The Tories pretend to have secured a majority in the
'West Riding of Yorkshire. But in order to make this out, they are forced to de- clare that they struck off '2000 from Lord Morpeth's majority by their 3i1CCCSS at the registration of 18:35; the fact being, as we learn from the Leeds Mercury, that the Reformers increased their majority last .fear by about 10(X). Allowing, therefore, all that the Tories claim for this year, they are still in a desperate minority. The Radicals of Leeds seem determined to have Sir William Moles- worth as one of the Representatives of that borough ; and there is a prudent inclination on the part of the Whigs to make common cause with them. The Leeds Times says- " A numerous meeting of Liberals, forming a Committee, or Central Asso- ciation, previously appointed for registration purposes, met at the Liberal Committee-room, Commercial Buildings, on Tuesday evening, to receive the report of their Secretaries in reference to the late registration proceedings, and to originate measures fur having two Liberal candidates ready for nomination in the event of a general election. The first rut of the business having been disposed of, it was proposed that twenty-four gentlemen should form a Central Com- mittee, with John Marshall, Esq., as Chairman, to whom should be intrusted the arrangement necessary to insure the election of two Liberal Members for this borough at a future election. This was the plan heretofore adopted, and was very properly objected to as being too exclusive,—the great majority of the gentlemen named being also of one party, and principally connected with nuly two or three of the wards of the borough. After some discussion, the following resolution, proposed by Alderman flamer Stausfeld, was adopted. That in the opinion of this meeting, ward meetings should be held, to return as many Committee-men as they return Councillors to the Town-Council, for the purpose of taking into their consideration and submitting to a general meeting of the electors such persons as they (after obtaining the required information) shall think fit and proper persons to represent this borough in the event of a dissolution of Parliament.' At the meeting the prevailing opi- nion, so far as it was expressed, was decidedly in favour of Sir William Moles- worth and Mr. Baines, as candidates most likely to unite the Reformers, and ineure their successful support in the event of a new election. Some pretty plain speaking was indulged in ; and Mr. Baines was told that the opposition manifested in the Mercury to Peerage Reform had made more Radicals than all the efforts of other parties put together. In the course of the evening, it was decided that the Central Committee to be formed should meet on Tuesday week, fur the purpose of entering upon the execution of the important duties to be intrusted to them. Two of the wards have already met and done their duty ; several others have given notice of meetings—in all cases of electors and and non-electors—for the ensuing week ; and in a few days the opinion of the inhabitants, as to the persons whom they think best qualified to represent them, will be demonstrated by the delegates whom they elect."
This appears to be a rational mode of proceeding in a large town like Leeds. It will be necessary, however, to make it effectual for the intended purpose, that the minority should cheerfully yield to the decision of the greater number, and unite heartily in the support of the candidates chosen.
There is no truth in the rumour that Lord John Russell is to be invited to stand for Leeds.
A communication has been received in Lincoln from the Honour- able Captain Phipps, stating that he declines standing for Dungarvan, and that he will be ready to present himself before the electors of Lin- coln as soon as a dissolution of Parliament or a vacancy occurs.— Lincoln Gazette.
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