GENTLEMEN,—The times in which we live have been denominated a new era.
They have produced so many extraordinary and marvellous events, that
we cannot help thinking the designation just; but such has been their
effect on the public mind, that we almost cease to wonder at anything,
however extraordinary. Were it not for this apathy, this callous
effect, scarcely anything in modern times would have made a deeper
impression than the trial and condemnation of your representative,
Lord Cochrane. In spite, however, of this disadvantage, we rejoice to
find that this event has produced the very impression it ought to have
made; it has produced an impression at once calculated to confound the
malice of his enemies, to cheer the heart of every patriot, and to
cherish that spirit of justice and independence which has long been
dear to every Briton.
Allow us, therefore, to congratulate you and our country on the signal
triumph which justice has obtained in your re-election of Lord
Cochrane,—an election which could only proceed from a universal
consciousness of the innocence of his Lordship, and which has placed
that innocence on an immovable foundation. You have had many struggles
with corruption, in all of which you have appeared as illustrious
examples to mankind. In this last instance you have, if possible,
surpassed yourselves; you have appeared as the focus of justice; it
has been your prerogative to give the public feeling effect.
We would by no means be understood to insinuate anything to the
prejudice of the jury which tried his Lordship. Trial by jury we hold
so sacred and invaluable that we deprecate any reflection that would
seem to throw a shade on so glorious an institution; but we may freely
observe that, like every other human institution, it must be liable to
abuse. We can easily imagine that a jury may be placed in such
circumstances as to be rendered absolutely incapable of knowing the
truth; a villanous arrangement of the evidence to be produced, a
malicious and undue influence on the part of the judge, &c. may
deceive a jury, and produce as much evil under the forms of law, as
private vengeance could inflict. But while it is said that Lord
Cochrane was tried and condemned by a special jury, it will also be
said that he was tried by the electors of Westminster; he was tried by
his country and acquitted.
We conclude by expressing our hope that whenever the hydra of
corruption shall put forth her head, you will be found at your posts,
ready to strike it off, or inflict a mortal wound; the times are still
ominous, and the nation has its eyes fixed on you; we trust that you
will not relax in your vigilance till malice and injustice hide their
diminished heads, and innocence no longer find its only solace in
heart corroding grief.
We are, gentlemen, &c.
JOHN M’NAUGHT, _Chairman_.
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