The Statesman.
London, England, 1812-05-11 00:00:00

Stewards, and followed by the Mariiiis of Ti Visiock;
Mr, Whitbread, Lard Ossulstotit's Sir ,Francis Bur-
dett, Mr. Byng, .Mreßretirk M. INtchlinion; Mr.
Brougham, Mr. H. Combe, and seieral. other Gen-
tlemen, entered the room,. and the Chair ryas tonne-
diately taken by Mr. Wallivan, who was supported
on his right by the Marquis of Tavistock and Mr;
Whitbread, and on his left by Lord thisJitOn and
Sir F. Burdett.
The cloth having been reuited, the hit toast
given was." The King," which was drunk with three
times three, and much applause. The Chairma:i af-
terwards rose, and observed, that whatever ,seiiii-
ments the company might entertain on
.parcreula
transactions of recent occurrence; ib'eyorouti, pot
,o,bject to receive the toast he was about to,stiggest—
The Prince Regent ;" because Whatever opinions
might be indulged as to the to,ithict of Ministers;
nothing could
year,
Rare,ghe en
Regent,
ui m r
Waithman) imputed to his
had R Royal
pyreol
;He e
fig Highness.--
"The
and may he never forget. the decla-
ration he made, that the powers and prerogatives
of the Crown are vested in him for the benefit of the
people."—lle would now offer es a toasts.," The
Prince Regent, and may he recollect the declaration
he made, that the powers and prerogatives of the
Crown are vested in him for the benefit of the Iwo-
, ple."—[ Loud igplausc.]—lt was received with three
!times three. . .
I Mr. Wallin:am then said; that in the situation
he was proud to hold, surrounded by some of the
most able and eminent men the country could boast,
as well as by the warmest Mends to public liberty,
he felt it necessary shortly to explain the object of
the present Meeting. About four years ago, it was
deemed tight that the supporters of Parliamentary
keforni in the Livery of London should occasionally
assemble, that they might be more intimately ac-
quainted with each other, and be better able to re-
-1 salt those measures, which either infringed upon the
rights, or wasted the blood and treasures of the
subjects of Great Britain. An annual meeting had
been agreed upon, not to celebrate any particular
event or triumph, but to collect the enemies of
abuses in general : and as all our national grievances
flow from the same fruitfut source, a defective Re-
presentation, to check mid controul the measures of
the Servants of the Crown [Hear, hear the Meet-
iug had denominated itself the Friends and Sup-
, porters of Parliamentary Reform. It would be:tire-
sumptuous in him, in the presence of those illus-
trious characters, who had proved themselves, even
as lately as Friday night, so, much more competent
to the task, to offer a single remark upon the gene-
ral subject. He should, therefore, merely propose
1 a sentiment, which he knew would be well received,
but he wished previously to read a slicirf•declata-
tiou which had been drawn up, in order tolaittee the
design and object of the present anniversary* beyond
all cavil and dispute, for experience had shown that
even wilful misrepreseatatio.o would be resorted to.
Mr. Waithman then read the declaration he had al-
luded to, which was adopted unanimously ; after
which the toast, " A full, fair, and free Represente-
' lion of the People in Parliament," was &milt amidst
reiterated bursts of applause. He then, with a hand-
some address, proposed a toast, " To the health of
I.the Marquia of ?mistook, and may the dhcentlants
of the House of Hassell imitate the virtuous example
of their ancestors."—This toast was received with
i long continued epplauses, and was drunk, with three
times three,
When the tumult had subsided, the Marquis of
TAVISTOCK rose upon his seat, and bespoke'the can-
dour and approbation of the,Company, , by the tmal-
, fected modesty of his demeanour. After a paieful
struggle with his feelings, his Lordship addressee the
Meeting as follows am unable to express tile
gratitude I feel. For myself, I have deserved no-
thing ; the applause you have bestowed is a tribute to
the deeds of those who have gone before me. [ll.'ur,
hear!]—As a public man, I have ever endeavoured to
follow the example of those who., I trust, maintained
their principles for the safety, honour, and glory of
the Empire. On the subject of Parliaariereary Re-
, form, I have *Ways thought, indeed I hart. been
taught to think, that a complete reform in the abuses
of. the Representation of the People is essential to
the freedom and happiness of the country. [11:-/rrt.]
I am happy that I find my opinions confirmed I.:y.
1 those I slow address. To you, Air. Waithman, tvho
I have so many years boldly stood forward the zealutis
advocate of tl.e rights and privileges of your fellow-
'
citizens, and to you,,Gentlemen, oho have done me
the honour to invite me here, I return my must
hearty thanks. Wishing you the greatest success ie
the cause in which we are all united, I beg leave to
drink your healths." [Applautes.l—The flattering
tone with which his Lordship's modest address was
delivered, made a deep impression upon his auditory.
Mr. WAITIIIIIAN remarked, that he was 111/01/I to
suggest a toast which -would be received with equal
enthusiasm, and upon which he shod(' not venture to
offer a word. He gave—" Mr. Whitbread, and may
the people never want an advocate as undaunted and
eloquent."—When it was drunk,
Mr. WHITBREAD rose, but for some lime Was pre.
vented from being heard, by the vociferous e‘clania-
*ions of delight with 'which his name was rrceised.
At length he said, in a voice that betrayed the st rang
emotions by which he was agitated—" I assure you
that I feel most severely the misapplication of the
epithets applied to me by your worthy Chairman—
for indeed I am daunted is addressing you, and if at
any time I possess the power of expressing my s
timents, the manner in which you hate received my
name, has almost bereft me of that power." Mr.
Whitbread was unable to proceed', and the, vaeueas
was filled by the unbounded shouts of the company.
" I will, however, attempt to state to you, that Irtv -
log commenced my public career by an arduous con.
testfor an independent place,where theeightofe'ec iota
is what it ought every where to be ; I uve app. Bred
since that time a publicman for many years hi fare
at

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