Chapter XLIII

_The City opposes renewal of Income Tax.--Agricultural
depression.--The First Corn Law.--Another address of the
Livery not received.--Vagrants in the City.--The Spa Fields
Riot.--Matthew Wood, Mayor.--City address to Regent on
state of affairs.--Outrage on the Regent.--The City urges
Parliamentary Reform.--The trial of Hone.--Parliamentary
Elections.--The Manchester Massacre or "Peterloo."--The
Six Acts.--Tumultuous proceedings in Common Hall.--Conduct
of Sheriff Parkins.--Accession of George IV.--Addresses of
sympathy to Queen Caroline.--The Queen's trial.--Matthew
Wood at Brandenburgh House.--The Queen presents her portrait
to the City.--The Queen attends at St. Paul's.--The City
urges the dismissal of the King's Ministers.--The Queen's
death.--Disgraceful scene at her funeral.--Riots at
Knightsbridge.--Sheriff Waithman assaulted.--The City and the
Holy Alliance.--Wild speculation followed by great distress._
_Page 292_

CHAPTER XLIV.

_The Repeal of Corporation and Test Acts.--The Catholic
Emancipation Bill.--Accession of William IV.--The King's
visit to the City postponed for fear of riot.--Resolutions
respecting Reform.--Introduction of the first Reform
Bill.--The Bill approved by the City.--The Bill withdrawn
and Parliament dissolved.--The Bill re-introduced.--Passes
the Commons, rejected by the Lords.--City address and King's
reply.--Political Unions formed.--Sir John Key re-elected
Mayor.--The Freedom of the City voted to lords Grey and
Althorp.--Resignation of the Ministry.--The City expresses
dissatisfaction.--The Ministry recalled.--The Reform Bill
passed.--The rights of the Livery saved.--Grand Entertainment
at the Guildhall.--A retrospect.--The Enfranchisement of
Jews.--The City's public spirit.--The abolition of Coal and
Wine Dues.--The City and the Port of London._ _Page 326_