[Copyist's hand]

1818 Aug. 19 '.3

Parl. Reform Bill

Reasons Note

'.3. Annuality, or

'.2. Electors Who

{Universality}

Annuality

Extract from the Morning Chronicle dated Aug st 18= 1818 -

'Dinner to Colonel Gore Langton and Mr Dickinson, Members for the County of Somerset

Bath Aug. 17 th. On Saturday last the Members for this County, by invitation, met their friends of this City and its vicinity, at the White hart; a most sumptuous and elegant dinner was provided, consisting of the choicest viands, accompanied by the best of fruits and wines; and, perhaps on no public occasion, was ever a more handsome display exhibited. The company assembled about 5 O Clock, and J De Burgh Esq was unanimously called to the Chair. Messrs Dickinson and Langton found themselves seated with near 140 freeholders of this City and the immediate Neighbourhood, who had given their support to their Election. After the Cloth was removed, the Chairman, in a neat prefatory Speech, proposed the health of 'Our beloved Sovereign' - 'The Prince Regent' 'The Queen and Royal Familly' - 'The Duke of York and Army' - 'The Duke of Clarence and Navy'.

Mr Langton then addressed the Meeting. The pleasure he felt in being again elected for this County, was more than words could express: he had the honor of sitting in Parliament for these 12 years, and had never in one instance deviated from that path which is congenial to the feelings of Englishmen; and he should invariably adhere to those principles which would gain him the affection and eulogium of his Countrymen. He animadverted on the party ebullition, attendant on popular Elections, and he very happily contrasted the peaceful manner in which the Freeholders of this County exercised their franchise rights, while other Counties were involved in commotion. He concluded by observing, that all his aim would be to promote the welfare of his Country, and to oppose every infringement on the liberties of the people; there was nothing more particularly to discuss, every thing that he could say dwelt in the hearts of those present, and all the Inhabitants, who were free from the bonds of prejudice were enabled to judge from their impartial sentiments.

M r Dickinson felt himself highly flattered with the truly respectable and numerous attendance on this occasion, and said his whole wish was to dwell in the hearts of his Countrymen, as a lover of freedom, and truth its offspring; if he gained their approbation (which he could only do if by a strict adherence to his Parliamentary Duties by advocating the good old Laws of our forefathers, and striving to the utmost of his power to retrieve our lost liberties, and to support those we now possess) his desires were fulfilled. He should always admire an unrestricted Representative, an unbiased line of conduct in the discharge of those duties, and a constant zeal for the welfare of those they represent. He had had the honor of a seat in the British senate for the last 23 years, and he could safely say, he has never acted but in a manner, which he always deemed satisfactory and advantageous to his Country. M r Dickinson then proposed 'The health of his worthy friend the President', which he was sure would be drank in a bumper of three times three.

M r De Burgh in returning thanks for so flattering a mark of approbation, said that his only regret was, their selecting so humble and individual, to fill the Situation. (cries of no, no). That while it was the greatest source of gratification he could enjoy, it recalled to his mind those homely feelings, which renovates each nerve to join in the active zeal for the success of our worthy Members, and the love of every sentiment, that would trample despotic dynasties under foot, and be the sole influence to promote the happiness of his Countrymen; and he could safely say, there was nothing but Britons dwelt throughout the Empire. Mr De Burgh then proposed the health of Sir H.B. Guise.

The worthy Baronet said he could not express the gratitude he felt for the respectable manner in which his health was drank; and in a very appropriate speech passed some high encomiums on the Integrity of character which his worthy friends, Messrs Dickson and Langton, had always maintained.

The Chairman then proposed the health of the Members for the County of Gloucester.

Mr Webb expressed his gratitude for the honor, and said he felt extremely anxious to attend this meeting: the independent principles of the Members for the County of Somerset, he was fully aware, would be congenial to the principles and good of the Country.

Mr De Burgh then proposed 'The health of the Independent Electors of the County of Somerset', and animadverted on the wisdom of the County in returning our old Members: he did not regard their flattery as the value of the hammer in his hand, but as regarded their just discrimination, in their happy selection. After which was drank 'The health of Oliver Langford Esq the Vice-President', who appropriately returned thanks, and expressed himself in terms of the highest approbation in the choice which the County had made.

The whole was enlivened by the vocal Talents of Messrs Loder, Cole, Cripps, &c; and the business of the evening was conducted with the utmost harmony and order, and confined to the purposed for which it was assembled; not an ill-timed or improper allusion was made; no party spirit evinced, or any subject introduced, tending to create animosity; but the whole began, continued, and ended in a true Style of Sociality and good humour.