The Morning Chronicle today, in setting forth Lord Stanley's qualifica-
tions for leading the Protectionist Peers in their approaching campaign against the' Government Corn Bill, tells the following anecdote-
" Some weeks ago, a deputation from Manchester, consisting of gentlemen of all political parties, visited London, for the purpose of' acquainting Sr Robert Peel with the state of their district, and the critical condition and prospects of the vast industrial interests represented by them, and placing in the Premier's hands a petition to the House of Commons, signed by nearly every man of weight and in- fluence in Manchester, praying for the speedy passing of the Corn Bill and Tariff. They likewise visited Lord John Russell. They next sought an interview with Lord Stanley; but his Lordship was engaged,' and declined to receive them. Subsequently, during the Easter recess, vihen Lord Stanley was in Lanca- shire, and in the presumable enjoyment of a leisure not compatible with his Important and onerous avocations in town, the committee appointed at a public Meeting in Manchester to watch over the progress of the Free-trade measures in Parliament addressed a letter to his Lordship, requesting an interview with him at Knowsley. This letter was written by the chairman, Mr. Robert Gardner, a gentleman of well-known Conservative politics. The noble Lord's reply was cha- racteristically off-hand and nonchalant: he told Mr. Gardner, and the town and district of Manchester, that as he had made up his mind to oppose the Govern- ment measure at any rate, he must decline a meeting which could lead to nothing."
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