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Addresses, Speeches,
SQUIBS, SONGS, &c.

WHICH WERE CIRCULATED DURING THE RECENT

GENERAL ELECTION OF MEMBERS

FOR THE

CITY OF EXETER, AND COUNTY OF DEVON;

TOGETHER WITH THOSE PUBLISHED AT THE

CONTESTED ELECTION in 1816,

BETWEEN

LORD VISCOUNT EBRINGTON and Mr. Bastard.
LIKEWISE,

A CORRECT LIST

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PREFACE.

Amidst the ordinary scenes of life, the powers of the human mind become passive, and sink into a state of indolent repose; it is great occasions which awaken its feelings, sharpen ils faculties, and call its various energies into action. In a government organized like that of Great Britain, amongst them electioneering contests stand pre-eminent. The ardour of friendship, and the glowing enthusiasm of public spirit are powerfully excited-characters, whose talents might otherwise have slumbered in oblivion, are brought into notice-and, amidst the collision of contending opinions, the flash of wit is elicited, and the spark of eloquence blown into a flame. Such was the case, in a surprising degree, during the late arduous conflict in Devon. It was a contest that was felt from its centre to its extremitiesthe whole talent of the county was enlisted in the cause—all its political machinery was put in motion– and, as a natural consequence, the emanations of wit, and the illuminations of genius, darted their brilliant corruscations around, from the city which was the scene of action, to the most remote villages and secluded hamlets. Among the speeches delivered on the occasion, those of two of the candidates merit particular notice:--The addresses of the Noble Lord display the most luminous statement of facts, varied graces of masculine eloquence, and a spirit of generosity towards an unsuccessful rival, which entitled him to the highest applause; whilst those of the Hon. Baronet, his opponent, exhibited a glow of animation,

a vein of wit, and a rich copea verboram, well deserve the meed of fame. Nor must the speeches of Mr. Tucker be forgotten-the spontaneous effusions of that gentleman's eloquence claim a wreath of unfading praise; and may remind a classical reader of the orations of the Grecian patriot, when he electrified old Athens to its centre, and raised his fearless voice amidst ils venerable sages, in behalf of a sinking State. Many poetical pieces in the following publication, will also be found to possess considerable merit. The design of the Editor is to snatch, from oblivion, productions of the human mind, whose sterling excellence entitles them to a higher place than the fleeting pages of a newspaper. In making the collection, he has been influenced by the same principles which guided his conduct during every period of this electioneering contest-the maxim of Shakespeare "nothing extenuate nor set down aught in malice," has been hie constant directory; and, he trusts, that this little volume will, on the most minute inspection, be found worthy the approbation of the judicious reader, and the liberal-minded critic

Addresses, Speeches, Squibs, Songs, &c.

1818, &c.

To the Gentlemen, Clergy, Freemen, & Freeholders, of the City of Exeter.

GENTLEMEN,

I BEG leave to announce to you my

determination of becoming a candidate for the distinguished honor of representing your ancient and loyal city in the ensuing parliament.

I humbly trust my pretensions to your favor will not be less esteemed by my declaring to you, that I am most firmly attached to the principles of our glorious constitution; that I am perfectly unconnected with any political party, either in or out of parliament; and that I have no other object in view, than of discharging with zeal and integrity the very impor tant duties of a member of the House of Commons. I shall embrace the earliest opportunity of paying you my personal respects;

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And have the honor to be,
With sentiments of the most profound respect,
GENTLEMEN,

Your very faithful, and most obedient humble servant,
ROBERT WILLIAM NEWMAN.

Sandridge, October 21, 1816.

To the Gentlemen, Clergy, Freemen, and Freeholders of the City of Exeter.

GENTLEMEN,

Although there appears no probability of an Immediate dissolution of parliament, circumstances have recently occurred which make it incumbent on me to communicate to you, that I do not mean to offer myself as a candidate for the representation of the city of Exeter at the ensuing general election.

I cannot announce to you my intention to retire from that honorable station, without requesting you

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