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trust, that we shall not fail to remind one! these facts before us; with these facts as

another of them: I trust, that every man, who has it in his power to communicate these valuable facts to those, who are not

well known as that the sun shines and that night brings darkness, I can never agree to apply the epithet " unparalleled" to Nasides, in all these philippics against Napoleon, with regard to Spain, those of the Spanish Nobles, who have joined, and sworn allegiance to, his brother, seem to be left out of sight. There is treachery indeed! Napoleon has the plea of a conqueror; but, these nobles have no plea at all, unless it be their conviction, that it will be for the good of their country to place Joseph Buonaparté upon the throne, and that is a plea of which we will not admit. We seem always to forget, that Joseph Napoleon is at Madrid, surrounded by Spanish Grandees, who have sworn allegi

partés is so great, that we seem to forget the misconduct of every body else. All the mischiefs are ascribed to them. All the kings and princes, who fight on their side, are perfectly innocent; they are objects of our compassion; it is Buonaparté who seduces them; they being of the Lord's anointed cannot commit sin, and all the sins, which, to the carnal eye, they appear to commit, are to be laid upon him, and to be answered for by him.-As to all that the Speech says about the de

acquainted with them, will not think it la-poleon's conduct towards Spain.—--Bebour lost to make such communication; but bear in mind constantly, that every man informed as to these matters is a man enrolled in the war against Corruption and its accompanying Oppression. Having expressed great satisfaction at the small addition which has this year been made to the burthens of the people, the Speech next looks abroad, and ta ks of the atrocious and unparalleled act of violence and treat hery by which the ruler of France attempted to surprize and enslave the Spanish nation. As to the atrociousness of the act I heartily agree; but, I never can allow it to be unparalleld; forance to him. Our spite against the Buonawithout going very far back into history, I could cite much stronger instances of both violence and treachery; but, especially of the latter; of the basest treachery; the blackest perfidy; the most cruel and sanguinary deeds; and all with a view of finly committing robbery; I mean robbery of the lowest stamp, such as the stealing of precious metals and stones Why, neither of the kings of Spain has been thrown into a dungeon, kept awake 'till he has gone mad, or been smothered, or poisoned, or stabbed, and that, too, underliverance of Europe, as it has been said in the base and perfidious pretence of taking about fifteen king's speeches before this, care of his person. No: the kings of Spain it will not be expected, that I should offer are both alive and well, though Napoleon any remark upon it. The "splendid and has them as much in his power as I have "important success, which has recently the pigs in my stye. There has not been," crowned the arms of the Emperor of that we have heard of, any miscreant (the other day a commis in some bureau, perhaps) to teaze the kings of Spain with sham negociations, and to offer them his insolent advice. Buonaparté, supposing both the kings of Spain to have been betrayed into his clutches, and to have been compelled to sign their respective acts of abdication, did, at any rate, take their kingdom from them at once, and openly; whereas the base wretches, to whose conduct I allude, proceeded in the most cowardly and underhand manner; and, after having committed robbery and murder upon the property and persons of sovereigns full as lawful as those of Spain, not only set up for persons of singular humanity, but made the nation, who were base enough to submit to their command, pay for the promulgation of an endless series of falsehoods, intended to stifle the cries of the oppressed, and to humbug and defraud the world.

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"Austria," cannot, however, pass without some little notice, but, why need we be surprized at this description, when we recollect the recent rejoicings for successes in Portugal? Those, who could fire the Park and Tower Guns and make illuminations upon hearing, that an English army had defeated a French rear-guard, would naturally advise the king to talk of the splendid and important success of Austria, which still leaves Buonaparté in possession of the Austrian Capital.This is certainly a time, and things are now in a posture, for producing great events; but, the worst of it is, there is only one great actor. There may be some truth in the accounts of insurrections in Germany and in the Tyrol; but, it is by no means as certained, that they are in favour of Austria. Between the two; between France and those whom France aims at supplanting, the people appear to have got loose. The

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from the continent. They have got formidable insurrections against Napoleon, in every quarter and corner of Europe; where he has troops too numerous to leave room for insurrections, they have got mutinis amongst those troops; they have brought out a fresh Duke of Brunswick; they have pushed forward the king of Prussia; and, though they have not, as yet, absolutely got over the Emperor of Russia, the Morning Chronicle is very sanguine in the hope, "that the amiable queen has not wholly "lost her influence over his heart, and that she may succeed in recalling him "to the paths of virtue and honour." That is to say, to induce him to employ his soap-eaters to cut the throats of our enemies. That is the plain English of the "paths of "virtue and honour." What abominable. hypocrisy men fall into, even without thinking of it, in this age of cant and affectation! How the Queen herself would laugh at this, if it were translated to her! « Vir"tue and honour," indeed! She would laugh to the splitting of her sides-Lest, however, the virtue-and-honour expedition should fail, the Courier, by way of last resort, has an insurrection for the Emperor Alexander, our late "magnanimous ally." This extends even to a threat of deposition, unless he immediately recall his soapeaters from their march against our friends. All these insurrections are for us and our

kings and emperors have been fighting for the mastership over them, and the people scem to have become, during the battle, their own masters. If this were to go on, it would be a most glorious thing: this would be the real "deliverance of Lurope;" but, this, I am afraid, is not what is meant in the Speech. I am afraid, that by "the "deliverance of Europe," and by the "re-establishment of the security and inde"pendence of other nations;" by these, I am afraid, is meant, the re-establishment of the old system all over Europe; and, if that be the meaning, the object will assuredly never be accomplished.-———-The Expedition, which we are now sending out, and which is said to amount to 40,000 men, ought to do something in the way of Europe's deliverance; but, if it go either to Germany or Spain, I do not see how it can do any thing at all in that way. Some say it is going to Hanover, and, if none but the German Legion were going, I should hail their departure; because I should like, of all things, to see those heroes engaged in the noble enterprize of rescuing their country from the hands of the French. Forty thousand men is no trifling army for England to send forth; and, really, if it come back, without having performed any service, and even without having performed an adequate service, it will be high time for us to inquire whether the expence of this army cannot be saved.If this Expedition should fail, and, if Napoleon should succeed in extinguishing Austria and in subduing Spain, it will then become us to consider, of what avail can be any further endeavours on our part, to stir up the continent against him. What good can we do ourselves; and what harın can we do him, by a perseverance in troops which were marching against Austria, this restless system of purchasing insurrec- " and alo immediately negociate a peace with tions; for,in truth, we excite nothing worthy "Great Britain. We know not whether of a much higher title? The philosophers," such intelligence was brought by a meswho are hired to write paragraphs, in the Courier and such prints, against Buonaparté, never appear to advert, even for a moment, to the circumstance, that, as far ed."Now, if the French government as the conquests of France have extended, were, in their half-official papers, to make there is a new set of proprietors, and that publications of this sort, how our hirelings these are the most clever and active peo- would abuse them! How base it is, too, to ple in each state respectively. It is not a express a hope of obtaining peace with little matter that will overset these men; a sovereign by the means of an insurrecit is not a war, carried on by little law- tion against him amongst his people! Here yers, that will do it, notwithstanding all is an explicit avowal, on the part of a the sanguine expectations of the hirelings news-paper, which is considered as speak in London, and even of the Morning Chro-ing the sentiments of the government; an nicle, which seems to be, all at once, quite explicit avowal of an anxious wish, that in overpowered with the tide of joyful news surrection may have taken place in Russia,

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interests. "A rumour," says the Courier of Wednesday last, was in circulation "last night, that a messenger had arrived "with intelligence of an insurrection in St. Petersburgh. A number of the no

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bility and men of influence were said to "have menaced the Emperor with deposition "unless he consented to order the return of the

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senger, but rumours to the above effect "have been received from various quarters. "We shall be happy to find them well found

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with threats to dethrone the Emperor, un- | by those, over whom they have tyranless he withdraws his armies and negociates nized; many a inob of vile wretches, who, an immediate peace with England. What instead of exercising the power of making would this hireling say, if a number of laws, ought to be working at the galleys or persons in England were found to engage in the mines; many a set of these most in a plan to excite an insurrection for a detestable of mankind, who inflict all similar purpose: to compel the king, for the pains and penalties of despotism, instance, to make peace with Buonaparté ? under the names and forms of liberty and What would the hireling say? Why, law. I am satisfied, that, if the people away with the traitors to the gallows and of this country enjoy their rights, France "the gibbet!" Those, who should be never can invade us with success, howguilty of such a crime in England, would ever powerful she may be. Being satisbe traitors." And, why are they not fied of this, I look upon Buonaparte's traitors in Russia? That is a " regular go- power with much less terror than most "vernment" as well as this. Where is people do; and I can truly say, that, for the difference, then? The fact is this; that some years past, his successes have given we appear to have laid it down as a maxim, ine no uneasiness. Knowing that he canthat nothing, in any creature, is criminal not beat us if we have our rights, I know, that tends to our advantage; or, rather, to of course, that there is no danger to be the advantage of those, who live upon the apprehended from him, which danger it taxes in England.I am, however, most is not in our power to remove. With surprized at the Morning Chronicle, which those, who think that the people ought seems to have enlisted under the banners not to have their rights, the case must of the most sanguine Deliverers, and which be very different; but, an excellent genereally seems to suppose, that to cut Buona- ral rule is, that, what is good for them parte's throat would produce a restoration is bad for us, and what is bad for them is of the golden age. The Morning Chro- good for us; and, I must confess, that, nicle is continually belabouring poor when I hear certain people express their Buonaparté; and without rhyme or rea- sorrow at events upon the continent, I deson. I should like to have an opportunity rive great consolation from reflecting, that of seriously asking the editor of that paper, what makes them sorry, must, somehow or whether he really believes; whether he other, contain that which ought to make can believe, that totally to destroy the me glad. I do not stop to ask how this power of Luonaparté would be an unequi- is. I draw the consolatory conclusion at vocal good. I should like to put this once, feeling it impossible that their inquestion to him, and to receive his answer, terests and mine should ever, in any case, in a frank manner. This editor must cer- be the same. Seeing things in this tainly see, that, if all the old governments way, I am not in such haste to wish for of Europe were, all at once, again restored, the total overthrow of the power of Buonathey would not only restore all their parté, which power, as I said before, is not abuses, but would create tens of thousands at all dangerous to us, if we have our of new ones, and would take care so to rights; for, in that case, it is quite imbind down their subjects, so to load them possible for him to set his foot in England. with chains, as to relieve themselves from We ought, therefore, to think well before all future danger of revolution. In short, we make any further effort to send troops a system of slavery, such as never Was upon the continent. At sea we ought to before heard of, would be established from be very careful to preserve a decided suone end to the other of the continent. I periority; but, I really cannot see what should suppose, that, without tracing the we have to do with any part of the conconsequences to England, here is quite tinent, the coasts of Spain and France exenough to make any reflecting man doubt cepted.On we shall go, however, in the wisdom of wishing for the total de- the old way; millions upon millions struction of the power of Buonaparté. more will be expended upon continentBesides, as he goes on, he does some good al projects; we shall be so much the as well as mischief. He must sweep away weaker, and he, whose power we are so many a gang of public-robbers; many a anxious to annihilate, will be so much the nest of harpies he tramples to death in stronger. This is my opinion as to what his progress; many knots of petty tyrants will take place; and I shall be very glad he disperses, stripped of their ill-gotten au- to find myself deceived. The war, with thority, and leaves them to be cuited about our government, has long been a war of

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passion. Reason and policy have no longer any thing to do with it. It is a war against Napoleon's person. So it really appears; for the moment there is a chance of getting at him, away we send men and money and ships and every thing that we can rake together.This is fine sport for the contractors and jobbers; but, what say those who have their incomès from the funds, and which incomes must go regularly on diminishing? No matter; for, it is to their credulity in the first place, and their baseness in the next place, that we owe all the complicated evils under which we now labour.

ESSEX MEETING .From the documents, relating to this Meeting, which will be found below, it will be seen, that the Sheriff took upon him to refuse to call a County-Meeting, because some persons sent him a requisition not to call one. The impudence of this surpasses every thing. It is very clear, that if this be permitted, there can be no County-Meeting, unless the minister of the day pleases, that there should be one; for, the minister has the chusing of the Sheriff, and the Sheriff can always get people to send him a paper, if he will ask for it, requesting him not to do what he wishes not to do. The " glorious Constitution" would come to be a fine thing at last. The people might have Meetings to petition the king; Oh, yes! certainly, meetings to petition the king, just as often as the king's servants please, but no oftener; and, of course, they would please only when the evident intention of the people was to praise them, or their conduct. What a despicable farce! Really one cannot talk of it with patience. To confine oneself within common bounds of expression, is to wrong one's indignant feelings. -I am told, that Essex is a famous county for Political Parsons, who are also Justices of the Peace. Some of these, at the Cintra-Meeting, acted a most indecent part. A gentleman, who was present, told me, that they split and tore up a large mahogany dining table, and flew at their opponents, brandishing the legs and other parts of it. And yet there are those who wonder why the Churches are empty! — There has been a good deal of talk about "popular encroachment;" but, I do not believe, that, at any period of the history of England, the people were ever treated with such contempt as they have now been treated with in Essex. A County Meeting is the usual mode of assembling for the purpose of addressing or petitioning or

doing any thing as to which the sense of the county is to be taken; and, if the Sheriff, an officer appointed by the king, is to be the judge whether, upon any occasion, a meeting is to be held, or not; why, then, of course, the people are never to meet in · County Meeting without the king's permission. And this is "the constitution," is it? This is that constitution, is it, for which we are to fight, and to spend our last shilling? — Upon this occasion, there is something peculiarly odious in the refusal of the Sheriff; because he makes use of the au thority of the king in opposition to Mr. Wardle. Well, let him do it: we shall see who will lose by it in the end.

N. B. Mr. WARDLE'S Speech in 'my next, at full length if possible; and, when we have that before us, we shall, with the greater advantage, proceed with our discussion of the subject of Parliamentary Reform.

Botley, Thursday, 29 June, 1809.

PROCEEDINGS

In COUNTIES, CITIES, BOROUGHS, &c. relative to the recent INQUIRY in the House of Commons, respecting the Conduct of the DUKE OF YORK. (Continued from p. 945.)

ESSEX MEETING.

To the Nobility, Clergy, Freeholders, and Inhabitants of the County of Essex : WE, the undersigned Freeholders and Inhabitants of the County of Essex, request you to assemble at the Shire-hall, at Chelmsford, on Tuesday next the 27th inst. at twelve o'clock, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of returning thanks to G. L. Wardle, esq. for bis spirited and upright conduct in the House of Commons, and the members who supported him during the late Inquiry; and also of expressing your sentiments on the corrupt Practices and gross Abuses which have been brought to light by evidence given in that house during the late session of parliament-We are compelled to make this direct application to you, in consequence of the refusal of the Sheriff, to whoin two Requisitions have been presented, desiring him to use that authority to convene the County, which, by late practice, has devolved officially upon him, and the ministerial exercise of which has been rarely, if ever, before refused. first Requisition he rejected on the ground of the subscribers not having designated themselves Freeholders, and on account of the Inhabitants being summoned as well

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as Freeholders. Whether, maintaining as we sull do the right of the Inhabitants, we can be justified or not in our concession to his opinion, we did concede those points, which his letter led us to imagine formed the only objections to our Requisition, and presented nother in the manner he prescribed. This second Requisition however was, to our surprize, likewise refused, upon a ground totally different from those alleged in the first instance; namely, on account of an application conveyed to him from a great number of persons in various parts of the Coun y, expressing an opinion that such Meenig was unnecessary and inexpedient. This application, it is to be observed, the Sheriff states to have received on or before the 31st ult., although in his answer, dated the 2d inst, he makes no mention of that circumstance as forming any ground for his refusal at that time. We shall abstain now from any comment upon these proceedings; but we most anxiously call upon you to maintain the Right of the People to meet and consider the conduct of their Representatives, to canvas public measures, and to prefer any petition, complaint, remonstrance, or other declaration or address to the King, or either House of Parliament. This is a fundamental right, which it is the duty of every man to assert and defend; and which would be practically destroyed if a judicial power founded on any authority or advice of individuals can be assumed by the Sheriff, and is allowed to prevent the assembling of the people for such purposes, and on such occasions. (Signed) Montagu Burgoyne, Mark Hall; S. Chamberlayne, Ryes; John Disney, The Hyde; J. B. Chamberlayne, Ryes; T. II. White, Sewells, Harlow; W. Lord, Gladwyns; Daniel W. Harvey, Feering House; W. Newman, Brentwood; W. Bliss, Brentwood; J. Barnard, Harlow; Ralph Polley, Bocking; J. Mumford, Harlow; G. W. Potter, Rochford; James Hobbs, Braintree; James Digby, Rochford; Robert King, Brentwood; Joseph Allridge, Baddow; Joseph Joyner, High House; W. B. Jarrold, Manningtree; T. Chaplin, Harlow; David Taylor, Harlow; Frederic John Nash, Bishop Stortford; John Cochran, Plaistow; W. Cordell, Loudon; Joseph Jackson, London; W. Hibbit, West Ham.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the County of Essex, held at the Crown and Anchor, in the Strand,

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the 8th of June, 1809, the following Resolution was adopted :-That, having learnt that a Requisition, signed by 100 respectable gentlemen and yeomen of the County, has been presented to the High-Sheriff, to convene a Meeting of the County for the purpose of returning Thanks to G. L. Wardle, esq. for his spirited and upright conduct in the House of Commons during the late Inquiry, and also to express their sentiments on the corrupt practices which have been brought to light by evidence given in that House; and having likewise heard that an application has been made to the Sheriff, with a view of preventing such Meeting from taking place, and that the High-Sheriff has declined to convene the County, upon the ground of the Requisition not purporting to be a Requisi tion of the Freeholders, and of the Subscribers to it not being designated themselves as such: We, the undersigned Freeholders and Inhabitants of the County, without giving any opinion upon the questions that may be submitted to a County Meeting, do declare our sentiments, that Meetings of the Freeholders and Inhabitants, to consider the conduct of their Representatives, and to discuss public measures on occasions that they deem sufficiently important, are highly expe dient; that this is an inalienable right of the People, the exercise of which ought not to be impeded, and which cannot be taken away without an infringement of the Constitution which is the pride and boast of Britain, and the envy and admiration of the world. (Signed) T. Brand, H. St. John Mildmay, W. Honywood, W. Sinith, S. Whitbread, C C. Western, R. Baker, M. Burgoyne, P. Ducane, jun., T. Holt White, W. Martin, J. Reddin. J. Claridge, T. Wood, Daniel Ross, S. Chamberlayne, Peter Wright, Osgood Hanbury, John Luard, John Disney, J. B. Chamberlayne, T. W. Western, Charles On ey, Philip Salter, T. T. Cock, J. Griggs, R. M. Rbinson, Jeffrey Silter, J. Godfrey, G. Wyatt, J. Joyner, D. W. Harvey, Wm. Newman, G. Prentice, J. Digby, J. Hobbs, Robert King, Jos. Aldridge, W. Lord, J. Barnard, Ralph Polley, W. B. Jarrold, J. Mumford, Tho. Marsh, John Richardson, T. Joslin, T. Wright, James Kavanah, John Grove, John Clarke, W. Bliss, Joha Offin, Abraham Offin, T. Finch, John Sturgeon, Wm. Overhead, Charles Marston, John Offin, jun., Rob. White, Wm. Offin, J. Jackson, T. Keye, James Keye,

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