ost of the large towns
of England associations were formed for the celebration of the French
revolution on the 14th of July, the anniversary of the taking of the
Bastille. Such an association was formed at Birmingham, and a few days
before the appointed feast a printed handbill was circulated throughout
the town, which seemed to be intended as a direct challenge and
defiance to the anti-revolutionists; to those who were advocates for
church and state. This hand-bill was without signature, and it read
thus:--"My countrymen, the second year of Gallic liberty is nearly
expired. At the commencement of the third, on the 14th of this month,
it is devoutly to be wished that every enemy to civil and religious
despotism, would give his sanction to the majestic common cause by a
public celebration of the anniversary. Remember that on the 14th of July
the Bastille, that 'High Altar and Castle of Despotism,' fell! Remember
the enthusaism peculiar to the cause of liberty with which it was
attacked! Remember that generous humanity that taught the oppressed,
groaning under the weight of insulted rights, to save the lives of
oppressors! Extinguish the mean prejudices of nations, and let your
numbers be collected and sent as a free-will offering to the national
assembly! But is it possible to forget that your own parliament is
venal? Your ministers hypocritical? Your clergy legal oppressors? The
reigning family extravagant? The crown of a certain great personage
becoming every day too weighty for the head that wears it? Too weighty
for the people who gave it? Your taxes partial and excessive? Your
representation a cruel insult upon the sacred rights of property,
religion, and freedom? But on the 14th of this month prove to the
political sycophants of the day that you reverence the Olive Branch;
that you will sacrifice to public tranquillity till the majority shall
exclaim 'The peace of slavery is worse than the War of Freedom'! Of this
moment let tyrants beware!" This paper occasioned a great ferment in the
good town of Birmingham. It was considered generally by the people to
have proceeded from the republicans that had appointed to feast at the
tavern on the 14th of July; while, on the other hand, it was affirmed
by the republicans that it had been written, printed, and distributed
by the opposite party for the purpose of disturbing their convivial
meeting. It was thought advisable to give up the feast, and notice was
given to that effe