bins
against meeting with unfit associates in his labours? He was sure,
that after the speech of the Hon. Member for Westminster (Mr.
I lohhouse) not even the Noble Lord (John Russell) could do so—
( Hear, hear ! and a laugh). He opposed the motion, because he
thought it unwise and inexpedient, awl because hr felt the incerti
'tide in which the introduction of the Honourable Alember's pledge
would leave him. (A laugh.) In looking to the history of this
and oasts couutries they ought not to forget that there was at home
an engine at work,:which, when properly directed, was productive
of the most hetfeficial effects. He alluded to the free Press
It was saidfij some, that we were working in the dark; but he
dieted from those who thought so; he felt, oil the contrary, that II
a iree press was a blessing, which could be injured only by its own
viers or eicesses--(Hear.)—The Hon. Member said, in conclusion,
that he might apply to the Constitution the lines used by Pope, in
speaking of Sir Godfrey Knellert—
" More cannot be by mortal art expresed—
But venerable age shall add the rest;
For time shall with his ready pencil stand,
Retouch your figures wi#h his ripening band,
Mellow your colours, anffembrown the taint,
And every grace which time alone can grant—
To future ages shall your fame convey,
And give more beauties than he takes away."--(Hear.)
Mr. R. MARTIN entered into a defence of his Parliamentary
conduct; and observed, that although the Hon.' Member could
vouch for sitting in that House again, Order! order !) and notwith.
standing the efforts made by an Hon. Member, who owed his
seat to him (order! order!), to oust him from his seat for the
county of Galway, he should still abide by the opinions which dic-
tated his vote upon the motion for granting 5,0001. a year to the
President of the Board of Trade.

General PA LM EU said, as a friend to Reform, although the re-
presentative of a close Borough, be had stood in the same predica-
ment as the Honourable Member for Caine, in his late attempt
to amend the representation of the City of Ediaburgh ; but what-
ever might be thought of his conduct, he had voted with a
sincere- desire to carry the question, and as be had done by Edin-
burgh, he would have done by Bath, had her case been brought
forward. How far in this he had consulted the feelings of his
constituents, would to soon for them 'to determine. It was true,
perhaps, that the greater part belonged to the medical profession ;
but though Hon. Members might throw physic to the dogs, be
hoped at least they would give his constituents credit fur their
conduct in not availing themselves of their unconati lIIIODaI power
to promote their private interests.
Mr W. LAM B opposed the motion. He begged to say, with
respect to the calculation entered into by tke Hon. Member who
had preceded him (Mr. Hohhouse) it did not follow that the votes
given for Ministers must necessarily be corrupt. Ile thought no-
thing was more evident than that the power of the people was
gaining last in the country, both on the monarchy and aristocracy.
He had known many, many instances of votes given contrary to
the conviction of Members on the Opposition side of that House.
in compliance with, and in order to satisfy the factious spirit of
earatituents ; and inch vote., he conceived. were fully as corrupt '
as any that Nlinisters had ever obtained by any means whatever—
(Loud cheers). He thought the House ought to reject the resent
measure as one likely to be most pernicious in its e&cts.—Hear.)
After the Hon. Gentleman sat down, a pause ensued, but no
Member presenting himself to the House, the question was loudly
called fur.

Lord JOHN RUSSELL then rose to reply. His Lordship ad-
♦erted to the different arguments that had been urged against his
motion, and contended that there had not been anything advanced
which went at all to disprove the necessity of the measure be had
proposed.
Strangers were then ordered to withdraw, and the House
divided. The numbers were—

For the motion 123—Against it 247—Majority 124.
On returning into the gallery. we found that Mr. Alderman
Woon had obtained leave to bring in bis Rill for the Regulation
of Watermen on the Thames front Gravesend to Windsor.