Page 16 - Hampdens Monument Unveiled

Sir John Easthope’s Speech

The next toast - "The liberty of the press"-was drank with
great enthusiasm.

Sir John Easthope, on the suggestion of Lord Nugent rose to
reply; he said -My Lord, I am not so arrogant as to feel that I
can fitly respond to the toast, or fairly represent the press
of England ; but I am proud of my connection with that press,
for without reference to its sections and contending portions,
I feel that it is proud boast, as well as a great security for
the country, that in the present day her liberties are not so
much as formerly based upon the deeds of those fiery spirits-
those giant patriots-the memory of one of the greatest of whom
we have this day met to commemorate (enthusiastic cheers).Such
efforts as these men had made in the cause of liberty-such an
amount of blood as was too often expended in the contest is at
present happily not needed. Public liberty is now secured by
equally certain but more pacific methods (hear, hear). No
sooner is there an inroad made on the happiness of the people-
no sooner are their liberties endangered or even threatened,
than the public press instantly comes forward to plead the
cause of the distressed, and to advocate the rights of those
who are threatened with oppression (loud and long continued
cheers). Whatever our opinion on minor points may be, you will
agree with me that we live under a government which, in the
present state of things is compelled to yield to the good of
the many, rather than for the interest of the few (cheers). We
are united in opinion as to the advantages of public
discussion-relying on its advantages, and reposing in security
without the fear of losing them (cheers). There is now no fear
of the Parliament being long turned aside from its legitimate
purposes, or if there should be any undue influence used in
this respect, and which should for a brief time triumph over
the liberties of England it would be for a brief time only
cheers. The people of England are a right minded and honest
people, and although they may be deceived for a moment, they
couldn't and would not be deceived for an age; if they make a
mistake it will not be for a long time (cheers). If they have a
parliament which, in the people's opinion, does not promote the
public weal, in no very lengthened time they would have an
opportunity of returning another (hear, hear). Under the
advantages of representation and a free press, we do and shall
live; and while we admire the zeal-the superhuman exertions
made by such patriots as Hampden, we rejoice that such
sacrifices as Hampden's are not required now; and that a more
happy, and a more secure period has arrived. But while we live
under its blessings let us never be ungrateful to those who
thus sacrificed themselves in times past (hear). Let us make
more than a temporary use of the eloquent recital we have heard
of Hampden's exploits from our Noble Chairman; let us still be