Mr. Alderman Woodpresented a Petition from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Livery of London, in Common Hall assembled, complaining of Distress, and praying for a reduction of the Public Expenditure, and a Reform of Parliament. The hon. Alderman stated that the petition was unanimously agreed to by the meeting at which it originated. One of the prayers of the Petition was for a reduction of the salaries of officers of Government, in proportion to the advance that had taken place in these emoluments since the year 1792, in consequence of the high price of provisions: it was now sought to reduce those salaries, on the ground that the cost of the necessaries of life was considerably diminished. A resolution was passed by the meeting, directing him (as senior Representative) to bring forward a proposition for such a reduction; but until the returns of the emoluments of public officers (ordered the other evening) should be laid upon the Table, it would be premature to introduce the subject.
Mr. Alderman Thompsonsaid, that he 765 concurred with the statements contained in the petition on the subject of distress; for, notwithstanding there was a considerable improvement in the manufacturing and commercial interests, the retail traders had not benefitted in proportion. It rested with his hon. colleague to bring forward the subject that had been alluded to: when he did, the motion should have his support. He thought that such great towns Manchester and Birmingham ought to be represented in Parliament, and he was determined to support any motion which had that for its object.
Mr. Wardalso supported the petition. He thought that giving Representatives to the large towns would strengthen, not endanger, the Constitution.
§ Mr. Humewould be happy to see the City of London begin that reform at home which she demanded in the House of Commons: when she should have admitted all her own citizens to equal privileges, she could come before the House and urge the request with a better grace.
Mr. Heathcotewished that the retail dealers of the City would reform their prices, for although wholesale prices were diminished, there was not a proportionate reduction in retail prices. Taxes had been taken oft', but still retail prices were kept up in a way that was quite abominable.
Mr. Alderman Woodsaid, it had been carried in a Court of Common Council, on Friday last, that Jews be considered eligible to become freemen of the City, on taking the freemen's oath, according to the forms of their own religion. There was a majority of fifty-four to twenty-seven in favour of the proposition. As to retail prices, he could not agree with the hon. Member who complained of their extravagance. There was competition enough to keep them down, and they were kept down accordingly. The fact was, that retail traders suffered so much from the general distress as to be obliged frequently to sell at a loss. It was true, the Leather-tax had been taken off, and some persons imagined that the price of shoes was not lowered in proportion to the reduction in the price of leather; but he could show his hon. friend places where he might buy boots at a sufficiently low price—at from 14s. or 15s. to 25s.—He was ready to take his hon. friend a ride through London, whenever he pleased, and show him cheap shops enough.