NORFOLK COUNTY MEETING

Was held at the Shire House, Norwich, on Tuesday, the 2d May. Stretton George Herbert, who (in the absence of the High Sheriff) was called to the chair, proposed the following resolutions, which were seconded by Thomas Beesor, Esq. and adopted without one dissentiant voice :—

That the thanks of this meeting be given to G. L. Wardle, Esq. for the indefatigable zeal and disinterested patriotism he has evinced in detecting and bringing to light the gross and unparalleled corruption which has long existed in the office of the Commander-in-chief; and for the firm and temperate perseverance with which (in defiance of threats and difficulties) he carried on the late investigation in Parliament, to his own honour, and the advantage of his country.

That the thanks of this meeting be given to all those who cordially assisted Mr. Wardle in the arduous task he had undertaken; including T. W. Coke, Esq. who divided with the patriotic minority of 125, and Sir J. H. Astley, Bart. for his vote in favour of Sir T. Turton's amendment.

It was also resolved that the majority in the late divisions in Parliament, acquitting the Commander-in-chief of all personal corruption, and of all connivance at corruption, was in direct opposition to the sense of the people; and that the

necessity is thereby evinced of adopting some effectual reform, in order that the voice of the representatives may become the voice of the people.

That it is the decided opinion of this meeting, that no substantial and permanent good can be derived by the country from any change of minis ters, unless accompanied by an entire change of system; and that the most certain method of rendering parliamentary reform effectual is, to follow the laudable example of Westminster, by returning, free of expence, such representatives as are worthy of confidence; and by shortening the duration of parliaments, in order that a frequent appeal to the sense of the people may guide the conduct of our representatives, without increasing their expences.

That the gentlemen who signed the requisition to the High Sheriff for this meeting be requested to act as a committee for the application of the funds arising from the subscriptions; and that they be authorised to present the plate to Mr. Wardle, in any way, and with any inscription, they may deem explanatory of the intention of the donors.

The Rev. Mr. Crompton, the Rev. Dixon Hoste, Mr. Beevor, and J. Kerrich, Esq. of Harleston, spoke on the occasion, after the business had been opened by a long speech, from the Ilon. G. Herbert, in the chair.

NORFOLK COUNTY MEETING.

The freeholders afterwards dined at the different inns, and passed the day with the utmost conviviality. About sixty gentlemen dined at the Angel, where the Hon. Mr. Herbert presided, who distinguished himself at the head of a table by his polite attention and social talents, as he had done at the Shire-house by his patriotic and impressive éloquence.

The first toast after dinner was, "the King.". "The Constitution as it was, and as we hope it soon will be."

"The health of Mr. Wardle," with three times three.

"The truest friend of the Farmer, the truest friend of the Constitution, and the truest friend of the People-Thomas William Coke." This toast also was received with long continued plaudits, and drank with three times three.

Mr. H. Styleman then proposed "the health of the Chairman," to whose steady exertions and manly conduct the freeholders of Norfolk owed the success of that glorious day (drank with reiterated cheers).

Mr. Herbert, in returning thanks for that mark of approbation of his conduct which he had then received, observed that, to be coupled next in honour and political integrity with such a man as

Mr. Coke, afforded him the highest gratification, and he trusted that the sentiments which with his earliest education had been instilled into his mind, would never be eradicated, for they were founded on the basis of constitutional principles, which he should ever be proud to acknowledge.

The Hon. Chairman then proposed

"A speedy Reform in Parliament, conducted with temperance, moderation, and wisdom." "Pure Elections and honest Representatives." "The health of that man who can boast not only of having faced French armies and other foreign enemies, but who dared to vote against his Commander-in-chief, and to face the great enemy at home, Corruption-General Ferguson." (Three times three.)

"The health of another brave man, who has so often fought against the foes of England, and ever in defence of the people-Admiral Markham.” (Three times three.)

"Navy and Army."

"Prosperity to the County of Norfolk-and may every county in the United Kingdom soon boast as honest a representative."

General Hethersett then gave-"Thanks to the Freeholders who signed the Requisition to the High Sheriff."

At seven o'clock the chairman being under the necessity of taking his leave, of the meeting,

Thomas Beevor, Esq. was called to the chair, when the following toasts were given :

"The Lord Bishop of the Diocese." (Three times three.)

"Purer Air to the Chelsea Pensioners."

"The virtuous 125 Members of Parliament who voted in favour of Colonel Wardle's motion." "Sir Francis Burdett.-Mr. Whitbread.-Ld. Folkstone. That able and constitutional Lawyer,

Sir Samuel Romilly."

"That zealous patriot, Mr. Waithman, and the independent Livery of London." All with three times three.

"The minority of 167 who voted in favour of Lord A. Hamilton's motion against Lord Castlereagh."

"Sir T. Turton.-Gen. Hethersett.-Major Cartwright."

"In this energetic country may merit ever meet its reward."

Neither of the county members were at the meeting or dinner, nor were their healths conjunctively drank.

NORWICH CITY MEETING.

A very numerous and respectable meeting of the inhabitants of this city being assembled in Common Hall, James Marsh, Esq. in the chair;