The Statesman.
London, England, 1823-02-12 00:00:00

hatred of liberty, would not dare to laugh at oar Am-
bassadors and alight our mediation [applause). Louis
XVIII. who hail drank so deep of the cup of adversity,
Was matching his legions against Spain. and by doing
se was in effect, attacking the Government of England ;.
Sof on what foundation did that Government rest, but on
a legal and successful resistance to oppression. All the
acts of those despots had been till lately sanctioned
itsy the Ministers of England ?—the invasion of Naples,
the subjugation of Piedmont, the hostile neutrality
against the Greeks. But fortunately the acts of these
despots became at length so glaring as to excite the in-
dignation of the world ; and the public opinion of the
country declared itself in a manner not to be resisted or
nsicnnderstood. The :Minister of the country now stood
in the attitude that he ought to occupy. He alight
nom well say that the wish of this country was to It•-ep
. pease in all its relations, but that peace was only consis-
tent with the respect that might be abewn to other States.
lie (Sir Robert) was convinced that it was not the French
nation, but the wretched faction by which it was con-
trooled, that wished to interfere with Spain ; the people
of France would rather rally tinder the banners of
Europe's liberty (applause). He (Sir R.) indignant as
be felt at the unprincipled conduct of the Allies, has no
nigh to involve this country in a war, that might lead to
great sarrifit es, and increase the burthens of the people.l
Thirty sail of British ships, sent oat under our able
rounnanders and brave seamen, t or 3110,000 stand of
arms transported to the Continent, would affect not
merely the se; unity and freedom of Spain, bat would give
liheriy, founded on a representative system. to the natiuns
of the Continent. As to any specific measure or Reform,
he thought it world entangle the question to ask for it—
it could give room for ohjections, that wonid be cap-
tiously urged by the determined enemies sad the luke-
warm friends of the measure. The honourable Gentle-
man concluded, by assuring the Meeting, that he should
ever stand up to ad torate their particular rights, and
to support the general liberties of mankind (applative).
It was then moved that the High Bailiff shosid sign
the petition on behalf of thelleeting.
The question was about to be put, when Mr. Butler
rose to move as an Amendment, " And that our Itepre-
tentative, he instructed to take the earliest opportunity
to move for a Committee of the whole House, to take its
prayer into consideration."
Mr. Eu.ts proposed that the Members for the Bo-
rough should be directed to originate in the Hops* of
Commons a motion or motions for increasing the num-
ber of voters in the linrnughs of Garton, Haslenigre; Rye-
gate, Blecbiogly, and Guilford.
Mr. C. CALVERT said, that if the Hon. Gentleman
would ioclude 95 other Boroughs, he would have some-
thing to grapple with ; but lie could not think of inter-
fering with those Boroughs, without any proof of cor-
ruption being established against them.
Mr. BuTLER observed, that Grampound bad toren dis-
franchised hecanse it had no powerful protection to
screen it from the effarts of Pediment. The Elect, r
werzt..ealled corrupt, but were not the Borough Proprie•
tors, who bargained with the Treasury for seats, still
more corrupt?
After a few words from Mr. Ellis and Sir It. Wilson
the Resolution was put and negatived.
•
The thanks of the Meeting baying been voted to the
too members for their attendance that day,
Mr. CALI-sax returned thanks. and pledged him-
self to support the interests of the Electors upon all
occasions.
Sir R. WlLens amid he felt snore than ordinary grati-
tude the kindness which the Meeting had done him; as
he knew the !(}lectors of Southwark never voted-lbeir
thanks unless when perfectly satisfied with the conduct
of •their Representatives. Circumstances might arise
that would certainly impose upon him a duty 11
which would he attended with a most painful sacrifice ;1
but be trusted they would confide in his discretion in
whatever step he might deem it necessary to take, Mid
they might rest assured that whatever course be pazinted,
their interests and their esteem should be alwayi dear
to him. .
Thanks basing been voted to the Chairman the Meet-
ing was dissolved.
After the Chairman left the Chair,
Mr. BUTLER moved three cheers for Spain, which
were loudly re-echoed. lie then read a Reqnisition in-
tended to he presented to the High Bailiff, requesting
him to call a meeting for the purpose of petitioning the
'Nese of Commons for a repeal of the Foreign *dist-
meta Bill, and all other Bills u hich prevented individual
ttertion in favour of injured Constitutional Spain (aP-
plause.)

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS-2'ft:Earmy, FEB. ll.'

P Lord CHANC&LLOR entered the Hoase a little be-
fine five o'cl'ck.
Lord GRRNVILLE presented a petition from the
[tinker., Moreliantr, Traders, and other Inhabitante of
Wolverhampton, praying for a repeal of the Insolvent
Drbtors Art.—Ordered do lie on the table.

MAIAIAGIII ACT.
• Lord ELLENBOROUGH said, that, in pnesuauce of
the notice he had wives on Friday last, the Bill for
am ending the tate Idarriage Act had been presented
yesterd.sy. and was now printed and lying on their
Lordships' table. He now gave notice that he should
wove the second reading of the Bill on Monday next
and he thought that hifore that day their Lordships
would have fall and sufficient tinge to take the provisions
of the Bill into consideration.
On the motion of the Earl of SHAFTESBURY, the
Hew adjourned to Thursday next.

HOUSE OF COMMON'S.

TUCSDAT.

'Me SPEAKER took-the Ct:dir at four o'clock.
A new writ wes ordered foe the Boroogh of Arundel,
ii ' for" 'member in the place of John Blake, Eaq, de-

ceased.
Mr. LITTLETON presented a petition from Wolvet-
tampion against the Insolvent Debtors' Act; which,
atter a few words from Lord Ahrataarx, was ordered to
be laid on the tahle.
Lord HOBART, in pursnance of his notice yesterday.
snared for a rail of the House for Thursday, the 20tb
instant, the day of discussion on the Catholic Question.
He considered it needless to-waste the time of the House
by any farther obser►ations, as every Hon. Member
would admit the necessity of the fullest attendance on
sa important a sohject.—Ordered.
Lord ALTHORPE gave notice That, on that day
week. he would call the attention of the House to the
present mode of collecting small debts.
Dr. LUSIIINGTON presented a petition from certain
Electors of the county of Sligo, complaining of inter-
- ference in the election of Members far that place, ou the
part of Lord Kingston.—Ordered to be taken into con-
sideration on the 13th of March.
HMSO YEOMANRY RILL.

Mr. GOVIABUILN, pursuant to notice, rose to move
for leave to bring in a Bill to amend and continue the
Irish Yeomanry Act, which would expire in the course
of a few »trim
Mr. HUME said, that he would put it to the lion.
Gentleman whether he seriously meant to continue the
Yeomanry Act of Ireland at an expence of 66,0001. a
year, after the Police Bill which was passed last year.
and which should certainly render the present Act unne-
cessary? It was really too hard that the conntty should
sidd!ad with so heavy as tucastbrance to support an
.