victimised nearly every hotel in every principal city or town in the
kingdom, and who was universally known as "The man with the carpet-bag."
A carpet-bag was an article of such a nature as that it was unlikely
that the intentions of any persons would be suspected merely on account
of his carrying such a means of transporting his luggage. In the case of
the person to whom this epithet was applied, however, the carpet-bag was
employed for purposes far different from those for which it was
customarily used. His habit was to enter that house which presented the
most seemly and comfortable aspect, and having partaken of a hearty
supper, he would convey his "luggage," of which he always took the
greatest care, to his apartment. In the morning it was invariably found
that he had decamped, having generously left behind him the contents of
his sack, which usually consisted of hay or straw, and a stray brickbat
or two, and carried off in their place such portions of the bedclothes
as he could conveniently stow away. The possession of a carpet-bag by a
traveller was at one time looked upon by landlords and waiters as almost
certain evidence of his being a swindler; and numerous are the occasions
upon which such a supposition has created considerable inconvenience.
The following letter, published in a newspaper of the period, happily
hits off the miseries of a "man with a carpet-bag," searching for
lodgings. It was addressed--
"_To the Editor of Bell's Life in London._
"SIR,--As a stranger in this town, perhaps I shall be excused for
addressing you on a topic which may prove amusing to some of your
travelling readers, and prevent a series of mortifications to which,
from the accidental circumstance of carrying a _carpet-bag_, they may be
exposed. I arrived from Manchester on Monday afternoon last, having
travelled the whole of the way outside of the coach. On alighting, I was
as miserable as torpid circulation and pinching cold could make me. I
had still energy enough left to give the guard and coachman their
customary fee, and with my luggage, which consisted only of a
_carpet-bag_, containing a change of apparel, and other matters, to set
out in search of a tavern in which I was likely to enjoy the comforts of
a good fire and a night's lodging. You will ask why I did not at once
take up my quarters at the White Horse, Fetter-lane, where the coach
stopped, and which, I had been informed, affords excellent accommodation
at a reasonable price? I answer, that I have always had an objection to
the bustle of a coach inn; and, I may add, I fancied I could get cheaper
quarters elsewhere. Whether I was justified in this conclusion I will
not stop to argue; you must take the facts as they come. I turned into
Holborn, and went into the first coffee-house which met my eye: I do not
know the sign. On entering the coffee-room, I placed my carpet-bag on
the table, and commenced freeing myself from the wrapper which
surrounded my throat, at the same time ringing the bell for the waiter.
A smirking chap soon entered, and casting a look at my bag, and then at
me, asked me what I wanted? I replied, 'A steak for my dinner, and a bed
for the night.' 'I'm afraid we an't got no bed to spare, sir,' said he,
'but I'll go and ask missis;' and then taking another look at me, and a
second at my carpet-bag, out he flounced. I thought this uncivil, but
had not long to wait before he returned; and with a sort of would-be
knowing look, he informed me his missis hadn't a bed to spare, but I
might have a steak if I liked. 'I don't like!' said I; and taking up my
bag, off I went in no pleasant mood. I was not long before I discovered
another house, into which I popped, and was met by a pretty girl in the
passage. 'Pray, my dear,' said I, 'can I have a bed here to-night?' She
eyed me from top to toe, and more particularly fixed her attention on my
carpet-bag. 'No, indeed, _my dear_,' said she, laying a stress on the
latter words, 'you cannot, so you may walk yourself and your carpet-bag
off.' Well, thought I, that's cool, at any rate, and I very soon took
her advice. A third house was not far distant, and here again I made my
entrance; but had not reached the door of the parlour, when a voice from
the bar exclaimed, 'Oh, here's the fellow with the carpet-bag! Thomas,
Thomas, come and show him out!' and, sure enough, before I could ask a
question, I was taken by the shoulders, and gently pushed into the
street, with a polite intimation that they were 'fly' to the carpet-bag,
and so I might 'mizzle.' Well, thought I, this is London politeness with
a vengeance! but a lodging I must get, and on I went. The next house I
approached looked clean and cheerful; and seeing the waiter standing at
the door, I civilly asked him if they took in travellers? The fellow,
who proved to be an Irishman, laughed, and replied, 'Faith we do, sir,
when we can.' 'Then, perhaps, you'll take me in for the night?' said I;
'I have just got off the Manchester coach, and want my dinner and a
lodging.' Once more did I notice the particular attention paid to my
carpet-bag. 'Be asy, old boy!' said the rascal, with a good-humoured
grin; 'though we _take in_ travellers, we don't mane to be _taken in_
ourselves, so walk off with your four bones and your carpet-bag
together;' and, turning upon his heel, he marched into the passage,
exclaiming to one of his companions, 'The old codger with the carpet-bag
has just been here, but it wouldn't do.' I now really began to be vexed,
and indignant at this treatment. I pursued my course, however, to a
fifth house. Here I was lucky enough to find a rousing fire in the
parlour; and having, as I hoped for the last time, deposited my
carpet-bag on a chair, I was about to ring the bell, when I was saved
the trouble by the landlord, who, entering in a great pet, approached me
without further ceremony, took up my carpet-bag, placed it in my hand
again, and ordered me out of his house without delay. 'I want a bed,'
said I. 'Do you?' said he; 'then you'll find one elsewhere, for you
shan't stuff your _carpet-bag_ at my expense!' and out he pushed me, in
defiance of all my expostulations. Never was poor devil so incensed: I
was completely at a loss to discover the cause of this treatment. It had
now become dark, and my anxiety for a lodging became still greater. I
resolved upon one more experiment, however, before I gave myself up to
despair, and seeing a sixth house of a very tempting description, in I
marched, and approaching a good-looking woman in the bar, I made my best
bow, and asked her if I could be accommodated with my dinner and a
lodging for the night? 'Certainly, sir,' said she, with a smile; and, in
a loud tone, called William, the waiter, and Betty, the chambermaid.
Both came in a trice; and the landlady, pointing to me, said, 'This
gentleman wants a bed and his dinner; show him into No. 2, Betty; and
you, William, take the gentleman's order for dinner? William and Betty
hesitated, both scanning me and my carpet-bag more particularly, with as
much surprise as if they had never seen two such objects before; and at
the same moment putting their heads towards their mistress, I could just
hear them whisper, 'Carpet-bag!' In an instant the smile of the hostess
turned to a frown, and, without further explanation, she exclaimed,
looking over the bar at the same time at my unfortunate carpet-bag, 'No,
sir; we have no room; it won't do here;' and for the sixth time was I
sent forth on my adventures. I now became thoroughly enraged, but
suddenly recollecting that, by law, victuallers are obliged to receive
travellers, I resolved to be no longer trifled with, and, for the
seventh and last time, entered a house in High Holborn, where, without
ceremony, I walked into the coffee-room, threw my carpet-bag under the
table, took off my great-coat, and desired the waiter to get me a
beefsteak, oyster sauce, and potatoes. 'Yes, sir,' was the quick reply.
The order was given to the cook in an audible voice--'Nice rumpsteak,
hoister sauce, and tators, for one!' The cloth was laid, and in less
time than I could have expected, I was discussing the merits of the
viands laid before me. Good meat, thought I, requires good drink, and I
ordered, in a breath, a pint of porter and a pint of sherry. 'Yes, sir,'
said my attendant again, and with equal rapidity they were placed before
me. The fellow, in turning round from me on this occasion, observed my
carpet-bag under the opposite table. 'Holloa!' said he, 'whose is this
here carpet-bag?' ''Tis mine,' I replied. Had I confessed myself a
kangaroo or a rhinoceros, I do not think I could have produced more
astonishment than this admission, and I could observe him look round the
room to the assembled guests, as if he expected them to join in his
surprise. Still I had no suspicion that there was anything in my bag, or
in my appearance, to attract extraordinary attention; so, without
further reflection, I finished my dinner, and called for a pint of port.
On this being brought in, I put the old question, 'Can I be accommodated
with a bed?' 'No, indeed, you cannot, Mr. Carpet-bag!' said he, shaking
his impudent face close to mine. This was past all endurance, and, with
an oath, I exclaimed, I would not stir out of the house that night.
'Won't you, indeed!' said he; 'we'll soon see that,' and out he went.
The persons in the room regarded me with side-long glances of doubt; but
before I could make any remark upon what had occurred, in came Mr.
Waiter with a policeman. 'That's him,' said he, pointing to me. 'That's
who?' roared I with indignation; 'what have you to say to me?' The
policeman, who seemed a decent fellow of his sort, begged of me not to
be violent; he believed, he said, I had a carpet-bag? 'I have,' replied
I; 'and what then?' 'Only I should like to look into it, sir,' said he.
'I'll be ---- if you shall,' retorted I. 'Ha! ha!' sniggered the waiter,
'I thought how it would be.' I now became perfectly outrageous, and
demanded of the policeman if he took me for a felon? 'No, sir,' said he;
'but the fact is, a man with a carpet-bag has been going round to the
different taverns in town, plundering the landlords, and 'a caution' to
this effect having appeared in the public papers, suspicion has arisen
that you may be 'the man with the carpet-bag,' and I have been called in
to ascertain the fact.' The civility of the fellow, as well as the
ludicrous, although vexatious, cause of all my wanderings, being thus
explained, I could not but smile at my situation, but determined at
once to justify my character. I gave him the key of the padlock,
desiring him to open the bag, the contents of which I enumerated,
concluding with the astounding declaration, that, last of all, he would
find a canvas bag, containing one hundred sovereigns, and letters to
certain persons, whose names I mentioned. The man was a little abashed,
but, at my desire, made the search--found all as I described, to the
minutest particular--apologized for his interference--and took his
departure. The waiter also humbly begged pardon; the company laughed
heartily at the recital of my mortifications; I got my bed, paid my
bill, and the next morning proceeded to the house of a friend, where,
had I gone in the first instance, I should have been saved the trouble
of writing this letter for the express purpose of giving landlords
'another caution,'--and that is, not to look, in future, so suspiciously
on a traveller with a carpet-bag, unless upon some more cogent ground
than mere surmise.
"I am, sir, yours,
"A MANCHESTER WAREHOUSEMAN."
The same subject was also made the subject of a farce at one of the
minor theatres.
The real "Man with the carpet-bag" was eventually secured, and his fate
was similar to that of the convict MacNamara, whose offences have just
been alluded to.
THE REFORM RIOTS OF 1831-2.
The year 1831 will ever be memorable in the history of Great Britain,
for the struggles by which its progress was characterised, in favour of
the great measure of Reform. There was, in reality, no problem ever more
clearly or more satisfactorily demonstrated, than the iniquities of
parliamentary elections and representation. The necessity for reform was
almost universally admitted; for the errors and evils of the existing
system had ceased to be seriously denied, and were made the subject of
discussion by way of defence only, by persons whose ingenuity and
sophistry enabled them to raise arguments in their favour. Half a
century had elapsed since reform was on the point of being achieved by a
national movement, when it was arrested by the "No Popery" riots of Lord
George Gordon. Subsequent events of a nature too powerfully exciting to
admit of so large a measure of power to be immediately accorded to the
people, required its temporary abandonment; but never entirely laid
aside, and always appreciated for its importance and certain utility, it
was reserved to be brought forward at a period when tranquillity and
favouring circumstances should secure for it a triumphant reception.
Such an opportunity presented itself at the commencement of the reign of
a liberal and puissant monarch. In William the Fourth, a king was found
in every respect worthy the admiration and respect of his subjects, and
his reign, short though it was, forms an eventful period of modern
history.
The retirement from office of those ministers who had so long swayed the
destinies of the nation, afforded to the party who had cherished the
anticipation of their procuring the adoption of a measure, which should
have for its effect the removal of the existing abuses, an opportunity
of attempting to carry out the object which they had in view, and which
was so anxiously looked for by the people. The formation of a ministry
from among the leaders of this party was an event highly calculated to
excite the most favourable expectations, and the speedy declaration of
the wishes of his majesty being in entire accordance with those of his
people, produced a degree of general satisfaction, which had not been
equalled during a long series of years. Savile, Wyvile, William Pitt,
Charles Grey, Burdett, Cartwright, Brande, Lambton, and Lord John
Russell, were among the names of those by whom the important topic of
reform had been already brought before Parliament, and the period had
now arrived when the exertions of these men were to have their effect
and their reward.
The ministry of Earl Grey was formed in November 1830. Public opinion
imperatively marshalled the way, and there was no intention exhibited by
the new advisers of his majesty to diverge into any by-path. Those
members of the government who had not always been favourable to reform,
were now converted, or acquiesced in the necessity of the introduction
of such a measure, and it was fully understood that the conditions on
which the ministers proposed to conduct the government committed to
them, was peace abroad, and reform and retrenchment at home. These were
pledges which they most honestly redeemed, in a spirit of wisdom, and
temperance, and of firmness, and patriotism.
The Reform Bill was first introduced to the House of Commons on the 1st
of March 1831, and so great had been the excitement during the election
of the preceding year, that the second reading was carried by a majority
of one, in a parliament chosen under the auspices of the Wellington
administration: but on the 20th, General Gascoigne carried an amendment,
in opposition to a clause proposed by ministers, by a majority of eight.
Two days afterwards parliament was dissolved, in a speech in which the
king stated that the appeal about to be made to the people had been
resolved upon, expressly with a view of ascertaining their sense as to
the proposed alteration in the representation. The general election took
place in May, and the new parliament met on the 14th of June. On the
24th of the same month the second Reform Bill was introduced, and on the
4th of July, after a debate of three nights, the second reading was
carried by a majority of one hundred and thirty-six; the motion having
been supported by three hundred and sixty-seven members, and opposed by
two hundred and thirty-one. The bill passed the House of Commons, but at
half past six o'clock on the morning of the 8th of October, after a
debate of five nights, it was thrown out, on the second reading, in the
House of Lords, by a majority of one hundred and ninety-nine to one
hundred and fifty-eight. On the 20th, parliament was prorogued, and was
not called together again until the 6th of December. The year, which had
already been so busy and eventful, did not close till the great measure,
in the discussion of which so much time had been spent, was again before
the legislature. The third Reform Bill was introduced into the Commons
on the 12th of December, and was read a second time on the 17th, by a
majority of two to one. Having, however, been detained nearly two months
in committee, it did not leave the Commons until the 19th of March 1832,
when the third reading was carried by a majority of three hundred and
fifty-five to two hundred thirty-nine. At seven o'clock on the morning
of the 14th of April, it was read a second time in the House of Lords,
by a majority of nine, the numbers being one hundred and eighty-four in
its favour, and one hundred and seventy-five against it: four nights
having been occupied in its discussion. On the 7th of May, the day on
which parliament re-assembled after the Easter recess, the motion
proposed by Lord Lyndhurst, to postpone the consideration of the
disfranchising clauses until the enfranchising clauses had been
discussed, was carried against ministers by a majority of one hundred
and fifty-one to one hundred and sixteen; and as this was looked upon as
the first of a series of obstructions, dextrously intended by the noble
and learned lord to delay and mutilate, if not to destroy, the national
scheme, the ministers adopted, on the instant, a firm and resolute
course. On the 9th of the same month Earl Grey announced in the Lords,
and Viscount Althorp in the Commons, that ministers had resigned. A week
of terrific agitation ensued, but the sequel proved the efficiency and
the excellence of the step which had been adopted.
Lord Lyndhurst, the Duke of Wellington, and Sir Robert Peel, were the
new advisers selected by his majesty; but they were made acquainted with
his majesty's determination that an extensive reform should be effected.
Lord Lyndhurst and the noble Duke were not unwilling to lend themselves
to the existing emergency; but the right honourable baronet was more
untractable, and the consequence was, the abandonment of the design of
the new administration, and the recurrence of the king to his old
advisers. On the 18th of May, Earl Grey intimated that he and his
colleagues had re-assumed their offices, and that they had done so with
an assurance from the king, that his majesty's co-operative aid to carry
the Reform Bill should not be wanting. Reports had been long in
circulation of the possibility of the creation of a sufficient number of
new peers to overwhelm the Tory majority of the House of Lords; but the
king and his ministers had hitherto manifested a laudable reluctance to
resort to such a measure. Now, however, it was felt that this was the
only course left to be pursued; and that measure, which was looked upon
rightly as one to which recourse should be had only when all other means
had failed, was determined to be resorted to. But the king's resolve
having become known, its execution was rendered unnecessary. The Tory
peers, rather than such a step should be taken, consented to forego
their opposition; and, on the 4th of June 1832, the Reform Bill was read
a third time, and passed by a majority of one hundred and six to
twenty-two. On the 7th of June it received the royal assent. The Scotch
and Irish Reform Bills, and the Boundaries Bill, were, in like manner,
soon after enacted into laws. On the 16th of August parliament was
prorogued, and, on the 3rd of December, a dissolution took place. The
remainder of that month was occupied in the first general election under
the new system of representation.
Having thus succinctly detailed the eventful proceedings of parliament
during this short period, we shall now proceed to describe the
consequences produced by the frequent and repeated refusals of the
legislature to accede to the wishes of the people--consequences, the
causes of which, without such an introduction, would scarcely be
intelligible.
It was in allusion to the rejection of the Reform Bill in the month of
October 1831 by the House of Lords, that the popular feeling was most
strongly exhibited. Many of the newspapers, which announced the result
of the division in the House of Lords, were put into mourning, and a
feeling of the deepest and most melancholy foreboding soon spread itself
throughout the country. The fate of the Reform Bill became speedily
known, and on the Monday following marks of unequivocal sorrow and
disgust exhibited themselves. In the metropolis circulars were
distributed in every parish, calling meetings; all business appeared
suspended; and the shops in all directions were either partially or
totally closed. Mourning flags were exhibited from the houses,
accompanied by placards, in which the bishops, who had formed a
considerable portion of the majority against the bill, presented a
source of prolific censure. In King-street, Seven-dials, the effigy of
the Duke of Wellington was burned; and, in Tottenham-court-road, a
placard was exhibited at a shop, announcing that arms might be had, to
be paid for by instalments. On the part of the government, every
precaution was taken for the preservation of the public peace. Troops
were marched into London, and stationed so as to be ready to be called
into immediate activity in case of necessity; ball-cartridges were
distributed, and everything was done which prudence could suggest for
the maintenance of order. Numerous meetings were held in the course of
the week, at which the most enthusiastic determination was exhibited;
and every means was adopted by the people to throw disgrace and
discredit upon those by whom their wishes had been opposed. The Duke of
Wellington, and other noble peers who had distinguished themselves by
their opposition to the bill, were roughly greeted, and were pelted on
their way to the House of Lords. The Duke of Cumberland was also nearly
receiving much ill-usage from a mob assembled in the Park. On Wednesday
the 13th of October, the king held a levee at St. James's Palace, at
which an immense number of addresses was presented. The trades' unions
assembled in vast mobs in the neighbourhood of the palace, accompanied
by their flags and other insignia, and some violence was done by the
mob. The residence of the Marquis of Bristol, in St. James's-square, was
made the object of an attack by them. Many of the windows were dashed
in, and a considerable quantity of valuable effects destroyed; but
fortunately there were many well-disposed persons in the vicinity, by
whom the police were assisted, and the rioters dispersed. The mob,
however, had been no sooner driven from here, than they proceeded at
once to the residence of the Duke of Wellington, Apsley House,
Piccadilly. This was, in turn, made the object of an assault even more
severe and determined than that of the Marquis of Bristol. At about
half-past two o'clock in the day, several parties were seen to approach
the residence of his grace, and the foremost of the gang threw a few
stones at the windows, and sent forth the most horrible yells. Some of
the servants belonging to the establishment came forward and presented
pistols at the mob assembled; but this only served to increase their
anger. A volley of stones was instantly hurled at their supposed
assailants; and a cry being raised of "They are going to fire on us--now
let us go to work," an instant attack was commenced on the mansion.
Stones flew in showers on the house, and not a dozen panes of glass were
left undemolished, while many valuable pictures inside were utterly
ruined, and the furniture was destroyed. The police at first were in
small numbers upon the spot, but a reinforcement having arrived from the
Vigo-street Station-house, a vigorous attack on the mob was commenced.
The employment of their staves, and the determination which was
exhibited by the constables, served, in a very material degree, to drive
away the assembled crowd; and, of those who were taken into custody, all
were of the lowest class--showing that their object was rather mischief
or depredation, than the assertion of a principle, or the maintenance of
a right. At about seven o'clock in the evening, a new attempt to get up
a riot was made by a mob of two or three hundred persons, who were met
on their way through Piccadilly towards St. James's Palace; but a speedy
stop was put to their proceedings by the police, who had assembled in
large bodies to repel any such new effort as might be made.