The Statesman.
London, England, 1823-05-28 00:00:00

IRISH ELECTIONS.

Mr. Dalv's Bill for the regulation of the voting of
joint-tenants at elections, was last night recommitted.
Joint-tenantry, it appears, is very frequent in Ireland.
and the effect of it is to enable sixteen persons, each
and singular, more or less, to vote at elections, its virtue
of one freehold above forty shillings value, held amongst
them all. As ibis system connected with the existing
laws of distress and exerttion, gives the landlord porter
of persecuting one of the sixteen joint-tenants for the
debt of any other, it is obvious that a great inlet is
afforded to corrupt influence, and it is to remedy this
Maude Bill in question is professed to be introduced.—
home opposition to it was offered on the fertile ground of
the Assam of Irish Members. Why then are they absent?
if a Member is absent from a Committee, he is fined so much
per minute beyond the proper hour of his attendance; but if
he dmerts.his duty to the House and the country, the great
interests of the nation are to be neglected, because of his de-
hstitieney We wish success to the Bill.

THE STA'

In the early part of the evening Mt. Brougham catechised
Mr. Canning, about the Courier statement of the negotiations
between the Spanish Government and the Dike D'Angon-
Isms, the truth of which, Mr. Canning negatived.
The Catholic question is to be renewed this night by no
less a personage than Lord Nugent, brother to the p;esent
Duke of Buckingham I! I It will be a carious matter.

The grounds of the reports we yesterday communicated
respecting the defection of Abisbal, have been rendered
manifest by the arrival of two important documents, in-
serted in another part dour paper ; the one a letter from
Count Montigo to the Spanish Commander, and the
other Abisbal's answer to that communication. Count
Montigo, who, it is understood formed part of one of the
numerous administrations that have lately taken place,
declares himself decidedly hostile to the Constitution of
1812, and calls upon Abisbal to proclaim its abolition—%
to declare himself independent until the King shall be
released, and to collect his army and deprive the Factious,
the Royalists and the Foreigner. of every pretext for their
interference, by by doing that which they attempt—ef-
fecting what they call the deliverance of the King. The
answer of Abisbal is completely jesuitical. As Com-
mander of the army, he professes that he will obey the
Government, but as a citizen he condemns the Ministers,
and declares that the majority of the nation are not in
favour of the Constitution. tie therefore proposes Ist.
to declare to the invading army that the nation, is con•
currence with the King, proposed to make the necessary
modifications in the Constitution, and that the invaders
should retire, and confine themselves to intervention, by
an Embassay ; 2d, that the King must return to Ma-
drid; 3d, that a new Cortes be assembled; 4th, that it be
proposed to the King to nominate a ministry which is a
stranger to all parties, and acceptable to the other
Powers; and sth, that there be a general amnesty. Any
representation of this sort made to his Majesty, he finally
declares he is ready to sign.
This letter, the Paris papers of Sunday, which have
come to band, consider as an apology and intimation of
Abisbal's junction with the invaders. They add, that
after causing tire substance of his letter to be placarded
through Madrid, he had published a proclamation, ex-
horting the inhabitants to receive the French army as
friends. The Quotidienne subjoins that Abisbal is be-
lieved to have acted in concert with the Generals Morillo
and Ballasteros ; that the Southern pro►ince of La
Mancha is in full insurrection against the Con-
stitution, and that Ferdinand is expected short-
ly at Madrid. Private accounts from Madrid,
however, are reported so state that these publications of
Abisbal created an Immediate ferment among the staff and
principal inhabitants, and a meeting took place in which it
was determined to appeal to the army. It was then agreed
that it would be proper to depose and arrest Abisbal ; but
when the officers commissioned for this purpose reached his
house, they found he had Bed, accompanied by a single Aid-
de-Camp. GeneralfEspinosa was called to the command, and
It was decided by the army to withdraw towards Estre-
madura and be ready, if the French advanced, to act
upon their flank, and thus keep the road open, if neces-
sary, to Andalusia. The defection of Abisbal, is ascrib-
ed more to French gold, than to the army or politics of
France. In the mean time a new Administration is
formed at Seville, and Mina is doing wonders. In a
bulletin, of which the substance only is given, from
Moncey's head quarters, Romagosa is said to have fol-
lowed Rotten in his retreat, to have attacked him again
on the 18th, and to have driven him back with consider-
able loss. Mina was at Salient the same day, and
marched on Barcelona through Mataro, so that all the
efforts of the enemy to intercept bins bad failed, though
it is now said that he had never more than 3000 men
with him.

FRENCH FUNDS ON SATURDAY.—Fire per cents. open-
ed at 89. 25. ; closed at 89. 70. Spanish renter, 451

STOCK EICKANGE, TWELVZ o'CLocn.—At the opening
of the market this morning a great bustle took place, in
consequence of the two Spanish documents and the prevail-
ing opinion that the affairs of Spain were drawing to a
critic Consols opened at S 2 for the Account, but soon after
fell to 811 for the Account, and for Money Sit, with a brisk
market, and a good deal of business doing.
FOREIGN FUNDS.—There was a brisk market thismoraing
in Spanish Bonds, owing to the information from Spain,
and most persons buyers of the above stock.

Chill, nothing done—New Spanish opened N}-38111—
New Prussia, Me—Russia, We—Danish, 9D—Colombian,
Ole to 82.

CITY, Ora O'CLOCC—In the earlier part of the morn-
ing there was a great bustle on 'Change,owing to various
intelligence, both from France and Spain. The Ex-
presses from Paris have brought the French Rents at 89,
30 cents ; and Spanish 441, which is lower than the for-
mer prices. This is owing to a report at Paris,
that the French Minister intimated that be would require
a loan of 23 millions of Reales (about 16 millions ster-
ling).
A Telegraph despatch has been received of the entrance
of the Duke d'Angouleme at Madrid on the 23d, bnt we
do not hear of the confirmation received at Paris of (kee-
n! Abishal's precipitous conduct. A report prevails
that the intelligence respecting this affair has occasioned,
a great division in our Cabinet.

Yesterday morning Mr. Lack, the King's Messenger
arrived in Downing-street, with despatches from Spain,
which journey he accomplished with great speed on ac-
count of favourable winds. We understand he was nine
days less on Isis journey than the messenger who arrived
on Monday, is attached to the Embassy of Sir William
A'Court. . . .

Mr. O'Gorman, who arrived on Monday, is attached to
the embassy of Sir Wm. A`Court.
It gives us great pleasure to state, that his Majesty's
health is improving daily. He yesterday entertained a
small party at dinner, among whom were the Marquess
and Marchioness and Lady Elisabeth Conynghatn.—
(Morning Herald.)
Accounts from Vcanna of the 18th (received via Viago)
state, that the 9th regiment, which was on its way to tbat
town, received orders to return immediately to Tras' os
Monte.; similar orders were given to the 21st and 22d
regiments, and to a battalion of the 6th, on account of
Amirante being on his way to Portugal. Gen. Rego
who was at Viaona, set off immediately for Tras os
Montes. It was added that Amarante was shortly sa-
pected at Oporto, joined by Gen. Quesada, and a large
force of factious. These accounts, however, are quite at
variance with the sentiments which we find the President
expressed at the opening of the Extraordinary Cortes.—
He lamented the traces which the civil war had left in
the country, but appeared to feel no apprehension of its
renewal.
There was a great fire at Gottenbarg, on the 22d nit.
which destroyed 17 houses.

SIR ROBERT WILSON.

The following letter from our gallant countryman, Sir
Robert Wilson, has been received by Mr. Weidman**,
one of his constituents. it describes is glowing terms the
devotion of the inhabitants of the Peninsula to the win
of freedom and national independence, and we are sure that
it must excite a sympathy with thee: in the bosom of every
Briton not unworthy the name. It is hardly necessary to
add, that the letter has evidently been written in great hate
and without any view to publicationt—
" I have been received here with an affectionate expres-
sion of feeling, which surp all my powers of descrip-
tion. I could give an account of the tumours that have
been paid me, which were all, indeed, of royal mounting—
but who can impart the look—the tone—the heart-linking
grasp of welcoming friends ? My arrival was a dRy ad
pride to me, as an Englishman, and the more so, because I
was conscious that I really and truly did represent my brave
and generous countrymen in the motives which determined
my proffer of all I could devote to the glorious and sacred
cause in defence of which Spain forms the van-guard—
namely, zealous and faithful service to the hour of death or
victory. To-morrow, I eater the ranks as a private grena-
dier of the Vigo Battalion of disposable Militia. It will be
for the Government of Spain afterwards to determine my
service. I and my companions insist, in the first matinee,
on conforming to the laws in existence. Those compa-
nions are, Lieutenant Colonel Light, late of the British
staff in the Peninsula. a most distinguished officer. and ex-
cellent gentleman ; and a grandson of Lord Erskine's, who
came out es a volunte*, to share my fortunes, and who, I
am certain, will do honour to his name.
" I have told you of the enthusiasm of this noble
people—l must, in instice to them, add that their exer-
10ris and sacrificetare correspondent with their language
mid. exaltation of sentiment: a more honest love of
country, and resolution to defend it, never existed. All
property, useful to the public service, is given up with
cheerfulness ; and there is not a man who is not enrolled
in same corps. One thousand recruits are already gone
into the arms from this little town alone, and those now
training are of the best description for military service.
Every one seems not only resigned, but animated with
desire to serve. I never saw any recruits, even volun-
teers, with such smiling countenances, when the Visas
are giving. There is, however, a great want of arms
and armament here, and in the whole province. Will
England permit this event to paralyse such good dispo-
sition, and compromise the safety of provinces, the de.
fence of which assures victory ? I will not believe it.
What Englishman will not give one day's labour of the
year, gratis to their brother freemen of Spain, to fight
•
Caseload's as well as her own battles? The sum so
raised would be most valuable—not only on account of
the magnitude of the sum, but the proof of national
sympathy. With such aid, Spain will defy and mock
to scorn, not only the Bourbon, but the whole confede-
rate band of despots. Let Englishmen think of the
glory—thejoy—the inexpressible benefits of snch a day
of triumph. Happy those, who may say, I was one
who contributed to the holy consummation of an impious
lager's shame and overthrow.
" Happen what may, be assured I shall never forget what
I owe to the character of those I was representing more im-
mediately when I disembarked on the Spanish soil ; and
that nothing can occur, of a public nature, to give me plea-
sire, which pleasure will not be augmented by the thought
of the satisfaction It will diffuse through that country whose
interests and honour I shall feel it to be my duty to maintain,
in unison with the new duties I am contracting, for the de-
fence of a common inseparable cause.
" Remember me to all our kind friends, and with best re-
gards to Mrs. W., believe me always yours, •
•'Vigo, May 3, MS. " R. WILSON.
" Letters must be sent through the Spanish Minister. I
shall leave Vigo before you receive this, for G I Mo-
rillo's head-qaarters, at Valladolid; but probably may have
to return for a time Into Oalliela, under any and every dr-
instance, before I take my definitive station.

" Rely on it, our triumph is certain ; but it is an object
to preserve the country, and repulse the invader as quickly
as possible."

SPANISH INDEPENDENCE.

Yesterday a very. numerous meeting of the Committee
for aiding and assisting in the cause of Spanish lode-
pendence, took place at the Crown .nd Anchor Tavern.
Aoroopt those present we observed Lord Erskine, Ge-
neral Fergusson' Mr. Hume, Mr. Hohbouse, Sir James
Macintosh, Mr. Grant, Colonel Davies, &c.

Mr. LA3II3TON was unanimously called to the chair.
The object of the meeting was to take into consideraf
tion the appointment of a day for calling a meeting o_
the public, with the view of subscribing for the assist
ance of the Spaniards in their struggles for liberty.
The necessity I,' proceeding at once to Tut into effect
this object was agreed to by every one of the Committee,
malty of whom spoke with conlideoce of the success of
the persecuted, provided Great Britain made, in this
instance, nee accustomed exertion in favour of those
whose liberties were attacked. It was also suggested,
that the sooner the assistance was given the better,
and that eery member of the Committee should use
his utmost influence with his friends in behalf of the
Spanish people..
The CHAI imam Laid, he conceived that the meeting should
be immediate, in order that the emergencies of the Spaniards
might be met in such time as to render the subscriptions,
which he had no doubt would be abundant, available. The
present condition of Spain required that whatever advan-
tages she was to receive from the sympathies of the people
of England should be presented to her without delay. lie
then alluded to a recent communication from Sir Robert Wil-
son, to prove the existence of the necessity.
It was then unanissoasly agreed to, that a public meeting
should be called for on Monday next, at the Loudon Tavern,
for the purpose of considering the propriety of entering Into
a subscription for the Spanish people, in their effort for in-
dependence.
In the course of the discussion on the question of ap-
pointing time and place, it was suggested that subscrip-
tions in materiel, as well as in money, should be taken,
upon the ground that many individuals would find it
much more convenient to supply the Spanish military
with linen, woollen, &c. than with money, in such times
as these. It was known, for instance, that at Birming-
ham it would be less difficult to procure a subscription
from a manufacturer of 2,000 stand of arms, than 2001.
in cash. Such an arrangement would, it was not doubt-
ed, produce a very substantial subscription at all the
manufacturing towns, and the Committee had already re-
ceived a communication that the Manchester Union sub-
scribed to the cause to the amount of 1001.

A committee was appointed to make all the necessary
arrangements for the meeting, and a very large subscrip-
tion was made in the room ; after which they adjourned.

By the Lisbon Mail we learn that the Session of the
Extraordinary Cortes was opened on the 15th of May.
The last President of the Ordinary Cortes, the Bishop of
Corde, took the chair, and congratula•ed the assembly
on their country being liberated from the immediate ra-
vages of civil war. M. Pento de Magalhaes was elected
President. On the 16th the order of the day wasthe pro-
ject for the division of the territory ; the brat article of
which was read; it is, " the kingdom of Portugal and
Algarve, with the island of Madeira and the Azores,
shall he divided into twelve provinces, each of which
shall have an Administrator-General, and other provin-
cial authorities, to be bereaft er designated." After some
discussion the article was approved of, only the number
of thirteen provinces was substituted for twelve. Some
others of the articles being discussed, a new Deputy, M.
A. U. de Merman made some observations in the way of
objection, which were considered rather se a new project
than as an amendment, anti were laid on the table, for a
second reading.