SCOTLAND.
The reelection of Mr. Abercromby as Member for Edinburgh took place on Monday. Mr. Cunninghame, advocate, proposed him to the constituency, in a speech, full of eulogy of the Ministers, as well as of the candidate. Dean of Guild Alacfie seconded the nomination. No other gentleman was proposed ; and nearly the whole of the assembly held up their hands for Mr. Abercromby ; who was declared by the Sheriff to be duly elected. Mr. Abereromby then addressed the elec- tors. He said that he would not tire them with recapitulating his Par- liamentary conduct, or discussing the various questions which had come before the Legislature. Neither could he speak as to particular mea- sures which might in future be brought forward. His main principles of conduct, however, he had no hesitation in avowing.
"I have ever (he said) been a Reformer. I was one in thnes when to be a Ref wilier rendered a man obnoxious. But though I have now lived to see the principles of Reform trimnph, I have never been a rash, reckless Reforiner. I have advocated at all times the principles of a steady, systematic., and progres- sive reform. It must be obvious to all, that in a country like this, nothing is so dangerous as a reckless and headlong alteration in our institutions. Public, credit, on which the welfare of the nation hangs, might he endangered by rash measures. But while I say this, I say with equal confidence, that a steady, re- gular, and progressive reform is essential to secure to the people the benefits of the Reform Bill. The object of that bill was not to destroy, but to secure re- form—that the opinions oh the people might be felt, and their influence extended to Ministers and Parliament : its object was not to destroy, but to purify and to renovate. With these principles I enter the Government; on these principles I invariably acted when I was formerly your Representative; and they are the principles which, if I know my own heart, wrIl always regulate my future conduct."
He alluded to the general support Ile had received from men of different views.
" That I should have been received by those friends who originally invited me to become a candidate for your support, with that favour which they have always shown me, did not surprise me ; but I have also received proofs of confi- dence from those from whom I was not prepared to expect it : and it is a proud circumstance for me, that those with whom I necessarily differ in opinion, hav- ing recently tried their strength in this city, have had the good sense, and the manliness, and the respect for the interests of the city, not again to disturb its triuquillity."
Sir Thomas Dick Lauder, who with Sir James Gibson Craig, Mr. Henry Cockburn, Mr, Andrew Millar, and Mr. William Tait, occu-
iried a prominent poir n I oa the hasthers, at the t !-o s, tle n proposed a vote of thanks to the Sheriff; which was carried, and the crowd disperse d.
A strange incident occurred, just before the serious proeeedings of the day eminence& whirl' is thus described in the Edinburgh Observer.
" The well. k nowt; Jelin LI It-son, portioner in Penieniek, and ex-candidate for the representation of Peehle,shire, appeared upon the hustings. with his umbrella, cowl, and nowes horn. I Ic was introduced to the multitude by Sir Thooms Dick Lauder, as " the honourable the Member for Penieoiek ;" and shook hen& COI (Wily with Mr. Abercromby, amidst the cheers and merriment of the assembly. At the conclusion, John favoured the company with a tout on his brim and a speech."
Mr. Abercroinby spoke again from the windows of the Arta-chants' Hall, to the same purport as his speech from the hustiegs; and declared his intention of departing immediately for London.
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