Page:The Grand junction railway companion to Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham; (IA grandjunctionrai00free).pdf/191

Rh exhibited a curious change in opinions when, on the 14th of July, 1791, a party haring met at an hotel, to commemorate the anniversary of the French Revolution, a mob there collected, and having broke the windows of the house, proceeded to the most atrocious acts of violence-they destroyed the Unitarian chapel, Doctor Priestley's dwelling-house, philosophical apparatus, and valuable manuscripts—an irreparable loss to science, as well as to the amiable individual to whom they belonged. Similar outrages continued for several days, until they were put a stop to by the arrival of the military from Oxford and Hounslow. A great number of the rioters were taken, and two suffered the extreme penalty of the law. Barracks are now erected, with every convenience for the military, which will prevent the possibility of a similar disgraceful occurrence. Upwards of £60,000 worth of property was destroyed.

Birmingham was created a borough by the Reform Bill, and now sends two members to parliament. The constituency is about 6,532, and is composed of householders of £10 and upwards. The Borough comprises the parishes of Birmingham, Egbaston, and the townships of Bordesley, Duddeston, and Nichels and Deritend: the returning officers are the two bailiffs of Birmingham. The local government of this town is in the hands of officers chosen annually; these consist of two bailiffs, two constables, headborough, constable of the hamlet of Deritend, two ale conners, two flesh conners. It has no