Lord Teynhamstated, that in consequence of what fell from the noble Marquess last night, on the subject of a petition presented by him from Newport, praying for the pardon of Frost and his companions, he felt called upon to make one or two observations. First, as to the population of Newport, he found that in the last population returns it was stated at only 7,000. With respect to the petition, he had been informed that it was signed by five persons who were or had been town-councillors of Newport: undoubtedly one of these persons was the uncle of John Frost, who had resided all his life at Newport, and who had retired from business with an unimpeachable character. It was true that he had been taken for looking out of the window of his house at the mob, but Government did not think it advisable to prosecute him. The petition was in a public situation in the town, so that every one who wished might sign it. He understood it was intended to call a public meeting of the inhabitants during the Easter week, in order to give every person an opportunity of expressing his opinion on the subject. He was sure, that if there were the least chance of mercy being extended to these unhappy individuals, their Lordships would be the last persons to make any opposition to it.
The Marquess of Normanbywas sure their Lordships would think it quite unnecessary for him to add anything to what he said last night. The noble Lord must, he thought, be aware the petition did not, in any respect, merit the character he had given of it. He had no doubt been misled, and the petition would be regarded as coming from persons interested in the fate of those men; but it could never be considered as representing the feelings and opinions of the respectable inhabitants of Newport.
§ Subject at an end.