Mr. William Miles, presiding over the annual dinner of the
Evercreech Agricultural Society, on Thursday, stated with much emphasis the views which he as a member of " an almost extinct party—the old Tory party " —takes of the Neapolitan intervention.
" I was not aware of it but it was stated in a paper some three weeks ago, that the basis of the Conferences at Paris lays down the rule that no nation was at liberty to maintain a rule or misrule which might affect the interests of a neighbouring nation or the security. of Europe. Now, we have always gone, up to the present time on the principle of noninterference with the internal concerns of any nation. If this was the basis of the consultations at Paris, say it is entirely opposed to the rule we have always adopted -unanimously—the noninterference with the private concerns of any na- tion, and moreover that it might threaten the stability of any peace. For what we call misrule, other despotic nations may call rule; and who is to be the arbiter between us ? Why, at once it becomes apparent that it must be force on the one side and force on the other ; and therefore I think this a dangerous doctrine to maintain. My opinion is, to stick religiously to the principle which for years you have adopted—which was years ago laid down by Lord Castlereagh—that of noninterference with the regulations and laws of any foreign country. By so doing you will maintain peace; by doing otherwise, you know not when Europe may be convulsed by a general war. I am for giving way to no power on.searth : let our laws be respected, let our subjects be respected--and so they shall be if ever I can say yea in such a matter—but do not, because a despotic king holds his subjects in thraldom, interfere with the internal government of his kingdom, and plunge us into war. While you do me the honour of maintaining me where you have placed me, the principle of noninterference I will maintain : but let our dignity be touched, let England be outraged, and then I will cry out, and shall be answered by almost every voice in this country—' Throw away the scabbard ; out with the sword, and at once at it "
On Thursday also, Mr. Herbert Ingram was entertained by his con- stituents at Boston, and Sir William Williams by his admirers at Chelmsford.
The working men of Preston have raised among themselves a good part of 1721/. subscribed for the purpose of providing a free library and museum in the town. On Thursday, the Mayor presiding, the Bishop of Manchester and Sir J. Kaye Shuttleworth addressed a public meeting held in the Corn Exchange to further the same object.
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