a most cruel partiality in taxation, inasmuch as the poor man, who has not the means, because he does not possess the necessary utensils, to brew, if he drinks beer, must buy it of the brewer or the publican, and, thus, he pays twice as much tax for the same quantity as his wealthy master, the landed gentleman, or the splendid noble man. There is an obvious and fair remedy for this hardship, which however it is not necessary to describe here, and I am desirous to avoid too much intrusion on your useful paper. The necessity to which the brewers have been driven to make the beer so much weaker, has the effect to lessen the general repute of the whole trade in the estimation of the public, and even to excite the reproaches of many. How severely unjust this is may be submitted to the candid and intelligent part of the community. Every considerate inind must perceive that there is no other alternative in the case, than an advance in the retail price of the beer, or submitting to the use of a liquor more deserving the appellation of table beer than any better description.I am, Sir, yours respectfully, Which, when duly considered, points out | He could have wished that an earlier day' had been fixed for the present Meeting; but the delay had this advantage, that whatever they did would appear the result of cool and deliberate consideration. It' was hardly necessary to say a word on the subject of the Address: if it had been a question which could excite any dispute,' he would not have brought it forward. He knew that it had been in the contemplation of some worthy members of the Corporation to have agitated this matter some time ago; but before the documents which had now appeared were generally known, whatever sympathy might have been felt and expressed for the unmerited sufferings of the illustrious Princess, yet the decision of the Council would not have that weight which it must carry, now that it was supported by proof. The public were now in the possession of the whole,--they had seen her sufferings,-they knew her innocence,— they had witnessed her patience, forbearance, and dignity; and it was a great consolation to see that the country expressed an unanimous and unequivocal feeling as to the purity of her Royal Highness's character. If the case had been that of a private individual, such persecution, and such conduct under it, would have excited universal sympathy; how much more, then, when it was the case of so high a personage, and its consequences were connected with the peace and tranquillity of the realm, the nation in civil war? it was, therefore, and its tendency might have been to involve a question particularly demanding attention. There would be nothing in the Address but what, he hoped, would meet the approbation of every Member of that Assembly: he trusted there would be no opposition to it. it. He then moved, first, X. Y. Z. ADDRESSES, &c. A Special Court of Common Council was held yesterday. The requisition being read MR. WAITHMAN began by saying, that in bringing forward his Address, very little need be said. He was one who felt it his duty, on all occasions, to uphold the character of the Livery, and the Corporation of London; and therefore, though he concurred in every sentiment expressed in the Address of the Livery, he had hought the Corporation of London the fittest body to interfere on such an occasion. It was not that he thought the subject an unfit one for the Livery to discuss; it was one of vital importance to the state, and therefore highly proper for their consideration: but he thought as the Corporation, and not the Livery, had addressed her Royal Highness on her arrival and on other occasions, the Corporation was more particularly called upon on this occasion. These had been his sentiments, and these his only motives. That a loyal and dutiful Address be presented to Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, to congratulate her on her signal triumph over a foul and atrocious conspiracy against her life and honour.” MR. FAVELL said, the question was one of great interest, and had been met with honour and spirit by the people. had shewn that they were not untouched They by what affected the dignity of Royalty. He was happy to say that some of the Royal Family followed the illustrious example of their Royal Father, by assisting to disseminate religious instruction, and by plans of benevolence and charity. This was the more important, because it was well known that in the French Revolution › the profligacy of the French Princes had led to their ruin. If the people should people would lead to that pleasing result. once hold their Governors in contempt, Now it was different. The Princess of the Constitution would be in danger. But Wales had appealed to the Lords and the conduct of the people during the present Commons: neither of those bodies could business, had manifested that they did not interfere one, because its judicial characwish to degrade Royalty. He confessed, ter prevented such interference; the other, that when the question was first brought because, to use its own language, the subforward, he had thought it better to beject was in an untangible shape. What! quiet: he thought, that if public meetings were assembled, while the matter was yet before Parliament, it would appear like a design to shelter the Princess with their protection. Now, however, there was but one voice as to the innocence of the Princess. then, was the Princess of Wales to be the only person in the kingdom whose wrongs were to be without remedy? Private persons, if slandered, had their remedy at common law; they might indict, or bring their actions for damages: the Princess of Wales would be without redress, but for the manifestation of public opinion. The extraordinary proceedings of the four Commissioners, in giving credit to evidence which had been refuted,-the unparalleled MR. GRIFFITHS hoped the present Address would be as unanimous as that passed on the marriage of her Royal Highness. He said he had had it in contemplation, to pay the respects of the Court to the hus-effrontery of Sir John and Lady Douglas, band as well as the wife (a laugh), as it might be awkward to address one and not the other. He was sorry this Court had not taken the precedence of the Livery. MR. JACKS said, he was one of those who had thought at first, that it was better not to interfere, on the ground mentioned by a worthy Baronet, that such interference might widen the breach between man and wife; but as the Livery of London had thought, that some public manifestation of its sentiments should be made, he thought that the Common Council ought not to be behind. He was anxious, however, that while justice was done to the Princess, injustice should not be done to the Prince. There was no evidence which could induce any one to suppose that he was at the bottom of the conspiracy, whatever persons might choose to surmise. He wished, therefore, to add, after the word "conspiracy," these words" entered into by persons admitted to her society and confidence, and abusing it to the destruction of her life and honour." in offering to re-swear their assertions,left the Princess in a situation from which she was without means of refuge, unless the public interfered: their opinion must be her protection; and miserable, indeed, would be the state of the country, if the Princess should be destitute even of this remedy against the evils which oppressed her. MR. WAITHMAN, in his reply, said, that a Gentleman (Mr. Jacks) who had given up his opinion to the general voice of the public, appeared to him to come forward because he was not wanted. His worthy Friend (Mr. Alderman Wood) had warmly commended him for so doing. For his part, he was an enemy to every species of tyranny, and to none more than the tyranny over the mind; and he should therefore always maintain his own opinions, whether they were likely to be popular or unpopular. He should much rather retire for ever from public life than adopt opinions merely from their popularity. As all men were liable to errors, the public sentiment was often MR. ALDERMAN WOOD rose to express the best criterion of what was right; but his grateful feelings, that the Livery of still every Englishman who had formed London had been followed by other public opinions on any subject, was fully justified bodies, and now by the Common Council. in maintaining those opinions, whatever When he first brought the matter forward, might be the public voice. He had through his usual friends seemed to object to its the last twenty years of his life given pretty principle; and he had no reason to suppose strong proofs, that he was not to be prethat he should have experienced their sup-vented from speaking his opinions from any port, if he had brought it forward in Common Council. MR. QUIN had thought the last time of moving this business not precisely the moment for interfering: because there was a prospect of reconciliation; there was some hope, that the general sentiment of the consideration of their being unpopular. He was sorry that his worthy Friend (Mr. Alderman Wood) had entered so much into subjects which, as they rested on private conversations, it was not easy to explain. A difference of opinion had existed, at a former time, among several of his friends, "that he would, with the best of his endeavours, support the peace and good order of the City." He had, therefore, not conceived himself justified in bringing the procession through the streets where there were great assemblages of people, who might (for aught he then knew) be riotously inclined. He must say, however, that he had afterwards seen, that there was no riotous disposition on the part of the people assembled, and that he never saw a multitude more peaceable or orderly than those whom he saw assembled in the Park. not as to the innocence of the Princess, but MR. JACKS complained of having been misrepresented as to his giving up his opinions because they were unpopular. He never doubted of the innocence of the Princess, but he did not wish to throw any imputation on the Prince. On the face of the evidence there appeared no proof that the Prince was at all at the bottom of it. He wished that the saddle should be put on the right horse, and that the City of London should not have the appearance of implying any charge of guilt against the first Magistrate of the country. It was only with this view he had proposed the amendment, and he should not withdraw it. MR. ALDERMAN WOOD declared, that it never was his intention, or that of the friends with whom he acted, either there, or in the Common-Hall, to offer any insult to the Prince Regent. He could not, however, see that there was any necessity for the Lord Mayor turning off the Livery at Tyburn, (a laugh,) as he had done. He himself, on his return, passed by Carltonhouse, but no insult was there offered to the Prince. He hoped that the Address would be presented in the most respectful manner. The question being then put, the Amendment was rejected by a very great majority; and the original proposition, for an Address, was carried nearly unanimously, there beonly one hand held up against it. A Committee was then appointed to prepare such Address. COMMON HALL. A Common Hall was held yesterday. If The LORD MAYOR stated, that the Hall was assembled to receive the Report of the Address to the Princess of Wales, and the Answer of her Royal Highness. He had not himself thought it necessary to convene a Special Hall for this purpose, as the Address and Answer had appeared in all the public papers, but he had yielded to the expostulation of a worthy Alderman. it were necessary to call them from their homes and business, he had no objection to call a Common Hall or Common Council every day.The Report was then read; towards the end of which it was stated, that the Address and Answer not appearing in the London Gazette, the Remembrancer The LORD MAYOR thought it necessary to wrote to the Publisher on the subject, who declare, that in the manner in which he returned for answer, that he was not auhad judged proper to go up with the Ad-thorized to make such insertions, unless dress, he had not acted in consequence of any communications with others. He had acted in conformity to the sacred oath which he had taken, when he entered into office, they were transmitted to him through the Office of the Secretary for the Home Department.-(Hisses.) The Remembrancer then wrote to Lord Sidmouth, stating what had passed, and hoping the Address, &c. | sters must have some feelings against the would have an early insertion. To this Princess, or the Address would have apLord Sidmouth answered, that in the ex-peared in the Gazette. He had wished to ercise of his discretion, in his official Situation, he did not think it proper to make the required insertions.-(Hisses.) A letter from MR. WHITBREAD was then read, expressing his grateful acknowledgment of their vote of Thanks; after which, the LORD MAYOR came forward, thanked them for their attendance, and said the Hall was now dissolved. /Cries of No! No!) MR. ALDERMAN WOOD came forward to speak, but the Lord Mayor left the Hall amid loud hisses.-Great confusion prevailed, but Mr. Alderman J. J. Smith coming in, there was a shout for him to take the Chair. MR. WAITHMAN addressed the Meeting. He said they were not altogether in a new situation: they had, on former occasions, been deserted by their Chief Magistrate, and the practice had been for some Alderman to take the Chair. In Mr. Wilkes's time, something similar had happened: an Alderman, after the Lord Mayor left the Hall, presided merely as Chairman of the Livery. MR. ALDERMAN SMITH said he had scruples in his mind, which had not been removed by what had fallen from his worthy friend. The present was a meeting, consisting of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Livery; this had been dissolved by the Lord Mayor, which he lamented; but still he was afraid, under such circumstances, he could not legally take the Chair. His legal friends advised him against it. Mr. ALDERMAN WOOD then proposed that as it was now merely a meeting of the Livery, Sir William Rawlins should take the Chair, which he did immediately. MR. ALDERMAN SMITH said he had no objection to attend, and address them merely as a Liveryman. - (He and Alderman WOOD then pulled off their gowns.) MR. ALDERMAN WOOD came forward. He said it had always been the practice to convene a Common-Hall to receive the answer to their Address. The Lord Mayor called the purpose of their meeting trivial, but his dissolving the Hall shewed that he attached some importance to it. It was right that the Hall should make some remarks on Lord Sidmouth's Letter, Addresses had hitherto been always printed in the London Gazette; he was afraid the office had been contaminated since its removal from Shoe-lane to the West end of the town (a laugh). It was evident, that the Mini abstain from all remarks on the Regent and his Government; especially as he had no reason to believe, that the Lord Mayor, in turning them off at Tyburn (a laugh), had any instructions from head-quarters. He had made inquiries, but had not found any reason to think any influence had been exerted. Indeed, he could not be brought to think that such an Address could have been any way displeasing to the Husband of the injured Princess. He had, however, been informed, that the Lord Mayor had, within a few days, waited on Lord Sidmouth, and asked his advice, whether he should convene a Hall to-day. Lord Sidmouth told him, that he must be the best judge, but that he himself should advise against calling a Meeting; to which the Lord Mayor replied, that he had promised a Hall to some Gentlemen, and must call it, (a laugh.) MR. WAITHMAN then addressed the Livery. He said, it had not at first been his intention to pass a censure on the conduct of the Lord Mayor. A difference of opinion had prevailed, as to the propriety of the first Hall; but after the resolutions then made, there could be but one sentiment, that as much weight as possible ought to be given to the decision of the Livery of London. He therefore went himself in the procession, and even regarded it as a fortunate circumstance, that the Address had been carried. Considering the conduct of the Lord Mayor and Lord Sidmouth, they seemed to him to have acted under an erroneous impression, that the Prince could be displeased at the discovery of the foul conspiracy against his own wife: that her triumphant rescue from atrocious calumny would be ungrateful to the feelings of a husband, (Huzzas.) His own opinion was far different; he had no doubt that the Prince Regent must be delighted at the triumph of one so dear to him by birth, as well as marriage, (Loud applause.) How, then, had Lord Sidmouth dared, by his conduct, to countenance an opinion, that the Address would be unpleasing to his Royal Highness? (Applause. As to the conduct of the Lord Mayor, why had he carried the Livery of London by a circuitous route? Why had he presumed to think that the triumph which the City were celebrating would give displeasure in any particular quarter? The Lord Mayor had yesterday excused himself by saying, that his oath compelled him to keep the peace of the city. What! was MR. THOMPSON Said, it had been the object in all their proceedings to keep his Royal Highness the Prince Regent out of the question; but it seemed that Ministers, by their conduct, and the Lord Mayor by his, were determined to implicate his Royal Highness, as far as they could. The Resolution of Censure was then put and carried with one dissentient voice, and was ordered to be published in the papers. MR. WAITHMAN then moved the Thanks of the Meeting to Sir W. Rawlins.The Thanks of the Meeting were then voted to Sir W. RAWLINS, who returned thanks, and the Meeting dispersed. Mr. Hunt, the late Candidate for Bristol, presented the following Address from the Freemen, Burgesses, and Inhabitants of that City, to Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, at Montague House, Blackheath, by appointment, at two o'clock yesterday: "To Her Royal Highness Caroline, Princess of Wales. "The Dutiful and Loyal Address of a numerous and respectable Public Meeting of the Freemen, Burgesses, and Inhabitants of the City of Bristol, held on the Public Exchange, the 22d day of March, 1813. "May it please your Royal Higliness, "We, the Freemen, Burgesses, and In habitants of the ancient City of Bristol, in |