at, in abhorrence and detestation of such abominable and
seditious practices, the paper should be burnt by the hands of the
common hangman in the new Palace-yard of Westminster; and this sentence
was executed accordingly. Then they presented an address to his majesty,
desiring that the most effectual means might be taken for discovering
the author, printer, or publisher, that he or they might be brought to
condign punishment. Directions were given for this purpose; but without
effect. Those concerned in writing, printing, and circulating the paper,
had acted with such caution that not one of them was ever discovered.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMONS ON THE WESTMINSTER ELECTION.

The proceedings of the commons with respect to the election of a burgess
for Westminster were attended with some extraordinary circumstances,
which we shall now record for the edification of those who pique
themselves on the privileges of a British subject. We have already
observed, that a majority appearing on the poll for lord Trentham,
the adherents of the other candidate, sir George Vandeput, demanded
a scrutiny, which was granted by the high bailiff of Westminster, the
returning officer. During this tedious investigation, which rolled
chiefly on the qualifications of voters, he acted with such address and
seeming candour as gave entire satisfaction to both parties, till at
length he determined in favour of lord Trentham, whom he returned as
duly elected. Those who styled themselves the independent electors did
not acquiesce in this determination without clamour, reproach, menaces,
and riot. They taxed Mr. Leigh, the high-bailiff, with partiality and
injustice; they loudly affirmed that ministerial influence had been used
in the most scandalous manner; and, finally, joined sir George Vandeput
in a petition to the lower house, complaining of an undue election and
return of a member for the city of Westminster. The commons, instead of
inquiring into the merits of these petitions, ordered them to lie upon
the table; and, without any complaint from any person whatever, a
motion was made that Leigh, the high-bailiff, should attend the house
immediately, in order to make them acquainted with what he had done in
pursuance of the directions he had formerly received from that house,
touching the execution of the writ for electing a new member to
represent the city of Westminster. As this motion had been preconcerted,
Leigh was attending in the lobby