Parliamentary Reform; A Full and Accurate Report of the Proceedings at the Meeting Held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern on Monday the 1st of May, 1809, (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1809 edition. Excerpt: ... heard that defence with indignation; aii indignation which was not lessened by my recollection of the fate of Hamlyn, the poor Cornish tinman, who, for an attempt to corrupt the integrity of Mr. Addingtou, .was ruined for ever. I state the fact, that the crime of bribery and corruption was complete in the Noble Lord, as far as depended on him. That the Noble Lord should meet with protection in a House, the character and privileges of which were so deeply involved by his conduct, merits terms of reprobation which it would not he prudent or fit tor me to uc in this Assembly. By their proceedings, the Houm; of Commons entangled themselves in this absurd predicament. On their Journals is a Resolution of the year 177.9, that any such attempt to influence the election of Members of Parliament, was to strike at the dignity, honour, and independence, of the House; and now they have on the same Journals a Resolution exculpatory of Lord Castlereagh, because his Lordship only made an attempt at such a blow, and failed in the execution of it. Gentlemen, in referring to the old constitutional laws, to which, whenever the Constitution is mentioned, I suppose a reference is always intended, we shall find principles recorded, for the assertion of which I have frequently been accused, and that too by persons whose reading ought to have taught them better, of a love of novelty.--We shall find it recorded among other things, though it was thought, when first I started it, a novel doctrine; not novel as compared with any thing to be found in the Greek and Roman history, but novel in the history of this country--I mean that grand provision in the Act of Settlement, " that no person holding an office or employment under the Crown, shall sit or vote in th- Commons...