A Hundred Years Ago
THE " SPECTATOR," JUNE 16ra, 1832.
Sir Walter Scott has arrived in London, and is now at the house of his eon-in-law, Mr. Lockhart. Wo regret to learn that this eminent writer and admirable man has not returned with any renewed vigour of constitution, or any chance of gratifying the world with further displays of his genius. He is, indeed, much worse in health than when he set out, and serious apprehensions are entertained of his recovery. In passing down the Rhine, he suffered by another stroke of paralysis in the boat ; and had it not been for the presence of mind of his servant in bleeding him, he could not have survived the attack.
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No fewer than eight hundred Chelsea-pensioners have recently sold their pensions, for four years' purchase, to furnish themselves with the means of emigrating to the United States. A ship will sail from Blackwall, at the end of the present week, with about three hundred.
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Ministers are, it seems, determined to give to the Irish as little Reform as for very shame they dare. On Wednesday, two motions —one for the extension of the franchise, at present most scandal- ously restricted, and the other for a better distribution of repro- eentation—were negatived, by the willing aid of such notable assistants as Mr. LEFROY and Mr. CRORER. We wonder that Lord ALTHORP was not ashamed to go below the Bar with them,
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There are to be in town so many fine displays in honour of the Reform Act that we earnestly wish we could say with precision when they are to be made. The Lowther Arcade is to be illuminated, and to have a dance ; there is to be a dinner in Hyde Park for 800 ; to say nothing of Farringdon Market dinner, the dinner at the Guildhall, the illumination, and half a thousand other good things. The general impression at present is, that the grand day ought not to be fixed until the bills are passed ; which will not take place until the first or second week of July. Illuminations seem to be at a discount in the country. None are announced in any of the towns, where processions, dinners, and other festivities are promised, save only in Aylesbury, Southampton and Winchester. Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, Carlisle, Devonport and Plymouth, and Edinburgh have all declared against them.
• • • • A great many horses are entered for the approaching Ascot races. A very brilliant week is in consequence anticipated,—the reporter says, more brilliant than any which have yet taken place ; he ought to have added, in the memory of the oldest groom m the parish.
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