Esq., and a requisition was accordingly promoted, and signed in the short space of three days, by 1140 Electors, and forwarded by a deputation who waited on Mr. G., the 7th of July, 1830, to whom they presented the following address. SIR, We have presumed to solicit our brother Electors, resident in this City, to join in a requisition to you, and they have responded to our application, by subscribing their names, and manfully identifying themselves with the cause which we have undertaken. In this Document you will find the Names of many of the most opulent of our Citizens, who like ourselves, look up to YOU Sir, to become the regenerator of that independant ascendancy which alone gives importance to the representation of Norwich. The numbers we are empowered to present to you, are powerful, and we trust irresistible, by the energetic application of a few individuals in humble life, Eleven Hundred and Forty names have been collected in the short space of three days.— We are aware Sir, of the weighty responsibility which we call upon you to fulfill in the scale of Civil Legislation; yet your numerous Requisitionists look forward in joyful anticipation of your acceptance of their offer, on whose behalf we now present you with this important Requisition, which we trust you will receive as a pledge of our sincerity and our solicitude. Mr. G. received the deputation in a most handsome manner, and in answer to their address-" begged they would accept his best thanks for their trouble in presenting a requisition so numerously and so respectably signed-hoped they would express to his fellow Citizens, his grateful feelings on receiving such a testimony of their approbation, and also, how painful it was to refuse so flattering an offer of their support." Mr. G. next alluded to his " declining state of health, and his wish to retire from public life," (Here the Deputation began to shew symptoms of anxiety,) when “Richard became himself again," and said "I am as willing as ever to co operate with you in promoting the return of any person who would be likely to promote the safety and prosperity of this City-and, should you be unable before the day of Election to obtain such a Candidate, I shall have great pleasure in giving my Vote in support of your nomination." The above address was presented by a delegation of Five Operatives, who waited on Mr. Gurney at Northrepps, but, as it appears his answer was not decisive, a meeting was held on Monday Evening, at Mr. Alfred Barnards, Sir T. Beevor was called to the chair, and a second effort was made to bring forward Mr. Gurney. A declaration of that resolution was signed by about Sixty Gentlemen, and presented to Mr. H. Gurney by Sir T. Beevor, and A. Hudson, Esq. In addition to the above, a similar declaration was put forth, signed by thirty-six of the principal resident Manufacturers. The effect of the above all-powerful impulse, has been pretty generally felt,—and like an electrical shock, pervaded every mind that came within the circle of its influence. Men, who had almost ceased to think for themselves, now felt that it was high time to "gird on their armour."-We owe much to the unwearied exertions of the Operatives, and we sincerely hope their services will be duly and justly appreciated, so true is the proverb, that, "HE that by the Plough would thrive, The great work of Political regeneration is began, let such worthies but steadily pursue their noble purpose, and we shall yet live to see "The evil of a nullified and disgraceful Representation in future averted, and the legitimate exercise of our civil rights restored," On Monday, July 12th, it was announced by the following Circular, that R. H. Gurney, Esq. had acceded to the united wishes of the requisitionists, thus were their labours crowned with success, in selecting and supporting a Candidate, whose political sentiments, whose active benevolence and private worth, all tended to strengthen the ties which identify the house of GURNEY with the prosperity of the City of Norwich. TO THE ELECTORS OF NORWICH. Gentlemen, Having received a Requisition to become a Candidate for the Representation of this City, emanating from the Operative Class of Society, signed by a very large portion of Electors, and having had a declaration handed to me supporting the appeal thus made, I cannot hesitate any longer to comply with their wishes, although I had relinquished all thoughts of again returning into public life. My political opinions have been for many years before you. I can assure you they remain unaltered, and upon them I rest my claim to your support. I am, Gentlemen, Your faithful and obedient Servant, NORWICH, 13TH JULY, 1830. R. H. GURNEY. It is worthy of remark, that no similar declarations were ever so respectfully signed, as they embodied the talents and character of the most respectable individuals in the City. To this powerful appeal, happily for the interests of this great Commercial City, Mr. G. surrendered his own wishes, private interests, and feelings, softened down, perhaps, by the address supported by 1140 Requisitionists, chiefly Operatives, this when backed by the above declarations, became so powerful an appeal to his patriotism, as not to be equalled, or resisted. The attention of the leading Men in the Blue and White Interest was now directed to H. Brougham, Esq. as a Colleague, and ac- · cordingly a deputation waited upon him on Tuesday, July 20th, 1830, and presented him with the following address. SIR, The aspect of the times renders it an indispensible duty on Electors, to seek to be represented by Men of extraordinary energies and talent, and the widely extended suffrage, and diversified interests of our manufacturing City, have a superior claim upon Gentlemen so distinguished, and who are eminently devoted to the great cause of the People. Actuated by a sense of your peculiar abilities, as a Statesman, and conscious of your sterling Independance and firm Character, We, a portion of the Operative Class of Electors, present you with this requisition, to come forward as a Candidate for the representation of the City of Norwich. Our attachment to your Public Principles, knowing Sir, that you patronize the Mechanics' Institution, and in every way, as far as you can, promote the Interests, and defend the Civil and Religious Liberties of your Country, are the considerations which have directed us to you; and Sir, if you cannot comply with our request, we must inevitably cease to have any influence in the scale of Legislation. The representation of Norwich will again be nullified, although we are confident, should you incline to become a Candidate in conjunction with Mr. Gurney, who is already in the Field, of obtaining a successful and complete termination of our united labours, We are Sir, Your &., &c. It may here be observed, that, although Mr. Brougham declined the offer of becoming a Candidate, yet it ought not to be forgotten, that he recommended the deputation to wait upon R. Grant, Esq., who it will be found, received it with the utmost cordiality. A more active scene now presented itself, no time was to be lost, every hour became more precious, and the Friends of Liberty who had entered the Field determined not to "staud all the day idle.', The deputation that waited upon Mr. Grant, brought their labours to a successful issue,-Mr. G. lost no time in repairing to the post of honour. A notice to the following effect was immediately circulated. TO THE FREEMEN AND FREEHOLDERS OF THE CITY OF NORWICH. Robert Grant, Esq., having acceded to the solicitations of the Freemen and Freeholders, to offer himself in the Blue and White Interest, for the City of Norwich; the Citizens will be informed in future Hand-bills, when the Public Entry of R. H. Gurney, Esq., and R. Grant, Esq., will take place. Committee Room, JULY 23RD., 1830. Having brought our narrative to that point, where the securing of two Candidates in the Blue and White Interest was accomplished; we shall next turn our thoughts to the opposite party, lest some of our readers should suppose we had forgotten MR. PEEL; we beg to assure those readers that is not the case, no more than it is likely that he has forgotten us!—Having briefly noticed the strenuous efforts of Mr. P's. Friends to bring about a compromise, we next proceed to notice his first address, TO THE WORTHY THE CLERGY, FREEMEN, AND FREEHOLDERS, OF THE CITY OF NORWICH. Gentlemen, As the dissolution of the present Parliament is fast approaching, I lose not a moment in communicating to you my intention of again soliciting the favour of your suffrages to replace me in the honourable and distinguished situation |