doctrines flattering the pride of human reason, and favourable to an uncontrolled exercise of the most powerful of human passions; while the general extension of literary acquirements (a signal blessing, if under the controul of good principles), has facilitated the circulation of works subversive of all morality and religion. "We, therefore, beg leave to offer to your Royal Highness our sincerest thanks, for having directed the persons engaged in this pernicious traffic to be brought to justice: and we confidently trust that the decisions of our tribunals will effect its complete suppression. "Whilst our most revered institutions are thus protected from insult, we are sensible that minds open to conviction must be guarded by the powers of reason and argument. We shall ever bear in mind, that it has been the great glory of Christianity to derive an accession of strength from the most open and powerful attacks of its adversaries. We are proud to reflect that many of the ablest and most devoted Champions of our Faith, both in ancient and modern times, have sprung from the bosom of our University. And we assure your Royal Highness, that we look back to their learned and pious labours, not only as supplying weapons against the renewal of attacks which they have successfully repelled; but as furnishing the strongest incitement to imitate their glorious example, in combating new errors; and in training the minds of those with whose education we are intrusted, in the soundest principles of religion. "We are aware of the intimate connexion that subsists between the attacks upon our holy religion, and the designs which are carried on against our laws and constitution. The same persons have taken a conspicuous lead in both; and the same evil spirit of presumption and insubordination prompts them to resist all controul, and to rise in rebellion against all laws, both human and divine. They have availed themselves of the distress and sufferings of the lower orders, to excite in them a hatred of the Government, which is equally necessary for the protection of all ranks in every condition, whether of prosperity or adversity. "They have abused our most valuable privileges, for the worst and most dangerous purposes. "The right we enjoy of petitioning our Government upon its public measures, they have perverted by meeting for the avowed object of demanding of that Government to put an end to its own existence; by substituting for the established constitution of an essential branch of the legislature, a vild and impracticable democracy, unknown to our laws. Such purposes, we conceive, are equally unconstitutional under the Government over which your Royal Highness presides, and Inadmissible under any Government which pos sesses the right of defending and maintaining itself. "In other instances they have openly proceeded to carry such revolutionary purposes into execution; and in many more, the meetings which have assembled under pretexts more consistent with the law, have been accompanied with such circumstances, as demonstrated that their real objects were totally foreign to deliberation or discussion among themselves, or solicitation or remonstrance with the Government. "In this state of the country, we acknowledge with gratitude the paternal care and prudence of your Royal Highness in assembling the Parliament. We look forward with confidence to its decisions, whether judicial or legislative. And we trust that, with the aid of its deliberations, your Royal Highness will (by the blessing of Almighty God) successfully defend against the machinations of daring and desperate adventurers, that Government which has stood the tests of so many ages, and which, in our own age, your Royal Highness has been the happy instrument, under Providence, of rescuing from the greatest perils, both external and internal, by unparalleled and ever glorious victories, and by firmness, justice, and moderation in council." After the Address, the Prince Regent returned the following appropriate An swer: "I return you my warmest thanks for this loyal and dutiful Address. "It is peculiarly gratifying to me to receive at this time such a testimony of your zealous and unabated attachment to the Civil and Religious establishments of your country and I am fully persuaded that you will ever consider it as your indispensable and first duty to cherish and inculcate that reverence for our Holy Religion, and that firm adherence to the true principles of the Constitution in Church and State, on which the preservation of all that is most valuable to us must wholly depend. "At this important conjuncture, I rely with confidence on the wisdom of Parliament, and on the active and cordial cooperation of the great body of his Majesty's subjects, to enable me to arrest the progress of infidelity and sedition, to frustrate the designs of the disaffected; and, under the favour of Divine Providence, to restore tranquillity to the nation." They were all most graciously received. Dec. 21. This day the beautiful new parish Church of Dudley, was opened by the solemn act of consecration. The Bi. shop of Worcester performed the service in a very impressive manner, to a crowded congregation, and the Vicar of the parish preached preached an appropriate discourse, from, Dec. 21, being St. Thomas's Day, as Dec. 21. In a petition presented by the Presbytery of Hamilton, printed by order of the House of Commons, it is stated, that "in many instances nearly one half of the weavers are unemployed at the looms, and even when so employed, the pittance of wages is in most cases so scanty, that when a family has to be supported by the earnings of one man, it is absolutely impossible for him, without other aid, to keep them in existence. Many families in the several parishes cannot now attend, as formerly, their public ministrations in church from the want of decent clothing; and the education of their children is now, in many cases, neglected from the same cause;" adding, "that if the pressure of want could be removed, they feel perfectly assured peace and quietness, so far as respects the great body of the manufactur * See the Gent. Mag, for last Nov, on this subject, p. 406, Ing population, would follow of course." Dec. 26.-As Mr. Puddecombe, a respectable farmer, was returning from Barnstable market with a considerable sum of money in his pocket, he was thrown by his horse over the bridge, and has not yet been found. It is supposed, some persons held a rope across, and by lifting it up when he was passing, frightened the spirited animal; and thus, by an idle frolic, caused his untimely and lamented death. He has left a wife and five smallchildren to bewail his loss. Dec. 30. Benj. Surr, of Leeds, an unfortunate maniac, was lately discovered chained in his father's cellar, where he had remained about sixteen years: he was conveyed to Leeds workhouse, and there diedon this day. The warmth and comfort which he experienced during the week that he was in the workhouse, were so different from the rigours to which his constitution had been habituated; that they, produced the evil they were meant to avert. Sidmouth, Dec. 30.-Yesterday and this day, the weather proving favourable, their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and the Princess, have been each day on the promenade, where they continued walking a considerable time. The dangerous practice of inexperienced persons being trusted with guns had yesterday been nearly attended with disastrous consequences: an apprentice boy, shooting at small birds, had the audacity to apnear the residence of their proach so Royal Highnesses, that the shot broke the windows of the nursery, and passed very near the head of the infant Princess, who The delinwas in the arms of the nurse. quent was detected; but, at the request of the Duke, he was pardoned, upon a promise of desisting from such culpable pursuits. Jan. 7. This morning the Birmingham Theatre was totally destroyed by fire. The manager, Mr. Bunn, left the theatre at eleven: about one, the flames were discovered, and at three the roof fell. Pr. zarro had been performed that evening; and the wadding from the pistol fired at Rolla is supposed to have lodged in the scenery. It is remarkable, that to a like cause, in the same play, the destruction of Covent Garden Theatre was attributed, The building was insured for 70001. and the furniture for 20001. Jan. 15. On Sunday morning last, about half-past three o'clock, the range of building in the northern part of Magdalen Hall, in the University of Oxford was discovered (by the guard of a mail coming into into Oxford) to be on fire. The inmates of 'the' Hall "and of Magdalen College were "speedily alarmed, and by four o'clock the cry of "Fire" through the city brought the timely aid of engines, and a considerable number of persons to the spot, when every possible exertion was made to subdue the dominion of the destructive element. The severity of the weather had rendered most of the nearest pumps useless, which made it necessary to form a line with three engines to supply water from the river Cherwell-a distance from the fire of two baudred yards. There was a fourth engine, which was supplied (though not fully) with water in buckets from the pamps. At this point of time, there appeared no hope of saving a single room out of the sixteen sets composing that part of the Hall, which, being built mostly of timber, offered but little resistance to the then raging flames; and, as the wind blew directly towards the Principal's lodgings, the chapel, and the hall, it was deemed prudent to demolish a small shed which connected them, and to apply the full force of the engines to prevent the communication of the fire which seemed to 'threaten. These measures, together with the praiseworthy exertions of the persons assembled, alone saved those parts of the Hall. Several Members of the University rendered their assistance; amongst whom no one was more assiduous than the learned, amiable, and venerable Diocesan.About six o'clock, the engines were played on the yet remaining part of the northern extremity of the building, and unexpectedly, though fortunately, preserved four sets of rooms, one of which is on the ground floor, and the other three storied above. Before eight, the fire was nearly extin. guished: it was, however, thought necessary to work the engines until nearly twelve o'clock, when no appearance of danger any longer existed. We are unable to state the occasion of this fire satisfactorily we only know that it commenced at or very near to the Common Room. Happily no lives were lost, and we live not heard that "bodily injury was sustained by any person. Besides the destruction of the twelve sets of rooms, we are sorry to say, that a considerable number of valuable books "were burnt, together with several musical instruments, some plate, and most of the furniture. Several informations have lately been laid against Clergymen in Essex and Suffolk, for omitting to read the act against profane swearing. On opening a cod-fish, a few days ago, by the cook of the King's Arms tavern, at Plymouth-dock, a worm, about four inches "long, was found in the fish, in shape like a sole, covered with green feathers, equal in brilliancy to those of the peacock: between the feathers are small sharp quills, resembling those of the porcupine. This extraordinary production of nature is now in the possession of the printer of the Plymouth paper, for the inspection of the na'turalist. A person crossing over the Severn, at the "New Passage, was asking the master of the boat, whether there were ever any people lost in the passage No Sir," answered the Monmouthshire tar," never; my brother was drowned here last week; but we found him again' the next day.” "A short time ago, as a young man of Beckley, Kent, named Bates, and a relation of his, were passing each other, in "a stooping attitude, under the mantle-piece of the kitchen fire-place, their heads came in contact; by which Barns received a blow in the frontal bone that produced an inflammation of the brain, and unhappily caused his death. About the second year of the present King's reign, a man of the name of George King was convicted in Dublin of a capital felony. He drew up a memorial to the King, which he forwarded with the following lines: George King to King George sends his humble petition, [King's condition; Hoping King George will pity George If King George to George King will grant a long day, [pray. George King for King George for ever will The man was pardoned. A few days ago was shot, near the entrance of Kilkenny harbour, a large seafowl, having, through its neck an arrow, such as those described by Captain Cook, to be used by the natives of the islands of the Pacific Ocean; the shaft of the arrow, which is about eight inches long, is of a kind of wood resembling bone, and is rudely bearded with iron. The beard and shaft shot at least four inches through the neck; and the flesh round the shaft is not only healed, but perfectly hard and callous. stable was called in, who broke it open, and found the man dressed, lying across inside the door, and the woman undressed, lying on the floor naked, both quite dead. There was some bread and butter in the room, and the man had one shilling in his pocket. They were very poor; but some persons used to bring them food. On Tuesday evening all the lodgers came to their room-door, in consequence of hearing them in the morning; and, finding the door shut, called to them to open it, but they made no answer, although the woman was heard to say to her husband, "where are you?" and he auswered, "here I am." The constable and the beadle, who opened the door, were of opinion that they perished in consequence of the inclemency of the uight; they had no bed nor firing. Mr. Taylor, one of the overseers, said, he gave the man a shirt, a pair of shoes and stockings, a shift and a pair of shoes and stockings for his wife, in November last; and during the last fortnight he paid them six shillings per week. The Jury thought as there was bread and butter in the room, they were not starved to death; but, not having clothing, bed, nor fire, during the inclement season, they perished.-Verdict to that effect. Thursday, Jan. 6. A wretched man named George Simpson, of Walthamstow, was this morning found in a ditch, in the Homerton fields, where he had attempted to commit suicide (through distress), by hanging himself. He was taken care of, and afterwards sent to his parish. Wednesday, Jan. 12. A case of considerable importance to electors for Members of Parliament in all parts of the kingdom, but more immediately interesting to the householders of Westminster, was tried in the Guildhall of the city of London, before Chief Justice Abbot and a special jury. Mr. Cullen, a respectable householder of the city of Westminster, brought an action against Mr. Morris, the High Bailiff, for refusing to accept his vote, which he tendered at the last election of a citizen to serve in Parliament for Westminster, in the room of the late lamented Sir S. Romilly. It appeared in evidence, that Mr. Cullen had for many years uniformly and punctually paid his rates and taxes; but that, from some remissness on the part of the tax-gatherer, or other parish officer, some arrear was due at the period of the last election; and in consequence of this, when Mr. Cullen tendered his vote for one of the candidates, it was refused by the High Bailiff. Mr. Culleu immediately paid the arrear then due, and again tendered his vote; but the High Bailiff persisted in his original determination, and again refused to receive it. The Lord Chief Justice was of opinion, that the vote had been improperly rejected; but he considered that an action was not sustainable against the returning officer, unless improper motives could be proved. Of that the Jury were the best judges. The Jury retired for an hour and half, but could not agree upon a verdict; and, at the Judge's suggestion, and by consent of the parties, a juror was withdrawn. This case remains undecided, A debate took place at the East India House, in the Court of Proprietors, upon the subject of erecting a statue to Warren Hastings, to testify the respect of the Company for his memory, and the approbation of his services while Governor-General of India. The motion was warmly opposed by Mr. R. Jackson, and also by Mr. Charles Grant, whose residence in India at the period of Mr. Hastings's government, and his official rank, enabled him to form a correct estimate of the proceedings that marked the administrations of that extraordinary man. The motion was, however, finally adopted by a very great majority. As some workmen were felling timber in a wood called Cold fall, situated to the east of Finchley Common, they discovered, under the stump of an old oak, within four feet of the surface of the ground, two large wooden chests, much decayed, in which were deposited several tin boxes, containing pistols, flints, remnants of wearing apparel. a quantity of brass buttons, aud a few silver coins of George II. It is supposed, that they must have been placed there for safety, many years back, by some highwayman; a class of desperadoes who about 90 years ago greatly infested that particular spot. Thursday, Jan. 13. A meeting was held at Mr. Hick's warepriety of adapting those premises to the houses, London-wall, to consider the proreception of the indigent and houseless for the night, during the present inclement season. The meeting was respectably attended.-Among those who assembled on this benevolent occasion, were observed the Bishop of Chester, Archdeacon Nares, rector of All-Hallows, Sir C. Flower, bart. Mr. Rowcroft, Mr. D. Barclay, and Duncan Campbell, esq. The Lord Mayor, having taken the chair, said, that every one must see the destitute and houseless poor during the necessity of providing an asylum for the present severe winter, The numbers of almost incredible to those unacquainted applications to Magistrates for relief were with such matters. The present meeting was convened to endeavour as much as possible to alleviate the distress of our suffering fellow ereatures; and he was sure that that they would not suffer those who bad fought the battles of their country to lie about the streets in a state of wretchedness and starvation. The Magistrates found much difficulty, he was sorry to say, in getting parishes to provide for their poor; but there were, besides those entitled to parochial relief, great numbers who bad no claim on the poor laws of this country. It was, therefore, proposed to raise a subscription in order to afford them temporary shelter from the inclemency of the weather, unul they could be otherwise provided for; and in furtherance of this great object, Mr. Hick, of Cheapside, bad generously given the use of his extensive warehouses in order to form that asyiuin. The Bishop of Chester presented himself to the meeting, amid loud plaudits. His Lordship said, he had to apologize for Lespassing on their time and attention, while he offered a few short observations. He did not know that such a meeting was about to take place till a few minutes be fore; when, taking up one of the newspa pers, he saw it announced; and, as he highly approved of the plan, he immediately ordered his carriage. (Applause.) There were, he believed, some objections against this mode of charity: but, indeed, there was no species of charity against which objections could not be urged. He was, however, sure that the advantages of this plan far outweighed and counterbalanced its disadvantages; and, therefore, he was ready to bestow his mite on it. Indeed, he knew not how any man could sit down quietly in the enjoyment of wealth-could lay his head on his pillow with a clear and approving conscience, when thousands, many of them wretched · females, were wandering through the streets, without a home to shelter, or a hand to succour them. He conceived his bounty was well bestowed on such a benevolent plan; and it had his best wishes for its perfect success. (Applause.) Mr. Bodkin said, that the premises which were to be devoted to this charitable object were in every respect fit for the purpose. There were four spacious floors, where the men and women could be sepa rated, and the lower part of the building, would answer for the preparation of food. Mr. Bodkin proposed a series of resolutions, relative to the intended objects of the meeting which were carried unani mously. A Committee was then appoint ed to manage the subscription, &c.; and the Mendicity and other charitable societies were requested to co-operate with them. Thanks were voted to the Lord Mayor, the Bishop of Chester, and Mr. Sheriff Rothwell; and to Mr. Hick, for his generous grant of the use of his premises. The subscription then commenced, and GENT. MAG. January, 1820. upwards of 700%. were immediately raised ; and so active were the exertions in preparing the receptacle for immediate use, that many wretched wanderers the same night, enjoyed comparative comfort within its walls, who, but for this arrangement, would have continued houseless, and suffering from the inclemency of the weather. Saturday, Jan. 15. Abraham Van Brienan who had swindled Messrs. Rivington's, and numerous individuals, of property to a considerable amount, on the faith of his credit at bankers, where he had ingenuity enough to persuade them he kept cash, was tried and convicted at the Middlesex Sessions on three indictments. The Court apprised Mr. Van Brienan that he was too clever a man for a permanent residence in this country. He was, therefore, ordered to take up his residence for the next seven years of his life in Botany Bay. The prisoner, who is a dashing looking fellow, received his sentence with perfect composure. Prince Leopold has presented the family of the late Mr. Bird, R. A. with a purse of one hundred guineas, and also given the artist's picture of the Surrender of Calais, in his Royal Highness's possession, to be disposed of for the benefit of the family. This picture was presented to the lamented Princess Charlotte of Wales, when Mr. Bird had the honour of being appointed Historical Painter to Her Royal Highness. Lately. At Ashford, a boy experienced so violent a fall whilst amusing himself at sliding, that he expired almost immediately. Monday, Jan. 17. A dreadful fire broke out this morning, at five o'clock, in the house of Mr. Kerr, a boot and shoemaker, at the corner of Norfolk-street, in the Strand. The flames were first discovered in the lower part of the house by the watchinan and some passengers, and an alarm was given. By this means the family were saved from untimely death. Mr. K. escaped with scarce an article of dress on him. Of all the property on the premises, a few of Mr. K.'s account books only were saved. The flames advanced with an overwhelming ra. pidity, and in a few minutes the house was enveloped in one aweful blaze. The firemen were successful in Norfolk-street in checking the progress of the flames; but in the Strand they were not equally fortunate. The flames soon caught the dwelling of Mr. Cary, the chart-seller, and in a short time that building added to the melancholy grandeur of the spectacle. Soon afterwards the roof and front of Mr. Kerr's house fell with a tremendous cash. The flames in Mr. J. Cary's premises soon advauced to the adjoining house of his brother, |
