. . . , . r'''' "P. . . . , . ••' ~ s r ' • ~ , l e./ 4"P'''"" 4 1 -0 4 7":„.-1 1 , ‘'' .°44)l. eile 4 o-7" • s 's 'l7 ' .......„, .... 2-- 4 " --- ....-1 .2C....- -.- 7 °4 c.......eZ-- - i . • % , 62 3p . - m - " t i j Ilk - ttr . ;,... 4 0. • . • . Our Wits Conatttutton, anti gitil3o t • 4 -"---- No 1,299.—Y0z.. XIV.] SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1821. Paws SP. SIR FRANCIS BURDETT. At one one o'clock on Monday last, a meeting of the Electors of Watinioster was held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, Strand, for the purpose of irking into their consideration the steps proper to he taken in con sequence of the sentence latelypipsed on their worthy representative. Sir F. Burdett. i i i . : At twelve o'clock the great_ room mot entirely filled by persons of respectability, tftti soon after one o'clock Mr. Hobhouse entered, attended by several gentlemen of rank in Westminster, sad was loudly cheered as he to constitute a libel, that the matter should be false. But in these our happier days, according to Lord Ken yon, it made no difference whether what was charged as a libel was false or true. It only required it to be disagreeable to his Majesty's Attorney-General, and perhaps so much the worse that it should be true. Did any man whom he addressed doubt of the Manchester outrage? (No, no.) Could any man doubt it t (No.) ' Well, then, Sir Francis Burdett had ready to offer to the Court, were he allowed to do so, 119 affidavit]; from ligt, persons who were wounded. usaulted And sabred. at that meeting. Be was not allowed t o have thew mad; ear/ Ahey WIN 116000 i 'hi 61401110 Per quartet not - weiglialifesittar in the halal* And he could now assure, not only that assembly, but the people ol Eng- I land, that whatever the opinion of the Judges or of 1 Juries might be. Sir F. Burdett has never regretted, and never will regret, his having written that letter; and would now write it ten thousand times over if th cir cumtianoes called for it. (Long and continued cheers.) 1 From the time of Lord Coke to the present day, the opinions delivered by the Judges on the law of libels inconsistent had not only been with each other, but inconsistent with themselves. Chief Justice Scrogga had declared, that it was not only a libel to attack the Government, but to praise it without its consent.— (Laughter.)---There was no danger of many of the latter description Of libels being . committed in these times. (Laughter.) Until the time of Lord Kenyon, falsehood had been always considered as the sole con stituent of a libel, and so it was defined by the Statute ol soandoLon magnation of Edward the First, which began with the words, " If any man shall have invented a horrible lie." The statute of Richard the Second also made the proof of falsehood the constituent part of a libel. No state of society was so abominable, as that where offences were not defined, and if no one stepped forward in Parliament to obtain a clear definition of what was a libel, and what was not, the Hon. Speaker declared lie would hini.elf. They might at present say with Dean Swift, that it was strange that a man might be called upint to answer for in a Court of Justice, what he would not be called upon to answer for in heaven.— The speaker contended. that those who declared that truth might be a libel, were not the friends of good goacruntent, but of anarchy, and were unfit to live io_ civil state, where law, and law only was the rule of every mares conduct. He resollieteilt" saying of she great Lord Camden's, that bail it not been for libels, we should not have had the glorious revolution. After some further observations on the law of libel, the speaker conc.uded by saying, that the sentence under which the illustrious friend of the people was now suffering, could not disgrace him; but, on the contrary, gave him fresh claims to his country's gratitude; and he could confi deutly predict that the name of Burdett would form the brightest page in his country's history, and his conduct beregarded as the best example (or future patriots, when the name of hit prosecutors, if remembered, would only be remembered to he execrated. The Resolution passed with acclamation. The other Resolutions and the Address to Sir Franc* Burdett were reed by the Chairman, and passed with the greatest applause. A vote of thanks was moved to Mr. Hobbouse, and carried with applause. took the chair. Mr. Hosnoves then aosesseoced ppeeeh to the meeting. He said, that they were called together this day, in consequence of the judgment. ptotiouneed against their worthy representative Sir Francis Burdett, The inotnent that event took place a considerable num ber of the Electors of Westminster assembled for the purpose of considering what steps it became them to take upon the sentence of their member; and it was the opinion of these gentlemen, that a public meeting should, without delay be convened, for the purpose of deciding upon such measures as should be deemed de sirable upon the occasion. They all felt that some step was necessary towards& man distinguished as Sir Francis Burdett was, by every claim upon their regard ; a man eminently distinguished for his virtues, his talents, his illustrious and useful character, which had secured him not only the esteem of the Electors of Westminster, but also that of the country at huge.—(Loud and prolonged cheers.)—To the sentence which had been pronounced upon their illustrious representative, there were mi. dently two parties, one, the accused—the ether, the accuser. Of the conduct of which did the Electors of We s tminster approver Did they approve of the ;nose rotor? (Crier of No.) Then he had only to ask them, did they approve of the accused? (Loud cheers, and cries of Yes.) Had Sir F. Burdett committed in fact any crime 2 (Cries of No.) Had he from first to last in the matter, which terminated in his late sentence, done a single act which compromised the greatness of his character, or disentitled him to a contiuuance of that regard and attachment which the Electors had so long end so justly cherished for him? (Cries of No, and .renewed cheers.)—He (Mr. Hothouse) esteemed it the pride of his life to be honoured with the friendship of ow* sjian. Ctifflasree.) He would not advert as length to the circumstances out of which the late pro. secution arose the people of England were but toe well acquaint ed with them. The lamentable event at Manchester would long be remembered by them—it could never he effaced from their memory. It was the outrage that had been committed on that day which had roused Sir F. Burdett's—..which had roused their feel ings of honest indignation. And it was a stain—a deep and indelible stain upon the country—aye, upon the whole pen& of the country—to know that the sail events which occurred at Manchester remained mire- • drested. (Hear ) It was this which was calculated to arouse their feelings—it was the sentence pronounced against Sir Erancis Burdett 'Or expressing his honest indignation at the occurrences at Manchester, which Inuit fill their minds with the deep necessity of testify ing the sense they entertained of the conduct of their long-tried and illustrious representative. He had already said that the occurrences at Manchester left upon the people of England a deep stain. Alter some of the humbler victims were seized, their illustrious friend, Sir Francis, was marked out. Several important rights of the people were infringed by the manner in which the prosecution was got up, In the first place, tney had a right to complain of the prosecution being made by his Majesty's Attorney-General, inasmuch as it deprived the illustrious defendant of that Jury to which he would have otherwise been entitled. Ex officio informations were no part of the ancient law of England, and at the Revolution, when the right was cskeu from the Master of the Crown Office. it was also the intention to take it front the Attorney General; but, uwortuttately, that important matter had been neglected. Another piece of injustice of which he had to complain was, that Sir Francis Burdett was not tried by those by whom he ought to have been. They had heard of Put Clubs. (Yes, and laughter ) Welt, then; Sir Francis Burdett was tried by members of the Putt Club, for an offence against the principles of Mr. Pitt, (Shame.) Every mall who heard him had a respect for the v e rdi ct of Juries; but it should not be forgotten that Russell and Sydney lost their heads by the verdict of Juries. The persons who assembled a large meeting, to petition fora tree representation in Parliament, were almcon victed by the verdict of a Jury. Indeed, there were Many verdicts given by J u nts, from which, With all respect to their general utility, men might amid should occasiostatly thssetti. At all gems, he was sure the greatest admirer of Juries (and, properly constituted, they were admirable) would nut look to a PHI Cillti lur Stiti members who were to compose it. It was decided by the Jury, that Sir Francis Burdett h a d published a lipped in Leicestershire, where lie did nothing; and then, as they all knew, the business came to Westminster Hall. For his part he tne2tst to speak with every reference of the Judges, or else lie inlet rte the next called up. Iu former tittles it w as dec. siary, The CHAI*I4 AM then read a letter which he had re ceived Irons Alderman Wood, stating, that his attend ance ou her Majesiy, to-day, at Brandenburgh.house, where numerous addresses were to be presented, pre vented'his attending at the meeting. Mr.Grasox read the Resolutions and Address to Sir F. Burdett, which were all received with the greatest applause. The Address_ embraced the chief topics so forcibly alluded to in the speech of the Chaittitan. It com menced by noticing the Worthy Baronet's former com mittal to the Tower—it expressed in pointed terms the indignation of the Meeting in seeing him now sutler for having bloomed to reform the abuses of the Leg;slaloreii and alluded to the re%olting proceedings at Nlatiehesier. Ile then moved the first Resolution, which was se conded and carried unanimously. Mr. BEECHAM then moved the second Resolution, which was carried unanimously. Mr. SKELTON, after a few observations, moved a Resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Parkin>, who said Sir Pi 311Clii Burdett most be supported by every Englishman who loved himself. The Resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. BEKCHER said, he never felt more satisfaction than in proposing a Resolution decljratiov of Cie 4111111i°11 of that Meeting. of the necessity of Parliamentary Retort., of which their illustrious friend was the per• severing and distinguished advocate, 411E1 111 NIII/1011 . 1 Of which he could quote Mr. Ft:x, Luca Grey, Lord Erskine, Lord Julio and a tr"lle nut lc" erect than the greatest in the Ili,tory of the Cuil•itry— tie meant the hallowed name of halite:id. (Hear.) God forbid the Friends of Reform shoold not be 0;ouAli. the Friends of the 4111 g—they were indeed his friends. and his M.kiesty could never have any io fear, when lie renosed on the affections of his people. (fle,r, hear.) 11 . . oNe seconded the Resolution, which was car ried inianittioosly. 11 . . H. SKELTON said, he had great pleasure in proposing a Itt'SdiOtioU to raise the tine tu,posed on Sir Francis H!tri:e.tt, by subscription attiot.e, (hear, hear ) .I',l - • t. - • P. • .1 14 • - - •er • -••• ' • 4 • 4... ".• • r• r.es• v., r . .; G Mr. Holm Oise, in returning thanks, declared that, while his life continued, his best exertions should never be wanting in defence of the liberties of the people. ,E4RTNQUJICES IN ZINTS. Stalifition ene • LIMBII ruse tenni, that MO. Amp " Hoeft bees absent from Paste, I bresseesped the terrible earthquakes that have visited. Ned es time to agitate. that isles& The first pine* on the 29th alt. soon eller four o'clock. a.m. • it wee of about one minute's dwellers, asd treaseedetiolyeielest as to overthrow a great many below, sod more or len injure every one in she city. Souse - lives were lea by the falling rains, and a great many peewee woneded. It hap pened to be the day for celebrating the feetiead of Saint Dionysian, the tatelar mint of the Weed ; sad the cis tomary procession was comniesced with more the. easel solemnity, Sir Patrick Rose arid the perigee also sesbeisk, as is common, but in this inetasce with greater seremosy, in order to conciliate the esperstitiossidess of the people. The procession had scarcely left the church, when an es. exampled deluge of rats mosimmteed with snob vhdence that the company was dispiesed M seek red*. and Ws priests, being unable to regain the church el at. Deasy sins, were compelled to deposit the relies in die nearest shelter they could gain. The min etreliesed 24 beers, attended with halloos**, sise lamps of ire, ea they are more properly termed. equal ham se ea egg, end weigh ing a quarter of a poised. Nage leedess.' The ellealliso of the inhabitants duns; this:USW, With their bosses thrown down, usessefed or creditor?, is reprooested as inde.seribably Dori* elleasiglit it broke down the dykes tigassil• for leading dieutsery from the castle (on a lofty bill liemedlately above tintless) swept awn six houses on the declivity, sad carded thews. with lure and inmates, into the mei : three penises periehed in this way, and many were *seined. Minor abeam have since been felt, to the number of ten is a day. The Aral was attended by the death of 10 iedividnale, rind sheet 100 mere were wounded. The sealed of any widows took ace on the events; of the dth hest. (Oteek Chri st, puse uad jested lowa% ohm do ".,prootte lt , siseledeseeleocire stirataribir"vissj imp alreadj is a tottering oesillties, fella marbles to it s and, what is the moat serious festers atteedist it. the country, which had pretty well escaped the tint. been the victim of the sealed, and in three popular villages a great number of houses are thrown down flees the foside. tions. The situation of Zaute Is terrible ;—sselsing het vows, offerings, religious . processions, lassentatiess, mid total suspension of public Waimea. It is probably this heaviest calamity that ever befel them Weeds. The da. maks. niter the first shock and wrest, was estimated at .1,000,000 dollars; at present no estimate can be formed. Both the violent shocks wets slightly felt; *be is Saint Nauru, Ithaca, and Ceplialoaia : we have news, too, of the first beasts. perceived in Malta. The appreireueies of further mischief has not yet subsided, as the demo stater phere and winds continue." A •RICULT U RA LDIST umss---The.distresi amongst farmers and agriculturists in different parts of the country is beyond precedent. High rents, excessive taxation, and enormous wages for husbandry work, placed some of the most hitherto respectable farmers in a very unpleasant . situation ; distraining and seizing property for arrears of rent and times appear the order of the day, and unless legislative means are adopted, this Session of Parliament, for the re lief of this part of the community, inevitable ruin must ensue to many. Quo instance of liberality and forbearance we have heard worthy of imitation. A Noble Lord whose estates in Essex amount to 20,0001. annually, received for his last half.year's rent 2,3001. His steward assured him there was no probability of more being collected, uulzas re course was had to seizure ; his Lordship immedi ately protested against that mode of proceeding, and detorminel to lessen his expenditure according to his income. A report is in circulation that a new collect, in. eluding the names of the Queen and Duke of York as heir presumptive, will shortly he issued, by which device her Majesty will be prayed for, wi . hont being mentioned in the same paragraph as the King. Sir Francis Burden walks daily ou the terrace between the gates of the King's Bench, for the benefit of the air, and it gives us pleasure to state din the worthy Baronet continues in excellent health and spirit. The supply of corn is deficient in many parts of the south of Europe, particularly in Italy, and in the south of France. Some shipthents of grain have already been made from England to the mutt trice incntinned, and mote are expected.