CITY OF WORCESTER. 373

violation of the liberties and privileges of the Commons of England," and the Bishop was removed from his office of almoner to Queen Anne. The names of Wylde, Swift, Sandys, Winnington, Vernon, Lechmere, Rouse, Walsh, Winford, Ward, Smith, Wigley, and Boulton, figure on the roll of M.P.s for the city in the last century. I have now before me a bundle of squibs and addresses issued at the election of 1784, when the constituencies throughout the country were exceedingly irritable in consequence of the recently-achieved independence of America, and also in reference to the East India question and Warren Hastings. Mr. Rouse and the Hon. William Ward had been the old Members for Worcester; but the former, who had been connected with the East India Company, dissolved that connection in consequence of his views on the government of India, and likewise found it necessary to resign his representation of Worcester, his place being taken by Samuel Smith, Esq. Mr. Ward was re-elected, and represented the city till he was called up to the House of Lords. Among the before-mentioned squibs is one in which the Mayor of Worcester is alluded to as "Snipey" on account of his long nose; and his followers or "tools" are taunted with being "nose-led." His Worship is likewise reminded of the tricks he was said to have played "with Betty his maid." Another effusion consists of a dialogue between Mr. Rouse, the unseated Member, and Mr. Ward, showing that Worcester was then as famous for bribery and corruption aa some of its neighbours in the present day.

A SONG.

To the tune of "The Maid of the Mill."

Mr. R---e.

I've canvass'd the sons of this town many times,

And brib'd them as often, d'you see,

Nor shall now be elected without the same crimes,

Yet Wor'ster's the town for me.

Yet Wor'ster's the town, &c.