The Statesman.
London, England, 1820-12-30 00:00:00

MEETING :IT II! DFORD.

Purauint to a requisition, most nameronsly and re-
'pertains. signed, the 3layor of this town yesterday
conveneda meeting of the inhabitants in the-Sessions-
house, for the purpose of preparing " au address tn
her Majesty on the abandonment of the of Pains
and Penalties; also a respectful address to his 3lajesty,
beseeching him to take into his grationi ronside•ation
the present state of the country and the petitions
of a loyal people: also to consider the prouriety
the late measures against her Majesty, and the ex-
pediency of petitioning either or both Mouses of Par-
liament to reject all further proceedings."
At eleven o'clock, the Jolla Day, 119.. ea•
lured the Court, and took the Chair. on the motion of
Mr. C. kyshe Palmer, M. P. The Mayor then states!
that he had convened the present meeting in conse-
quenre of a requisition it kids he hail reeeiveti, signed
by a proper number of names, and hr should always
feel it his duty to muter!' %II( la meetings when called
spun by the inhabitants of the town. Ile trusted that
ha should be properly suppuna,liu his endeavours to
preserve order during the meeting. There were gen-
tlemen amongst them who were eapable of giving a
faithful report of tl:eir proceedings ; he stated this be-
cause he had been informed that morning that a re-
porter from London had rouse among them. Ile did
not think it right that he should remain : and he did
not 'appose that the meeting would allow that indivi-
r dual to remain among them.—(Some murmurs )
Mr. Livics begged !Define such a proposition
as that was agreed tu, to suggest the proprietyoftakiad
a show of hands upon it. •

The Mayon said he was called to that chair for the
purpose of p :n; order, and he expected to he
supported. He reiterated his opinion that it was not
right for the London reporter to remain in that as-
sembly.
Mr. Pcuatv said he teas 1;01:1g, at the commence-
meat of the meeting, to mention thr circumstance that
a reporter from London had arrived in that town. Ile,
however, had no hesitation in saying. that if a show
of hands were demanded for Ms continuing. he would
not hold up his hand in favour of that motion. At the
same time he had no objection to his remaining. He
merely intended to put g.' .drown on their guard, lest
they should, in the heat of the moment, allow incau-
tious • xprrssions to fall from them, which might
hereafter be made a handle of to their disadvantage.
Mr. Footrest said that those who opposed the remain-
ing of the reporter nue, ht to state some law, or to wi-
dow some precedents, to show that his continuing there
was He would not consent to dismiss a re-
porter unless some specific law was poiuted out ; then,
and then only, would he acquiesce.
Mr. Frans hum' said he had frequently attended
public meetings, and he always ou those occasions oh-
served reporters present, who were to detail faitliftilly
and fairly the proceedings : he never heard that a re-
porter was to be sent away on account of the charac-
ter of an assembly.
Mr. Peantes would not hive said a word on the oe•
easion, had not an lion. Gentleman called for some
proof of illegality of a certain proceeding. Now
this being a meeting ail.. inhabitants of the town,
he must contend that none but the inhabitants had a
right to be present. At the same time lie did not
mean to object to the individual's being pres.-nt to
report the occurrences of the day, provided he would
give them fairly. No individual could be displeased
at a fair and proper report.
Mr. F. Patatea said that when the question of pa-
rish meetings was brought under discussion iti the
House of Commons, Ministers were asked whether re-
porters would be admitted to attend such meetings,
and no objection whatsoever was offered to their so at-
' tending.
Mr. POSITS* asked whether reporters were not
admitted even to the debates of the House of
ICommons.
Mr. PZARSII answered that they were admitted by,
courtesy ; and if the meeting would permit the
indi-
vida.i,ln the present instance, to remain by courtesy,
and courtesy oily, he would not say a wool agaiost
I it.
'I he MAron slid that the tweeting was for house-
holders and inhabitants: it was su enormity stated in
a few words of the requisition. In consequence of
that requi.ition, be• had tailed the meeting, and it

• W. Need hardly eity. Moines Ott. Editor of 7`.42
Tiasee, Oat this imprtadoe is Niftily wilouaded.

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