who moved the erection of a monument to his memory, and a public funeral at the expence of the nation, and who officiated as chief mourner on that occasion: and the recollection of all this seemed for some time to make a deep impression on the company. The LORD CHANCELLOR was on his right, the Duke of MONTROSE, Master of the Horse, on bis left, and the rest of the Ministers on both sides. excellent Military Band attended, and continued to play during the evening. An "The Prince Regent;" also with three times three. that illustrious and ever to be lamented Statesman, the Right Hon. WILLIAM PITT, was yesterday celebrated at Merchant Taylors' Hall, by perhaps the most respectable company of Noblemen and Gentlemen that has ever on any similar occasion been witnessed. A mixture of solemnity and exultation was manifested on the occasion; the scene was most interesting and impressive, and the respectable assemblage looked towards the present Ministers, who surrounded the chair, as so many ELISHAS who had caught the mantle After a most excellent dianer, Non nobis of ELIJAH, and were animated by his prin- Domine was exquisitely sung by Messrs. ciples and impelled by his spirit. It was INCLEDON, DIGNUM, TAYLOR, and several indeed most gratifying to the heart to wit- other singers of high repute. The follow ness and indulge, at the present moment, ing toasts were then given from the Chair: so ardent and general an impulse to mani- "The King," with thee times three. fest, by joining in a tribute to the memory This toast was drunk with enthusiastic of the immortal PITT, an unshaken attach- cheers, which continued some minutes. ment to those principles which have been SONG God save the King, by Messrs. so firmly established by that truly great INCLEDON, DIGNUM, &c. the whole comman, to uphold the Crown and the Coun-pany joining fervently in chorus. try, amidst the unparalleled shocks of the stormy and sometimes perilous periods we have witnessed, and to infuse into the body of the British Nation, a spirit and vigour, which, we trust, will secure it for ever against the designs of foreign invaders and domestic malcontents. The number of tickets issued was very judiciously confined to that which it was known the Hall could conveniently accommodate (about five hundred), but if five times the number of persons could have been accommodated, there had been applications to that amount. It was really a most sublime sight to the friends of the honour and independence of Britain, and the lovers of peace and good order in the state, as well as gratifying to the friends of the illustriOUS PITT, to see so numerous and respectable an assemblage, met together to identify themselves, as it were, with a Club, which will hereafter prove a rallying point for loyalty; to do honour to the memory of the man who saved the country; and to pledge themselves to adhere to the principles by which our salvation as a people, and as a nation, was effected. The Hon. H. LASCELLES was in the chair a circumstance which gave peculiar interest to the meeting; for it was this Gentleman who made the motion for paying MR. PITT's debts, when, after having so long and so faithfully served his country at the head of the Government, as Mr. FITZGERALD neatly observes in his Ode, he "Who governed nations, left no wealth behind;" The applause which succeeded this toast was loud and long-continued, and the cheering ecstatic. Song by Mr. DIGNUM-The Prince and Old England for ever.-Great applause. "The Queen," with three.-Great and reiterated applause. SONG-Glorious Apollo-three voices. "The Princess of Wales," with three. -Great applause. The next toast was received with a tumult of joy, viz. "The Duke of York, and other Members of the Royal Family." The applause which followed this toast was loud, unanimous, and ecstatic; and, continued for some minutes.-The Band then struck up the Duke of YORK's March," which was equally applauded. SONG-Great Apollo-four voices. The CHAIRMAN then addressed the company in a few words. He said he was about to give a toast dear to the heart of every true and loyal Briton, but which, from its nature, would, he was sure, be drunk in becoming and respectful silence: "The Immortal Memory of the late Right Honourable William Pitt." This was, as usual, drank in solemn reverential silence by the whole company. Mr. DIGNUM then sung Mr. CANNING'S song of The Pilot that weather'd the Storm, with some new stanzas appropriate to the present time. The toast and song produced an impression which it is impossible to describe. "The Navy and Army of the United Kingdom;"-three times three.--Drank with enthusiasm, and followed by the song of Rule Britannia, most effectively sung by Mr. Incledon and others. "The House of Brunswick; and may they never forget the principles which seated them on the Throne of these Realms."-Three times three, with great applause. Glee" "When Order in this Land." Toast"The House of Braganza;" three times three.-Loud and reiterated applause. The Marquis WELLESLEY returned thanks in the name of the Portuguese Ambassador, who, he said, had desired him to assure the company, that the principles of his Government were intimately connected with the objects of the present Meeting, which went to encourage and perpetuate a determined spirit of resist ance to the tyranny and oppression of France. « Ferdinand VII. and the Spanish Nation;"-three times three. Universal and long continued applause. The LORD CHANCELLOR rose to return thanks in behalf of the Ministry. It was a proud circumstance, he said, for him and his colleagues to merit the approbation and thanks of an assembly so distinguished for its rank, consequence, and respectability; but they felt that they deserved the high honour thus conferred on them, chiefly from their being actuated by a spirit immediately connected with the principles of the present Meeting. To follow the example of that truly great and virtuous man, the anniversary of whose birth they were now assembled to commemorate, must ever be their study and their pride; for in so doing they knew that they should tread in the path of one by whose principles and conduct the Constitution and independence of this Nation had been preserved. That Constitation, all must be seùsible, secured to us the continuance of multiplied blessings, to which the people of all other countries were strangers, and he was persuaded that they would not risk their loss by any attempt to alter that form of government by means which they could alone be secured to us. It was by following the example of that truly great and immortal character, that we were enabled to effect our salvation, and bid defiance to the utmost efforts of our enemy. The ships of France had been swept from the ocean by our fleets, and were no longer to be found but in our ports, or bearing our flags. Where was now the commerce of France? It was entirely and effectually annihilated. Where were now her colonies? Safe under the sovereignty of Great Britain. Her armies also have repeatedly yielded to the superiority of our arms, and every The Marquis WELLESLEY again rose. The Spanish Ambassador, he said, had requested him, in returning thanks in his name, to assure the Company that his Government were actuated by the same principles as those just expressed of the House of Braganza: that their resistance to French tyranny and usurpation would be interminable, and that they were confident the exertions of Spain, under the generous and powerful auspices of Great Britain, would ultimately prove successful against the utmost efforts of the common tyrant. "The King of Naples and Sicily."-day now brings forth a fresh and splendid Drunk with great applause. The Marquis WELLESLEY WELLESLEY returned thanks in the name of the Sicilian Ambassador, who had requested him to assure the company that his Sovereign was determined never to swerve from the principle of resistance to the tyranny of France; and that notwithstanding some recent unfavourable appearances, his Court would ever, by its unshaken fidelity, prove itself worthy of the friendship and protection of triumph. We had not only effected our own security, but done much towards the salvation of other countries, and saved ourselves from the self reproach of not having used those exertions against the common tyrant, which had been attended with such great and signal success. The battles of Cressy and Agincourt found a parallel in some of the late splendid achievements of our arms. We had only to pursue the same course to raise our na tional fame and character still higher than it had ever been before, whilst under Providence, our exertions and our exam"The Ministers of the Prince Regent;"ple might lead to the general deliverance -three times three. Drunk with rap- of Europe. Neither time nor space will turous applause, and loud enthusiastic admit of our giving any more than this cheering, which continued for several brief sketch of his Lordship's address, Great Britain. "The King of Sardinia;"-with applause. minutes. which was warmly and universally applauded. Toast May the principles of Mr. Pitt ever animate the Councils of Great Britain."-Drank with enthusiastic and long continued cheers. Song" Pitt the Patriot's name," by Mr. Dignum. Toast The Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, and may his unshaken loyalty and exemplary attachment to his Sovereign, under circumstances of peculiar difficulty, be ever held in grateful remembrance," with three times three. Drunk amidst the most enthusiastic and rapturous applause, with loud cheering acclamations, which continued some minutes. Mr. PERCEVAL, after reiterated peals of applause had subsided, rose, and said, that the toast which had just been given, and the manner in which it had been received had really overcome his feelings. To know that the exertions of himself and his colleagues had met with the approbation of his country, and of the highly respectable assembly to which he was then addressing himself, must be most grateful to their feelings: but when he referred to the particular services which were so flatteringly alluded to in the toast, he certainly could not arrogate to himself any merit in which all his colleagues did not fully participate; nor indeed ought the Administration collectively to claim any right to the applause which was now bestowed upon them for their conduct in the arduous crisis which had been referred to, because if that crisis had then occurred for the first time, it was probable that they might not have been able to contend against the many difficulties with which it was attended. But fortunately they were not left to their own judgment or opinion; for they had had the advantage of the example of that illustrious Statesman whose memory they were now commemorating, to guide them; they knew the sentiments by which he was influenced; they knew the principles upon which his conduct was governed; and therefore if their conduct was marked by a warm attachment to the rights of the Sovereign, and an inflexible adherence to the genuine principles of the Constitution, it was to that illustrious man, and not to them, that the praise was really due. He had the satisfaction of knowing that the conduct of the Administration in the crisis which had been alluded to, had met with the sanction of Parliament, and had since received the approbation of the country; and it must be most gratifying to their feelings to perceive from the manner in which the toast had been received, that their exertions met with the full support of an assembly composed of the friends of the illustrious Statesman, whose example they were proud to follow. The administration had not only the satisfaction of maintaining the genuine principles of the Constitution at the period alluded to, and defeating every effort of their opponents, but they had had the satisfaction of knowing, that all the efforts which had been made to misrepresent their motives, and all the insinuations which have been thrown out that their exertions to maintain a great constitutional principle ought to be considered as indications of disrespect to the Heir Apparent, had proved vain. He had the satisfaction to reflect, that the care and attention which they had paid to the ease and circumstances of the Father, proved their best recommnendation to the attention and indulgence of the Son ;- and it was with pride and happiness he ob.. served, that the high dignity, the manly sentiments, and due sense of honour and justice which distinguished every act of the Illustrious Prince who now exercised the important functions of Royalty, held forth the most bright and cheering prospect of future glory and happiness to the nation. He concluded by declaring that it was the determination of the present Ministers to act upon the principles of Mr. PITT, whenever, considering the changes of times and circumstances, they could be acted upon; and he had no doubt that by so doing they should best discharge their duty to their country, and most effectually promote its interests. GLEE-The King and the Church. Toast Lord Wellington and the brave Army under his command," with three times three. Drank with loud and enthusiastic cheers, long continued and ecstatic acclamations, which made ring the very walls of the Hall. The Marquis of WELLESLEY.-He said, that it was only by following the example of the immortal PITT, that this country had arrived at its present height of glory. He observed, that it was to the patronage and friendship of that great man alone, that Lord WELLINGTON had been afforded an opportunity of rendering service to his country; and concluded by stating, that but a few days before his death, when he was sensible that his illustrious spirit was about to depart to its celestial abode, he | WILLIAM SMITH, Esq. M. P. in the Chair, observed, in contemplating the existing state of the country, whose welfare and happiness was the only care of his life, that his Noble Relative (Lord WELLINGTON) was one of those Officers to whom his successors might look with confidence for services calculated to produce permanent advantage to the State. (Great and reiterated applause.) A new song upon our late victories was now finely sung by Mr. Taylor. TOAST" Marshal Beresford, and the brave Portuguese Army"-with three times three. Waim, universal, and reiterated applause. "General Graham and the heroes of Barrosa," with three times three-Drank with enthusiastic applause. "General Blake, and the gallant Army of Spain," Universal and reiterated applause. Song-Britons strike home. TOAST- The immortal memory of the Hero, whose glorious efforts in the service of his Country were called into action by Mr. Pitt-Lord Nelson."-In solemn lence. Song-Briton's best Bulwark. The Chairman made a report of the proceedings of the Committee upon Lord Sidmouth's Bill, lately brought into the House of Lords, intituled, "An Act to explain and render more effectual certain Acts of the first year of the reign of King William and Queen Mary, and of the 19th year of the reign of his present Majesty, so far as the same relate to Protestant Dissenting Ministers." Resolved, That this Deputation, in conformity with the deep interest which they must always feel in every question affecting the civil and religious concerns of the Protestant Dissenters, do, in the names of those by whom they are deputed, offer to their brethren throughout the kingdom, their sincere congratulations on the rejection of the abovementioned Bill; and especially as connected with the opinion so generally expressed in the House of Lords, of the inexpediency and injustice of infringing on the liberty of the subject in religious matters. Resolved, That the thanks of this De si-putation be gratefully offered to the Marquis of Lansdowne, to Earl Stanhope, Earl Moira, Earl Grey; to Lord Holland, and to Lord Erskine, for their able and distinguished support of the cause of the Dissenters, and of the great and important principles of Religious Liberty, in the Debate on the Bill lately introduced by Lord Sidmouth into the House of Lords. Toast "The health of the Chairman," proposed by the Lord Chancellor, in a neat speech, and drank with the most unbounded applause, and long continued cheers. Mr. LASCELLES returned thanks in a very elegant speech, which was rapturously applauded. "The PITT CLUB, and success, prosperity, and permanent continuance to it," proposed by Mr. Perceval, and drank with enthusiasm and ecstatic acclamations. A Member returned thanks in an appropriate speech. DISSENTERS' MEETING. At a General Meeting of the Deputies appointed for protecting the civil rights of the Protestant Dissenters, held at the King's Head Tavern, in the Poultry, London, the 28th of May, 1811. Resolved, That the thanks of this Deputation be given to all those Members of that Right Honourable House, who cooperated in rejecting the said Bill. Resolved, That this Deputation are extremely happy in the opportunity of expressing their high satisfaction, at the just and liberal sentiments respecting the right of private judgment in religious matters, delivered in that debate by his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury. Resolved, That an Address to the Protestant Dissenters of England and Wales, now read, be approved. Resolved, That the said Address be signed by the Chairman, and printed for general circulation. (To be continued.) Published by R. BAGSHAW, Brydges-Street, Covent Garden :-Sold also by J. BUDD, Pall-Mali, LONDON :-Printed by T; C. Hansard, Peterborough-Court, Fleet-street. COBBETT'S WEEKLY POLITICAL REGISTER. VOL. XIX. No. 45.] LONDON, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1811. [Price 18. "We have reason to believe, that the alarms had been excited and inflamed for the spec al purpose "of checking the disposition of the country in favour of reform, and of calumniating the characters of those who promoted it."- -Address from the FRIENDS OF THE PEOPLE, 25th May, 1793. 1377]. [1378 SUMMARY OF POLITICS. ble 11th of May, 1809, together with the decision of the House upon the motion PARLIAMENTARY REFORM.The long- then made by that gentleman; if the expected Meeting for the prosecution of reader thinks, that these are proofs of the this great object is to take place on Mon- contrary of amendment, then he must say, day next, the 10th of June, and, therefore, that there is more necessity of reform now, this seems to me to be a proper occasion than there was in 1793; and he will, of for making some observations upon the course, have a right to ask Earl Grey, subject.It is one of the means used by Mr. Tierney, and others, what can be the the enemies of Reform to represent it as reason of their present silence upon the something newly thought of; something subject; and, indeed, how it came to pass, that nobody of any weight or consequence that they did nothing in the way of reform, in the country ever thought of; something when they were in place and power-But, that has existence only in the minds of let us now go back a little and see what demagogues and visionaries.I have, have been the effects, or, at least, some of therefore, in this Number, inserted two the effects, of the want of reform.—For documents, in which, from the present many years previous to 1792, there bad. conduct of some men, one would hardly been a conviction in the minds of all disbelieve in the existence. I mean, the interested men, that a reform of the Come Address of the "Friends of the People" to mons' House of Parliament was necessary the People of Great Britain, in 1792; and to the well-being of the nation. This had the Petition of the same Association to the been declared, in the most solemn manner, House of Commons, in 1793. These do- by many of the greatest men in the kingcuments originated with, and were put dom. Indeed, there was scarcely a manforth by, some of the men, who still make distinguished for his superior wisdom and a figure in politics; for instance, the public spirit who had not declared it. Duke of Bedford (then Lord J. Russell), But, in 1792, when the French Revolution Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Whitbread, Earl Grey had set men's minds at work, it became (then Mr. Grey), Mr. Tierney, Lord Lau- more evident, that something in the way derdale, Sir Arthur Pigot, Mr. Dudley of reform was necessary, in order to preNorth, General Tarleton, Sir Ralph Ml-vent the people of England, from seekbank, and many others, amongst whom ing for redress though the means of were 27 Members of Parliament, and of revolution, as the people of France had done. the other Gentlemen not in Parliament, Sir John Throckmorton, who is the Chairman of the Committee for calling the present Meeting, was one. And, as to the Petition, it was presented to the House of Commons by MR. GREY, now Earl Grey. -Let the reader, then, when he has gone through these documents, ask himself, whether the representation has been amended since that time; and, if he finds that it has, then he will, of course, be of opinion, that reform may possibly be unnecessary; but, if he finds that it has not, and if he thinks that the facts brought to light by Mr. Maddocks, on the memora -The subject was, therefore, revived with great zeal and ability by the Society of Gentlemen, who took the name of Friends of the People, associated for the purpose of procuring a Parlia mentary Reform." At the same time, there were other Societies; the Society for Constitutional Information; the Corresponding Society; and some others, the object of the whole of which appears to have been the procuring of a reform in the Commons' House, and upon the same principles as those set forth in the Petition of the Friends of the People.PITT, the Minister, who had been one of |