The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-06-05
LosDor. April II.

I LoSDor. April II.
Il The WEsTMiHsrER MEETtNG-The
meeting of to-day has been looked to, from
the events that have previously occurred.
with more anxiety than any other that has,
perhaps, ever taken place in this city. The
troops that have been brought from distant
parts, have been kept in and about the mo-
/ tropolis, under the idea that the meeting may
be followed by a tumult The precaution
IS proper. though we are pursuaded there
will be no tumult.
Early this morning, large posting bills, to
the following effect, were placarded about
the metropolis -
WESTMINSTER MEErING-" The e.
| lectors of Westminster are requested TO
guard against any attempts that NAV be made
toproduce, tumuit or disorder Of any kiad,
and to be particularly ca,eful to promote a
peaceabse and quiet disposition"
IL was intended to hold the meeting in
Westminster hall but as the concuurse
would be So great, it was deemed more ad
vlsabie to have 1t in the open air, opposite
Westminster ball gate. Preparations we're
accordingly made, and hastings raise for the
speaker.
The meeting was fixed for ore o'cloce-
AT IL O'Clock the concourse of people began
to be very great-Before and all palace ward
was choaked full-Droves of persons were
still crouding down Parliament street. IL
IS SAID Mr.. WHITBREAD and Lord FOLK.
sToNE are at a house near the place of meet
ing.
About one o'clock the High Bsiliff opened
the meeting, in the usual form.
Mr.. STURcH commenced the business b.
long speech. in the course of which he re
minded the electors of Westminster that
they had been deprived of their representa-
r risI t,xra
prisonS that that representative was one of
the most able and constitutional they could
possess lie had been thus treated without
having Committed any crime, and even with
out having been brought to trial. All that
ne mad done was, to endcavor to defend the
rights OF the people against the exercise of
an assumed power. For this he had been
imprisoned, and the means taken to accom-
piish that purpose were equally unconstitu
tional and illegal /; but he could assure them
that such was the irmness of mind which
their representative possessed. that he was
aoie 70 bear up against every persecution
when, however, he was assaulted, it was their
oaty TO express their gratitude, affection, and
attachment to him. In the mean time, while
the arm OF power was thus raised, he re-
quested the citizens of Westminster to pre-
serve their temper, to act with that modera-
ton and propriety which became them as
o
what was legal and constitutional, and should
endeavor to procure it by such means.
Mr.. STuRcH concluded by reading the reso-
luton.
The petition and remonstrance of the
Westminster meeting, to the House of Com
mons, having been read and passed, it was
moved,
THAT letter be addressed to Sir Fran
Rnr Hoff
appreciation OF the meeting of the whole
and every part of his conduct as a member
of Parliament"
Which was read, as follows, with general
acclamations 20
"SiR--We nominated you to be our re-
preventative without your knowledge, and
we elected yoa without your interference.
we were confident, that you would perform
the duties of representative with ability
and fidelity. In every respect, you have not
only tulhlled, but, exceeded our expectations.
we derive the utmost satisfaction from hav-
ing pointed out to the nation, the way TO be
fairly represented ; had it been possible that
our example would have been followed. and
proper representation of the people there
oy produced, the scenes that we have lately
witnessed, would not have disgraced our
country. We understood the nobeness of
your mind, and were confident that You
would not descend to barter your trust for
place under government, nor be the partisan
or leader of those who support or reject mea
sures just as they happen to be proposed on
this or on TN at side Of the House We feel
the indignity that has been offered to you
but we are not surprised to find, that when
every excuse is made for public delinquents,
that the utmost rigor is exercised against
him who pleads for the ancient and constitu-
tional rights of the people. You nobly slept
forward i'll defence of fellow subject, un-
justly impr lsoned, and you questioned, with
great ability and knowledge of the laws, the
warrant issued upon that occasion the II.
OF Commons have answered your argument
oy breaking into your house with military
force, seIzing your person and conveying
you. by large body of troops, to the Tower.
Your distinction between privilege and pow
err, remains unaltered the privileges of the
House OF Commons are for the protection.
not for the destruction, of the people We
nave resolved to demonstrate with the House
OF Commons on the outrages committed un-
der their order, and to call upon them to
restore you to your seat in Parliament, which
the present state of the country renders
more than ever necessary for the furtherance
OF your and our object, reform in the re-.
presentation in that House. While so many
members are collected together by means,
(which 1t is not necessary for us to describe. %
we cannot but entertain the greatest appre..
bPpStnnG for he ;nIa -