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towns (as it stood in the bill) would house and in every big home-stead, and enable the working people, in those they would, in a short time, find themtowns, to send from fifty to a hundred selves under the harpy claws of an omMembers into the Parliament; and be-niscient and ever-present oligarchy of cause I saw in those Members men who money, with little finger heavier thán would maintain the rights of all the the loins of the oligarchy of title and working people in every part of the privilege. kingdom; because I was very sure that of Manchester, or

Not to trouble you further, Sir, I venture to assure the Ministers, that ifa

the working peop Oldham, or of any an attempt be made to raise the sum of

Leeds, or Bolton, or
other large town, would never choose a
man who would not pledge himself not
to stand with his arms folded while, for
instance, those poor, creatures in Ires
land, from whose labour scame theic
bacon and their butter, were starving
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qualification for voting in the great towns; if Lord BROUGHAM's “readiness to re-consider" this matter should lead to this result, the bill will be rejected with scorn by millions of men, and by no man amongst those millions with more indignant scorn than by

Your most obliged and most -sing oved olgobedient servant, poolloongas slot Wh. COBBETT. P. S. The Editor of the Chronicle, after having had the fairness to insert this letter in his paper of Thursday, gives the following explanation:

This, Sir, was the part of the compact which induced me to set my hand to it; but if this part of the bill is to be taken out of it, away goes the whole, for me; aye, Sir, and for all the work ing millions, who will, if anything be done at all to lessen the number of voters in great towns, petition to a man against Mr. COBBETT, in a letter, in this day's the new bill... Mark,{Sir, I pray you, Chronicle, refers to some remarks in mark the fraud which would, in case of "the Chronicle of Tuesday, and in a such alteration, characterize the whole "speech of Lord RADNOR, at the Wilttransaction. The bill by disfranchising "shire County Meeting, as seeming to IMMEDIATELY (Non-resident freemen and indicate that it is the opinion of us burgesses and livery-men, and also pot-and also of his Lordship, that the wallopers and scot-and-lot-meng and by Ministers mean, in their new bill, to disfranchising resident freemen and bur-" "raise the sum which is to be deemed gesses and livery men in future; the bill thus disfranchises all the working men who have votes now, while it en franchises no working man except in the great towns; so that, if the sum of the suffrage be raised in the great towns, this famous Reform Bill will not suffer" to vole one single working man in the whole kingdom!-

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"a qualification for voting in great "towns; to make that sum more

than ten pounds. The passage in "the Chronicle to which he alludes is, "Let it be borne in mind that a good

66.61

and economical Government willbenefit all honest men; and would it not then be folly to differ about "extent of suffrage at a time when But, do I not wish to get rid of the such an extent is to be obtained as rotten boroughs, and will I not petition will, at all events, secure the blessfor schedules A and B? No! Flat "ing of good and impartial governand plain, NO! Unless the ten-pound "ment? They are the enemies of the suffrage remain. Tell me not of bo-" working classes, who advise them roughmongers!" They suffer some few "to reject all reform, because the working men to vole at any rate; but a "most extensive is not to be obtained.' bill to raise the ten pound suffrage in "We have only to observe that we great towns would suffer not one of firmly believe that Ministers do not them to vote. Instead of a borough- "intend to raise the sum which is to be monger up at London or over at Paris," the qualification for voting in great whom the working people only hear of," towns, and that when we wrote the they would have one in every counting-above passage, we equally believed

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BRISTOL

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“that Ministers had no such intention. that the new suffrage would not give a “We were arguing with men who were role to one single working man in the “dissatisfied with any reform short of whole kingdom! How were they to "universal suffrage; and the object at feel! That declaration uncontradicted, "which we were aiming was the per- how were they to feel! "suasion of those who were hostile to "the Reform Bill, because it stopt short “of universal suffrage, that such an "extension of the suffrage as should "secure to the people the blessing THE following account of the awful "of good and impartial government transactions, in this very finest city in "(meaning thereby the suffrage in the the king's dominions, is, perhaps, as "late bill), ought not to be rejected accurate as any that we shall get, for even by the partisans of universal, some time at least. To write upon the “suffrage. We wish to avoid raising subject, I cannot at this moment trust "questions as to the extent of suffrage my pen, full as my heart is of those "which in itself might be most de- feelings which, after having so recently "sirable, as the people have gene seen that beautiful and opulent city, and "rally agreed to make concessions so admired the demeanour of its inhabito each other, for the sake of ob- tants of all classes, especially that of its “taining what, without union, they decent, orderly, and civil and laborious "could never obtain THE BILL. working people; full as my heart is of This is all right. I never imputed to those feelings, which these recollections this Editor, and I should have been are calculated to inspire, I cannot, while base indeed to impute to my Lord Rad- I think of the heaps of dead bodies, and nor, a WISH to see the qualification of the heart broken parents, wives, and raised in the new bill; but, I thought fatherless children, trust my pen to write that their words indicated a belief in on these transactions. I therefore insert them, that the Ministers meaned to do the following account from the BRISTOL it, especially when I looked at the MERCURY, making, however, this respeech of Lord Brougham, who volun-mark; that I beg to be understood as teered to express "his readiness to re- not adopting, not agreeing with, any one consider" that part of THE BILL, and single epithet, or any one single appellawhen, at the end of three weeks, that tion, which is abusive of, or disparaging intention having been so often imputed to, any part of the people of BRISTOL. to him, not a single word had come forth Of the TRUE CAUSES, remote as well to remove the imputation. I have never as immediate, of these transactions, we empected Load GREY of a wish to raise shall have time enough to speak herethe sum of suffrage. But I know that he cannot stand alone, without, at once, making a personal appeal to the people. If it be not intended to raise the qualification, all may yet be well; but, the oner the people know this, the better; for the suspicions excited by the Lord Chancellor's speech have done quite At half-past ten Sir Charles was perceived to mischief enough already, This it is approach, at a rapid rate, in a chariot drawn that is filling the working people with by four greys, and ou stopping at Totterdown rage. Look at the now unhappy city Sheriff's carriage, he was instantly assailed by for the purpose of being handed into the of BRISTOL, for instance. The freemen, the most deafening yells, groans, and hisses. that is the working men, saw their The constables were then, in considerable right of voting taken away by the Bill; numbers, placed around the carriage, a gentleand how were they to feel, when, from man on horseback riding close by the side of each floor, and three or four hundred precedthe Lord Chancellor's declaration, theying and following. In this manner the cavalhad such strong ground for believing, cade, which comprised also the usual number

after.

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SCENORIOTS AT BRISTOL.
(From the Bristol Mercury of Tuesday.)

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ARRIVAL OF SIR CHARLES.

him.

of Mayor's and Sheriff's officers, mounted, him forward, he would immediately commit with favours, proceeded slowly towards the city. Just as Sir Charles was passing over Hill's bridge, his carriage was assailed with four or five stones; but no movement took place with a view to apprehend the offenders, the whole force being anxious only for the protection of the Recorder's person. As the procession moved onward, the crowd continued to increase, and the expressions of disapprobation from the multitude became more and more deafening; and occasionally some stone or missile was hurled against the object of their displeasure. In Temple-street, the windows of the houses were crowded with spectators, and the lower orders of the females were particularly vociferous in the expression of their feelings, frequently charging the men with cowardice and a want of spirit. In the passing from the bridge to High-street, one of the constables, a respectable tradesman, re ceived a dangerous contusion in the head; and in the latter street also some few stones were thrown.

The only effect of this notice was to raise, if possible, a louder clamour than that which it was intended to suppress. On this fresh ehullition of feeling partially subsiding, Sir Charles again repeated his instructions to the officer, who replied by saying that the tumult arose chiefly from a few individuals, and suggested the propriety of some constables being sent into the body of the hall. Several of the specials then disposed themselves among the people, who then commenced a different species of anuoyance by coughing, which at length they ended in a general burst of indignation.

On arrival at Guildhall, in Broad-street, it was with the greatest difficulty that Sir Charles could alight, from the pressure of the immense multitude; but, after the lapse of a few minutes, he was handed out in safety, and proceeded to take his station on the bench. The doors of the half were thrown open to the populace, and, in a few minutes, the area was completely choked up. On the Recorder alighting, we thought he seemed somewhat agitated, which indeed was reasonably to be expected, but he appeared to be in the enjoyment of excellent health. On taking his seat, however, he resumed his composure, and smiled and nodded to several individuals whom he recognised in Court.

Tu this manner the usual preliminaries were gone through, ending by the adjournment of the Court by Sir Charles till eight o'clock ou Monday morning. The Recorder then withdrew from the bench, and the populace, after some further marks of their displeasure towards the learned Judge, gave three cheers for the King, and retired into the street.

.

On

Some considerable time then elapsed before the Recorder was taken up, for the purpose of being conveyed to the Mansion-house. During the interval, Broad-street, and, indeed, the whole line of the route, was occupied by a dense mass of the population. Beyoud the mere vocal expression of their feelings, however, there was nothing in their conduct, at this period, calculated to excite alarm. Sir Charles's re-appearance, he was greeted with a repetition of the same favours that had before been so liberally bestowed upon him, which continued through the remainder of his progress, with the exception that, at the Commercial-rooms, in frout of which building, a body of his admirers had placed themThe usual form for opening the Commission selves, he was greeted with three cheers. But then commenced; but the noise and confu- there was no violence: beyond hissing and sion occasioned considerable interruption.groaning nothing else occurred, as far as Mr. Serjeant Ludlow, Town Clerk, then rose and said, that he believed there was not an individual present who had come there for the purpose of insulting the commission of the King; that, with respect to reform-[Here the most astounding cries were raised by the people in favour of that measure, and in derision of the Recorder, mixed with yells and groans; during which Sir Charles, who stood behind the Town-Clerk, pulled the latter by the gown, and from his gestures, for it was impossible to hear a word he said, manifested considerable displeasure at the introduction of the subject.]—The Town Clerk then re sumed, merely adding, that with respect to that question (Reform) it had nothing to do with the proceedings of that day.

The reading of the commission was then attempted to be proceeded with, but the confusion again became so uproarious as to render the voice of Mr. Brice, the Mayor's clerk, quite inaudible.

The Recorder then addressing one of the officers, said, if the latter saw any person in Court making a disturbance, and would bring

we

can learn, until his arrival at the Mansionhouse, in Queen-square. There a few stones were thrown, and a lamp or a window of the carriage was broken, but the Recorder himself received no injury.

We have now arrived at what we conceive to be the most important part of our narrative, inasmuch as it is the opinion of every one with whom we have conversed, that the proceedings which directly followed the arrival of the Recorder aud Corporation at the Mansion-house, were the more immediate cause of all the disgraceful and ever-to-be-deplored events which have subsequently transpired. A few minutes after their alighting, a rush was made on the populace, by a possé of special coustables, for the purpose of securing the persons by whom the missiles had just been thrown, and an individual was taken hold of and dragged into the Mansion-house. Again, another rush took place, and another capture was made; and this was repeated several times; the conviction being pretty general that persons were selected at random. The least show of opposition on the part of the populace,

who during these proceedings, were really guiltless of any new outrage, subjected them to the most brutal attacks of some of the perSous who assumed to be special constables, many of whom, by imprudently brandishing their staves, did much to excite the feelings of the people. We saw one man carried away from a quarter where an affray bad just taken place, and were informed that he had been knocked down by a blow on his head, and afterwards unmercifully beaten. We have dace learned that his skull was fractured, and that he is dead. The constables, it will never be forgotten, acted wholly without any system of organization. No magistrate made appearance to regulate their proceedings, direct their operations, or to remonstrate with the populace.

compelled to read the Riot Act, and they should be called in to quell the disturbance. His Worship, we regret to state, during his address, was assaulted with stones, and a very large one very narrowly missed striking him on the head. The Riot Act was then read, but without producing the least good effect upon the mob, who, perceiving the weakness of the force opposed to them, rushed upon the constables, disarmed them, and beat them severely. In this affray we have heard of some losing their lives, others having their limbs broken, and very many being severely injured. Que constable, as a condition of release from their vengeance, was compelled to throw his own staff at the Mayor's windows; others were obliged to seek refuge iu flight; and one was actually chased into the float, whence he was At this moment the number of persons col-taken up by a boat-hook. lected in the square could not have been less Nothing now remaining to curb the mob, tu ten thousand; and a cry having been the work of violence immediately commenced raised "To the Back," where piles and fag-by a general and simultaneous attack on every ts and firewood are usually kept, a large part of the Mansion-house. In an instant bady proceeded thither, and having armed the windows and sashes were smashed to themselves with sticks, returned in a few mi- atoms; the shutters were beaten to pieces; tes to the scene of action. It was then the doors forced, and every article of furniture that, for the first time, we apprehended any on the ground floor broken up. Tables, serious collision; but the constables, rushing chairs, sideboards, mirrors, chimney-glasses ut ia a body, in a moment infused terror into in fact, every-thing that could be found was the people, and the sticks were soon strewed demolished. The iron palisades, together every direction upon the ground. These with the curb-stones in which they were set, were then gathered up in bundles and carried were thrown down as if they had been mere off. This was about half past twelve o'clock. reeds stuck in a mud bank, and furnished From that period till about four o'clock, the many a desperate villain with a formidable time was passed in occasional skirmishes be-iron bar; young trees were torn up by the tween the constables and the populace, which generally ended in some one being taken into custody. During these proceedings it was visible that the people were becoming more and more exasperated. Now and then a paue of glass was smashed in, or a club burled at the beads of the constables, and these attacks generally led to measures which heightened, rather than allayed, the popular feeling.

About four o'clock, when the shades of night were rapidly approaching, a considerable por Son of the constabulary force was most unad: dly permitted to retire to their homes, for the purpose of refreshing themselves, with au derstanding that they should return to rebeve the remainder at six o'clock. From that moment the mob became more daring in their tacks on the Mansion-house, until at length the Mayor came forward to beg of them to detand to retire peaceably to their homes. The sentiments delivered by his Worship on the ccasion were such as did honour to his heart, though it is to be regretted that he did not come forward at an earlier stage of the pro

roots and converted into weapons of destruction; walls were thrown down to provide bricks with which to assail the upper windows; and straw and combustibles were procured with which to fire the whole premises. At this critical moment it was, as we have been informed, that Sir Charles effected his retreat (in disguise) through the adjoining premises; but it was not made known until twelve o'clock on the following day (Sunday) that he had left the city. For the present, however, the Mansion-house was saved from conflagration by the arrival of the troops.

We had supposed, judging from the conduct of the mob in the morning, that the appear. ance of two troops of horse would have been the signal for a general rout. We were, however, deceived. They had now acquired a considerable accession of force, and it was obvious that they had been joined by some of the most determined and desperate characters. Instead of retreating, the thousands who were present, clustering like bees on the adjoining walls

Idings, before the minds of the people had the grelevations, cheered the troops with

been so highly wrought up. His Worship tioned them of the possible consequences of continuing their refractory proceedings; , in alluding to the military, known to be the immediate neighbourhood, said sorry uld be be for it to be hereafter said, that during his mayoralty, such scenes took place as most probably would ensue, if he should be

enthusiasm.

Under the protection of the military, the constables and specials again collected in considerable numbers, and several of the most daring of the mob were made prisoners. Still it was found impossible to clear the square or streets adjacent. The soldiers trotted their horses backward and forward amidst the cheers of the mob, but not the slightest dis

position was shown to disperse. The Colonel | again commenced their outrages. Ascending of the district, Colonel Brereton, exerted him now to the upper rooms of the Mansion-house, self in the most humane aud laudable man- they proceeded to throw out the valuable furner. He harangued the multitude, begged niture into the square. The drawers and and intreated them to repair to their homes, other depositaries were ransacked. and wearand cautioned them of the dreadful conse-ing-apparel, bed and table linen, china, &c. quences which their conduct otherwise would were plundered, or wantonly destroyed. infallibly draw upon them. He was every. But another, and a most dangerous exciting where received with the greatest cordiality, cause now began to develope itself. During and with loud cheers. It is a subject of deep the sacking of the Mansion-house, the wineregret, that at an earlier period some such an cellars were forced, and it is supposed that at able individual had not been found to attempt least one-third of a stock of three hundred the conciliation of the people. We cannot dozen of choice wines was carried off and but think that the good temper, firmness, and wasted and drunk by the mob. It is needless presence of mind which he displayed would to say that the result was fraught with the have been fraught with the happiest results. worst possible effects: they became madly in If any thing of a nature calculated to draw furiate, and regardless alike of what mischief off the attention from the consideration of the they committed, or what risk they incurred. present state of things could be tolerated, we The scene at this moment was of the most might here descant at some length on the depraved description; all ages, of both sexes, ludicrous appearance of the kitchen at the were to be seen greedily swallowing the inMansion-house, as viewed through the broken toxicating liquors, while upon the ground the windows, at the fire, the meats were turning bodies of scores were to be found dead with upon the spits, and upon the ranges the diffe- drunkenness. The streets, too, remote from rene saucepans, kettles, &c. were boiling, the scene of action, from this time became unattended by a living soul. But the idea noisy from the turbulence of wretches who which at the moment so forcibly impressed were to be seen staggering about in all dius of the feelings of the men who, anticipat-rections. The troops were then speedily reing the disturbances of importance sufficient placed. but the infuriate mob began to act on to justify the calling in of the military, could, the offensive, and sought to wreak their venunder such circumstances, coutemplate the geance on them for the wounds they had inluxuries of a banquet, forbids us to enlarge flicted on the preceding evening, and parti-, N upon the subject. We turned from the scene cularly to be revenged for the killing of the ** with disgust. man on the top of the Pithay. They attacked them with a shower of stones and brick-bats, ** which the men were unable to resist, no ma-. gistrate being in attendance to take the re-a spousibility of orders to that effect, The Aldermen, we have been assured, considering this the exclusive duty of the Mayor, refused to give the word, and the latter, it would ap-s pear, was overpowered by his feelings. In this state of things the commanding officer judged it prodent to withdraw the troops (the 14th Light Dragoons), and replace them with a body of the 3rd Dragoon Guards. On the retirement of the former, they were followed by a large portion of the mob who continued their assaults upon them along the quay and over the drawbridge. On arriving at St. Augustine's back, being provoked beyond further forbearance, they turned round and fired seve ral shots on their assailants, and a further loss of life was the result. The mob, however, nothing daunted, still continued to follow them, and in College-green some further firing occurred. In this place a considerable number of persons had assembled, expecting Sir Charles, as usual, would attend divine service in the Mayor's chapel. Still the mob continued their assaults, hanging upon the On Sunday morning the people began again soldiers' heels until they arrived at their to assemble at an early hour in Queen-square, quarters in the Boar's Head Yard, where they but every thing remaining quiet, and it being were again fired upon. The discharges, as hoped danger had subsided, the troops were the result must show, were, however but parwithdrawn for some refreshment, having beential: the number of killed, as near as on duty for more than twenty-four hours. could ascertain, being one, and wounded They had scarcely disappeared, when the mob seven or eight. One poor fellow, who had

In the manner already described, things proceeded in the square until twelve o'clock at night. About this time a party of the rioters, disappointed by the restraint which the troops imposed upon them, proceeded to the Council-house, where they commenced operations by smashing the windows. Meanwhile orders were given to the cavalry to make a charge, and here the scene became one of the greatest confusion. The people, who ran in all directions, were pursued through the streets for a considerable distance by the soldiers, and several of them received severe cuts from the sabres. Many of the people took refuge in the various passages in Wine-street, from whence they assailed the troops with stones, particularly at the top of the Pithay, where one of the soldiers having been struck, he immediately turned round, and shot a man dead upon the spot. It has been currently reported that he dismounted and followed him; but we have been assured, on good authority, that this was not the case. This was at half-past twelve, and the soldiers continuing to gallop about the streets, prevented the re-assembling of the mob during the night.

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