SIR J. MAXWELL'S Second Address to the Free and Inde pendent Electors of Paisley. MY FRIENDS AND COUNTRYMEN, Now that the great charter of our national liberties is fairly sealed, I take the freedom of congratulating you on your obtaining possession of those just rights for which you have so nobly exerted yourselves; and as you have now entered into that era which will form one of the most remarkable epochs in our national history, I conceive it necessary again to address you in reference to that important situation I have all classes of the intelligent inhabitants of your populous, and I trust soon to see, flourishing town. on PORT-GLASGow and the county-town documents that I am about to insert are of RENFREW itself; then goes into the worthy of being read with great attencounty of LANARK, to tack RUTHER- tion by my English readers; for these GLEN on to the list; and, not yet finding documents alone will be sufficient to enough, again crosses the county of convince them, that Scotland will not RENFREW, and goes (forty miles from be trod under foot. DUMBARTON) to find KILMARNOCK, in the middle of the county of AYR; and all this in order to get together a population of forty or fifty thousand souls, to be considered as belonging to one borough, in order to make the whole of these populous and commercial or manufacturing places worthy of having ONE MEMBER; while that same LORD ADVOCATE had voted for the English bill, giving TWO MEMBERS to BARING'S borough of THETFORD, which contains three thousand four hundred and fifty souls! Oh! had I known this before my lecturing at EDINBURGH, how I would have roasted the "DEMOSTHENES of Scotland!" However, omission is not remission; and that the "DEMOSTHENES" shall find. Notwithstanding all these contriv-been called to by so great a portion of ances, however, SCOTLAND will act her part well; she will do her best at any rate. She will send some men that will do their duty. That my readers in general may be able to form some judgment as to the mood that the Scotch people are in, I will here insert, FIRST, the address of Sir JouN MAXWELL to the electors of PAISLEY; SECOND, the county of RENFREW pledges; THIRD, Mr. BONTINE'S address to the electors of the county of RENFREW; FOURTH, Mr. FAIRRIE's address to the electors of GREENOCK, which has been answered by Mr. WALLACE, who is also a candidate for GREENOCK; but I have not any address published by Mr. WALLACE. After these, I shall insert the address of Mr. PEASE to the electors of DURHAM, which I ought to have inserted before. In Lanarkshire there is at present no opposition to Mr. MAXWELL, who is heartily approved of by all the good reformers. Every one makes sure of Mr. DOUGLAS of BARLOCH being one of the members for GLASGOW; and, though there are several candidates, there is no one who does not profess himself a friend of a very great change for the better. The As a warm friend to the principle that every man who presents himself as a candidate for the honour of a seat in the legislature, should give pledges to his constituents of the course he will pursue in regard to those great measures necessary for bringing back the country to that state of prosperity from which it has of late been fast receding; I take this opportunity of again referring to those pledges you have presented to me; and that there may be no misunderstanding either as to their import or of my acceptance of them, and for the information of all concerned, I shall insert them here. They are as follows: 1st. That I will neglect nothing in my power to obtain an immediate repeal of the Septennial Act, and the re-establishment of triennial Parliaments. 2nd. That I shall endeavour to secure the total abolition of all monopolies and restrictions on trade, particularly the corn-laws, and all other laws affecting the importation of human food; the trade with India and China, and the bank monopoly. well as that of primogeniture, are for the most part objects, you are aware, I 3rd. That I will do all in my power have long earnestly pursued, and to to procure a reduction of taxes, and, in obtain the whole of them no exertion or particular, the repeal of the assessed influence in my power shall be wanting, taxes, and of all taxes on knowledge, whether I am returned to Parliament or or affecting articles of health and clean- not; and of all your pledges, there is liness; and also the abolition of all un-none I will abide by more readily than necessary offices and unmerited pensions, and generally, that I will resist every wasteful or lavish expenditure of the public money. 4th. That I will do all in my power to obtain a thorough burgh reform, so as to have the election of the magistracy and council placed in the hands of the burgesses. that of resigning whenever I fail to give satisfaction to my constituents. But to render some of the measures you have pointed out equitable, it will be necessary that others be adopted, with regard to which, it is proper you should fully understand my views. In the first place, in justice to the farmer, the abolition of the corn-laws will require that a revision of contracts should take place, in order that landlords may not have the pretext of law for commit 5th. That I will endeavour to procure a revision and change in the forms and manner of administering the laws, so as to distribute cheap and expeditious jus-ting acts of injustice; and it is also netice to all classes of society, and a cheap and simple mode of conveying property. 6th. That I will insist for the entire and speedy abolition of colonial slavery. 7th. That I will support the abolition of the law of entail. 8th. That I will support an act for placing the heritable property of persons dying intestate, in some measure on a similar footing with moveable property. 9th. That I will, at all times, and in all things, act in my capacity of representative, conformably to the wishes of my constituents deliberately expressed; and if I shall not, at any time, feel inelined to do so, I shall, at their request, resign to them the trust committed to cessary that the same course should be followed between the nation and the national creditor, before any beneficial reduction of taxes can be expected; but whether this is to be by an alteration of the currency or otherwise, no measure shall have my support which has not for its object the preserving of the precious metals as the only legal tender. The present state of Ireland calls loudly for the abolition of tithes, and in carrying this into effect, it will be necessary to institute an inquiry into the state of the church establishment generally. Some alteration of the Reform Act, in connexion with the shortening of the duration of Parliaments, may also be requisite: and while, from the unexampled unanimity with which that meaMY RESPECTED COUNTRYMEN,-I assure has been received by the country, sure you, that, as a candidate for the it is entitled to a fair trial; yet should honour of representing you, I at once an extension of the elective franchise, accepted of the whole of the above the lessening the expense, or any other pledges with pleasure: the shortening improvement be called for, I will be the duration of parliaments; the aboli-ready to give it my best support. tion of the corn-laws, and of the East At an early period I expect to have India Company's, and of every other the pleasure of waiting upon you in monopoly; the reduction of taxes, par-person, when, if required, I will cheerticularly those on knowledge; a reform fully explain myself more fully on any in the burgh elections; the cheap and expeditious administration of justice; the abolition of slavery, not only in our own colonies, but over the whole globe; and the abolition of the law of entail, as me. point of legislation, which in the above outline inay be omitted; and I have only again to state, that if I am so far honoured with your confidence as to be returned your representative, nothing in my power will be wanting to make | instructions to them from the freeyour sentiments known, and to enforce holders in the several quarters aboveyour views in Parliament. My unwearied mentioned, aim shall be to secure the prosperity and happiness of the country at large, and in particular, that of the independent inhabitants of Paisley. I have the honour to remain, Pollok, 28. July, 1832. COUNTY OF RENFREW PLEDGES. Within the Saracen's Head Inn, Paisley, upon the 2. August, 1832, at one o'clock p.m. Ar a General Meeting of Delegates, elected and sent from the freeholders in and about Neilston, Barrhead, Johnstone, Kilbarchan, Bridge of Weir, and a body of farmers in the abbey parish of Paisley, attended by several freeholders from the neighbourhood of Lochwinnoch, and some other parts of the landward portion of the county of Renfrew; Mr. JAMES CALDWELL was called to the chair. Resolved-That members chosen to be representatives in Parliament, ought to forward and support the views and wishes of their constituents; and whenever they cannot do so, it is their bounden duty to resign their office. Therefore, it appears to this meeting, that in order to secure the legitimate objects of representation, the member who may be selected for this county ought to give the pledges following, viz. : 1st. I will neglect nothing in my power to obtain an immediate repeal of the Septennial Act, and the re-establishment of triennial Parliaments. 2d. That I shall endeavour to secure the total abolition of all monopolies and restrictions on trade, particularly the corn-laws, and all other laws affecting the importation of human food; the trade with India and China, and the Bank monopoly. 4th. That, along with the abolition of the corn-laws, I will support a revision of the contracts between landlords and tenants, so as to substitute a grain 3d. That I will do all in my power to procure a reduction of taxes, in particuMr. Dunlop of Carlibar laid before lar a repeal of all taxes on knowledge, the meeting a communication which he, or affecting articles of health and cleanas chairman of the last meeting of de-liness; also the abolition of all unneceslegates, had received from Mr. Thomas sary offices, and unmerited pensions; Baird of Pollokshaws, which with a and, generally, that I will resist every writing, bearing to be the resolutions of wasteful or lavish expenditure of the a meeting of electors held in that town, public money. were read; and in reference thereto, this meeting regrets that, after such an arduous struggle for reform, these electors should have hesitated at last in avowing their sentiments on some of rent for money-rents, where these are the more prominent and well-known abuses that exist in our national affairs, when about to have a member chosen to represent them in the first reformed House of Commons; so as to ascertain, 5th. That I will exert myself to proby means of explicit pledges, that he cure a revision of the laws and statutes will support their views. And more relating to the turnpike and parish roads especially it is regretted that they should and bridges in Scotland, with the view have thought of pursuing a separate of having the management of these course by themselves, different from placed upon an improved and more rethe rest of the county, on this impor-sponsible footing; and of having all tant subject. intromissions regarding these published not already the rule; and, generally, proportion the landlord's claims upon his tenant in the changed state of farm produce. The meeting having now proceeded annually to the public. to the business for which the delegates 6th. That I will do all in my power assembled, it was, in terms of the to obtain a thorough burgh reform, so as to have the election of the magistracy and council placed in the hands. of the burgesses and householders. It was further resolved, 1st. That the influential voice of the new freeholders, not being confined to 7th. That I will endeavour to pro- the elections merely, but intended of cure a modification of the game-laws, course to bear on all other important and a revision and change in the forms questions in the country, it is alike there and manners of administering the laws duty and their interest to have their in Scotland generally, so as to distribute claims immediately enrolled, as, withcheap and expeditious justice to all out this, their official usefulness to classes of society, and a cheap and sim- themselves and to the community will ple mode of conveying property. 8th. That I will insist for the entire and speedy abolition of colonial slavery; and that, in our relation with other countries, I will endeavour to advance the great interests of peace, liberty, and human improvement. be lost. And it is hoped that each district will immediately appoint committees to give directions and assistance to their fellow-freemen in the registration of their claims. 2d. That this meeting earnestly recommend unanimity among all the electors in the county, on the subject of the ensuing election, and in the full confidence that Sir M. Shaw Stewart, the present excellent representative, 9th. That I will support, with all my power, freedom of conscience, and freedom of speech and opinion, unlimited toleration in matters of religion, and complete publicity in everything in will be ready to accept the pledges now which th public is concerned. 10th. That I will institute, or assist in the institution of an inquiry into the state of the Church Establishment, with a view to remove the abuses which dishonour it. 11th. That I will exert all my power to have the tithe-system of Ireland revised and improved, and a salutary provision made for the poor of that country. 12th. That I will support the abolition of the law of entail. adopted, and thereby obviate all contest for the suffrages of the new constituency. The chairman is appointed to transmit a copy of these pledges to him, and respectfully to solicit his answer, for the guidance of the delegates, by Wednesday next, the 8th inst., to which day, at 1 o'clock p.m., this meeting will stand adjourned. 3d. That the thanks of this meeting are due to Sir John Maxwell, for the noble example he has given in accepting the pledges proposed to him by the 13th. That I will support an act for electors of Paisley, and for the cordial placing heritable property of persons manner in which he recognises the prindying intestate, in some measure on a ciple of such a course in his late address similar footing with moveable property. to the electors. 14th. That I shall use every effort in my power to obtain the speedy abolition of impressment for the navy, and of flogging in both the army and navy. 15th. That I will support a revision of contracts between the nation and the (Signed) JAMES CALDWELL, Chairman. national creditor, with the view of pro- TO THE LIBERAL AND INDEPENDENT curing a proper adjustment of the national debt. ELECTORS OF THE COUNTY OF REN- 16th. That I will at all times and in MY FRIENDS,-The obstacle which all things, act in my capacity of repre- prevented me from acceding to your sentative, conformably to the wishes of very flattering and generally-expressed my constituents, deliberately expressed; wish of becoming a candidate for the and if I shall not at any time feel inclined representation of this county, when I to do so, I shall at their request resign had the honour of meeting with your to them the trust committed to me. respectable body of delegates, on the 'I have the honour to be, 6th of September, and to which I al- the election, you select any other canluded in my address to you of the fol- didate more likely to further your views, lowing day, being now removed by the and to co-operate with you in his fa liberal and public-spirited answer which vour. Mr. Spiers gave to your deputation on the 6th instant, and learning both from the address then delivered to him, and from subsequent communications I have received, that you still entertain the same feelings towards me, I consider it due to you, and to myself, thus to an Your fellow-reformer, R. CUNNINGHAME BONTINE. Finlaystone, 15. Oct., 1832. nounce that it is with pride and gratifi- MR. FAIRRIE'S ADDRESS cation I accept of your invitation, and declare myself a candidate for the high honour and important trust of representing you in the first reformed Parlia ment. TO THE ELECTORS OF GREENOCK. GENTLEMEN,-It was my wish to Holding the opinion as I do, that a have delayed the announcement which I member of Parliament should truly re- now make, until the Reform Bill, the present the views and support the in-new and glorious charter of the liberties terests of his constituents, rather than of Scotland, had passed into a law. his own preconceived or rashly-adopted But Mr. Wallace having taken the field, notions, or in other words, that he I am compelled to come forward inshould be really the representative, not stantly with the intimation that I mean of himself, but of those who elect him, to offer myself as a candidate for the I need scarcely say, that I consider it honour of being your representative in peculiarly necessary, not only that his Parliament. political sentiments should be under- I lay claim to your support on the stood to coincide with those of the ground that I "have had every opportu people whom he represents, but that he "nity of being acquainted with the feelshould unequivocally show that they do" ings and wishes of the inhabitants on so, by giving specific pledges, at least "most great national subjects; "and "that on all those leading measures of legis-" from my youth I have been exerting lation, on which the country is gene-" myself in the promotion of our most rally agreed. This seems to me the" important charities and institutions." more expedient at this eventful time, Brought up in our national church, I when so many changes are expected, and indeed necessary to be adopted in the system of our Government, and without which, I fear the people would run no small risk of having the Reform Act, which has cost so much trouble, rendered in a great measure, useless. The feel a sincere attachment to it as the simplest and purest form of an esta blishment. By its original constitution, the heads of families were entitled to a control in the appointment of their pastors, and I certainly have always felt desirous of the reintroduction of such a To many of you my political senti- check on the exercise of patronage. ments are pretty well known, but I churches of England and Ireland form shall be most happy to meet with you a perfect contrast in almost every repersonally, in districts or otherwise, spect to ours; and in their pluralities, and explain my views specifically on and their non-residences, and the ineall subjects of necessary reform. In qualities of the incomes of the clergy, the meantime, I beg it to he under- call for the exercise of the cautious but stood, that as it is from no personal firm hand of the reformers. motives I now come forward, but solely Such, Gentlemen, are the sentiments to aid you in preserving the county which I entertain upon the most imfrom falling into a state of vassalage, I portant of these topics, respecting which shall be most ready to retire, if, before you would naturally be desirous of |