The character of the present Session of Parliament, if it was ever in the smallest degree doubtful, is decided by the late divisions. The country gentlemen are entirely with the Ministers, who may exercise an uncontrolled sway, subject to no restraint but their own discretion. Much blame is cast on Ricardo, who, though he voted with the Opposition, is considered as having spoken in favour of Ministers, by countenancing their principles and opinions. I think, indeed, that, considering the audience whom he addressed, he spoke too much as a theorist, and in a manner likely to be misrepresented. But though his speeches may have served as pretexts, I cannot think that they operated as the true motives of many votes. Mackintosh, however, represented the number thus influenced, or professing to be so, as nearly forty, but they were all willing to be satisfied with the measures of Government, and would have found good reasons for being so if Ricardo had never opened his lips.
Mr. Coke’s absurd marriage to Lady Anne Keppel, fifty years younger than himself, is the general topic of conversation. He had suggested to his nephew, whom he had for many years considered and treated as his heir, the propriety of paying his addresses to this lady, but the young man declined, or at least hesitated; till, hearing that his refusal might lead to serious consequences, he hastened to London to make his proposals, but received for answer that the lady was already engaged to his uncle.
The marriage takes place to-day; and the parties were to walk in procession to St. James’ Church.
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| Canning’s Motion |
Mr. Coutts is said to have died worth near a million and a half, and to have left nearly the whole to his widow.
