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we point to their cause, that we attempt a remedy -that we humbly approach the throne, and inquire if there exists not some royal prerogative to crush a party whose influence has been so baneful to the State. We should look back through the history of the last twenty years-a period marked with the most astonishing changes that ever chequered the annals of any nation-and inquire who have been the cause of Britain's glory, and who of her shame. We shall there find a party placed at the head of the Government of the Country, directing her arms against the disturber of the peace of the world; perseveringly and firmly pursuing a course which was always met with difficulty, and often with danger; until at last victory, with a triumph unexampled for brightness, rewarded their labours. We shall there find another party struggling for places, which experience shewed that they could not fill; opposing every measure tending to that object, which was at last so gloriously attained; appealing loudly, and often fruitlessly, to every passion of the people; and, finally, endeavouring to execute a purpose which might prevent their own predictions from becoming void, namely, that of reducing our country to anarchy and ruin. Let us, therefore,

who are about to approach the throne of our Sovereign, weigh these things well, and consider calmly and dispassionately who are worthy of praise and who of blame.

It is a principle in our nature, that we sympathize with those that appear to suffer, and look with coldness and suspicion on those who have the power to oppress. Let not the people of Edinburgh be deceived, for their example may tell upon the rest of Scotland. Those whose business it is to give to falsehood the semblance of truth, may try to play upon their passions-but this is surely no business of passion. And let it never be forgot, for it is a truth, that the Revolution in France was begun by meetings of the people, headed and addressed by discontented Advocates.

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No. I.-LETTER from Mr STUART to the LORD

MY LORD,

ADVOCATE.

2, North Charlotte Street, 13th September 1821.

SINCE my arrival in town yesterday, I have been informed, on unquestionable authority, that your Lordship has admitted, that you are an obligant in a Bond still subsisting for the establishment and support of the Paper called the Beacon; and that it is set forth in this Bond, that your Lordship, and the other parties to it, approve of the principles on which that Paper had been, and was to be conducted.

From your Lordship's high station, as the First

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Law-Officer of the Crown, added to the respectability of your private character, I am persuaded that your Lordship could have only occasionally read the Paper in question, and that probably many of its attacks on private character may have escaped your Lordship's notice.

As I am one of those whose private character has been attacked by the anonymous calumniators who conduct this Paper, I have to request your Lordship will peruse Nos. 30, 31, 33, 34, and 35, of the Beacon, which I now transmit; and I beg leave to assure your Lordship, that it will be a matter of great satisfaction to me to learn, that the attacks on my character and honour, which this Paper contains, are not approved of by your Lordship, and that you do not lend to them the sanction of your high name and authority.

I have the honour to be, with respect,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient

and most humble servant,

JA. STUART.

P. S. May I request that the Numbers of the Beacon

now sent may be returned?

The Right Honourable the Lord

Advocate, St Catharine's.

L 266

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