7 FEBRUARY 1846, Page 4

ta robfutts.

The nomination for the West Riding of Yorkshire took place at Wake- teld on Wednesday; but neither Mr. Ferrand nor his candidate, Mr. George Lane Fox, was in attendance. This untoward upshot to a fortnight's incessant agitation was announced by Mr. Ferrand in an address dated on Tuesday; the alleged cause being the refusal of Mr. Fox to become a candidate, on the ground of ill health. Mr. Ferrand laments that "the friends of native industry" should be doomed to bitter disappointment at a moment when success was approaching to certainty. Mr. Fox also pub- lished an address corroborating the statement that ill health was the cause of his not coming forward. The progress of Mr. Ferrand's agitation in Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, and other places, was marked with much noise and bustle, accompanied sometimes by in-door breaches of the peace; his unmeasured aspersions against the millowners, the League, and em- ployers generally, having in some instances been resented, to the injury of -his person and the destruction of furniture.

. The election proceedings on Wednesday were conducted on hustings erected at the top of Wood Street, close to the Court-house. From an early hour crowds of persons poured into Wakefield from all quarters; most of the millowners in the adjoining districts giving their hands a holy- day, and the railway companies supplying the means of transit. By ten o'clock, 30,000 persons are said to have been present. A few minutes before that hour, Lord Morpeth arrived, under the escort of a numerous body-guard of friends; and when he appeared on the hustings, a hearty cheer burst forth from the immense multitude before him. Lord Morpeth was supported by Mr. Walter Fawkes, of Fernley, Mr. J. G. Marshall, Mr. Charles Wood, M.P., Mr. Gaskell, Mr. H. Latham, Mr. C. Wynne, Mr. J. Scholefield, Honourable Edward Petre, Mr. B. Dixon, Mr. Bowers, and Sir E. Yavasour. Mr. Fawkes congratulated the electors on having retrieved the humiliating defeat which' they sustained in 1841, from the full-grown, purse-proud, and intolerant spirit of Monopoly. The progress which Free- trade opinions had made was well marked also in the condition of the hostile hustings which stood on the left. [Mr. Fawkes here alluded to an erection put up for Mr. Ferrand, and his party, in anticipation of their requiring such accommodation: in their absence it was occu- pied by Free-traders.] He denied that those hustings, although occu- pied by the persons for whom they were provided, would have con- tained the representatives of that great Conservative and Monopolist body which, following the usages of gentlemanly electoral warfare, fought and gained the battle of Monopoly in 1841. He was glad to find that the persons who threatened to commit a great onslaught on the Free-traders on the present occasion did not stand in need of any addi- tional chastisement: they had received enough during their canvass.

Mr. J. G. Marshall was the seconder. The progress of Free-trade opin- ions, he said, had caused a cordial union to spring up between the bulk of the working population and the other classes of society, from which the MEN101914itvfritcitelnight be anticipated. It was only, he added, in allusion o tiza-ghortrtirne question, by the voluntary and friendly cooperation of e empl,oyers* the employed, that the evils which had grown Up among ie-hbourinife ation could be remedied.

• Lord tb% addressed the meeting at great length. He adverted the de ; and made some humorous allusions to the efforts of . Archer: and Mr. Ferrand to get up an opposition to him now. ahfr. Ferranti ot so much a candidate himself as "the godfather of andida his godchildren had a tendency to turn rickety. This,

however, marked the progress of opinion; and on this point he hoped they would allow him to remind them of what he stated when last in Wake- field—

" I said on that occasion, that the opinions and the measures of which I am the advocate are now moving in their onward though unseen track, and hastening to their accomplishment'; and I added, if there be one subject more than another in which a nation is most likely ultimately to see itself righted, it is on that which concerns its food.' And it is on the question of food—that question which has stirred the mind of England to its utmost depths—that I am now come again to ask for, and as I believe to receive, the recovered suffrages of the West Riding."

Lord Morpeth reminded his hearers, that when defeated in 1841, he stated that he could not reconcile himself to the thought of occupying any other seat but the West Riding; and although he had been absolved by the electors themselves from his implied promise, still he now rejoiced that he had not entered into any other service—that he had reserved himself for Free-trade and the West Riding. They could not fail to recollect that his defeat was occasioned by his Free-trade opinions-

" I was then opposed, and then beaten, by the exertions of the great body of the landed interest, and by other friends of Monopoly, because they said I had adopted a very violent and revolutionary course in recommending a fixed duty Of 88. per quarter. I think they would be slightly obliged to me now if I could secure them the rejected 8s. duty. But that scrip has gone down in the market, and no efforts can get it up again."

As to the League, although many of its members might have said things of which he disapproved, and the League itself might have done things to which he could not subscribe, still he could not but attribute the present position of the Corn-law question to the unmeasured efforts of that body, and to the energy and ability of its leaders. His Lordship then adverted to the " Ministerial crisis "; remarking, that in the Government of Lord John Russell, with whom he had consented to accept office every member had agreed to the proposition for a total and immediate repeal of the Corn- laws. All the circumstances however, connected with the Ministerial movement conspired to show that Sir Robert Peel was prepared of himself to do great things for free trade; and the expectation had been realized-

" I think none of us will deny, that in the recent proposals submitted to Par- liament Sir Robert Peel has done great things for free trade. I reserve for myself the consideration of the precise details; but I may say that I cordially approve of the great feature of that measure. I rejoice in the instant admission free of all duty of Colonial corn, of Indian corn, of meat salt and fresh, and live cattle. I am not sure, though I know that therein I differ from many of my friends, and from many ardent Free-traders in general—I am not sure, I say, that I shall feel myself called upon to dissent from the differences which he still wishes to retain between the admission of slave-grown and free-grown sugar. My doubt is, whether he can in practice realize that difference. But if he can, great as are the lengths I would always go in behalf of free trade, I must ever disconnect from all fellowship with that glorious cause the blood-red flag of the slave-trade. Bat, with respect to his measures I wish above all to avoid the three-years delay before we arrive at the totally free measures, of corn. I object to it as much with refer- ence to agriculture as to any other interest. I am not sure whether it would not in the end tell more prejudicially on them than any other class of the community; and in any amendment or motion which may be brought forward I shall he ready to vote that that which he wishes to take place three years hence shall be im- mediate and at once. Gentlemen, if you send me to Parliament, I shall then, as I have explained, boon the whole prepared toigive my cordial assent to the measures just submitted to the Legislature. * * Yes, gentlemen, the West Riding of Yorkshire, comprising Leeds with its woollens, and Bradford with its worsted, and Huddersfield with its fancy-goods, and Halifax with its piece-goods, and Sheffield with its cutlery, and Rotherham with its iron, and Barnsley with its linens, besides the far and fair domain of agricultural industry—this Riding has now to say 'Ay' or' No'—shall there be a total repeal of the Corn-laws ?— for that is the banner we have planted in our land, and which we engage to make good against all assailants."

Lord Morpeth dilated upon the beneficial effects to arise from free trade, in preserving peace with all nations, insuring the blessings of abundance, and in multiplying the means of employment.

Mr. Walker, of Bradford, asked Lord Morpeth if he would support the , limitation of factory labour to ten hours a day for all young persons between thirteen and twenty-one years of age? Lord Morpeth replied- " I think that, in accordance with words of my own which have been quoted, the repeal of the Corn-laws will give an opportunity for a fresh consideration, and, I hope, for satisfactory adjustment of the question of the hours of labour. I ardently wish that the question could be settled by agreement and adjustment between the employers and the employed. (Cheers; and a Voice "No one the

has ought to do we it.") If it cannot be so settled, I shall be willing to be a party to some legislative enactment. I consider that in the vote I shall give on the sub- ject I may very likely go against the opinion of some of the masters--against some of the men; but I will leave myself at liberty to act with respect to both as I think the circumstances of the time and the real interests of both shall at the time require." (Loud cheers; and cries of" We'll trust you with ft.")

The Under-Sheriff put the usual question, and a forest of hands appeared for Lord Morpeth: only seven dissentients were counted. Lord Morpeth returned thanks in a short speech; and at the close three cheers were given for" The League, Lord Morpeth, and the Queen!"

Mr. Spencer Horatio Walpole was elected for Midhurst on the 30th January, no opponent having appeared. The proceedings were remarkably flat. Mr. Walpole was filled with "diffidence and doubt" as to whether any great good would arise from the Ministerial propositions. He had not had sufficient time to master them; in fact, he doubted whether it was pos- sible for any man living to come at the present time, to a just conclusion

upon them. Mr. Walpole proceeded to glance at the details under four divisions; approving of some of the proposals, disapproving of others. He was friendly to the introduction of raw materials free of duty, including lean stock; but he disapproved of allowing fat cattle to be imported on the same terms, lest it might injure the farmer, causing him to lose the profits of fattening and the advantage of the manure. As to the reduction of duties on manufactured articles, he was afraid the effect would be to de- preciate capital and deprive artisans of employment; and as to the Corn- laws, he strongly deprecated the proposed change; assigning the reasons usually urged at Protection meetings. Mr. Walpole boasted that he would enter Parliament unpledged to any specific line of conduct. There was no chairing; but several dinners celebrated the election.

The nomination for Lichfield took place an Saturday, at the City Court- house. Lord Anson, who had accompanied Mr. Mostyn on his canvass, was present. Dr. Rowley put Mr. Mostyn in nomination; enumerating his claims to the favourable consideration of the electors; the crowning one being, that although a landlord and possessed of great landed property, he had nobly determined to patronize free trade. As to the Ministerial scheme, Dr. Rowley said, that Sir Robert Peel, in proposing it, "was weaving himself a garland that the artisans and agricultural labourers of the country would place about his brow iunidst shouts of gratitude and ad- miration." Mr. Chawner was the seconder: he characterized the Ministerial proposal as an "immense measure," but chiefly valuable as an enuncia- tion of the great principle on which the government of the country was to be conducted. He objected to the continuance of the sliding scale for three years; and thought the Protectionists themselves would agree with him in thinking that their interests would be better promoted by imme- diate abolition. No other candidate having been nominated, Mr. Mostyn was declared duly elected. He promised to give his cordial support to the principle of Sir Robert Peel's measure; believing that by this course he should best consult not only the interests of his constituents but the wel- fare of the country. Some of the details might admit of amendment; hut as a whole, the scheme was "grand and comprehensive." Mr. Mostyn alluded to the probability of his early retirement from the representation. This, according to Mr. Chawner, is to make way for Lord Anson, who has not yet attained his majority. The usual chairing took place, and was followed by a dinner at the George Hotel.

The election for East Sussex took place, at Lewes, on Tuesday. Mr. Charles Hay Frewen, the only candidate, was escorted to the hustings by a party of mounted yeomen. He was put in nomination by Mr. Ellman; who undertook to say that a more independent man than Mr. Frewen would not be found in the House of Commons. Mr. Ellman saw no reason why the Protectionist party should not take office, placing the Duke of Richmond at the head. Mr. Frewen's nomination having been seconded, Mr. John Villiers Shelley stated, that the reason why he had allowed Mr. Frewen to "walk the course" was the certainty of a general election's taking place soon: he would reserve himself till that time. Mr. Frewen's election was then declared. He also adverted to the formation of a Protection Government; giving it as his opinion that the only man who could succeed Sir Robert Peel was the Duke of Richmond.

The Honourable Gerard James Noel, the candidate for Rutland, is on the Continent; but he has issued an address promising to oppose any dimi- nution in the existing agricultural protection.

Letters declaring conversion to the Ministerial views of Free Trade have issued this week from several Agricultural Members to their constituents. Most of the converts, under the impression that their new opinions inca- pacitate them from representing their constituents, announce that they have resigned their seats; others make offer to resign if called upon to do so.

Sir Thomas Fremantle has resigned his seat for the borough of Bucking- ham; explaining his reasons in a long letter. Sir Thomas declares his ad- hesion to the Ministerial policy; but finding that his constituents entertain contrary views, he resigns his trust. It is expected that Lord Chandos will be the new Member. • Lord Ashley announces to his Dorsetshire constituents the resignation of Isis seat in Parliament, in the following letter- " To the Gentry, Clergy, Freeholders, and other Electors of the County of Dorset. "Gentlemen—The First Minister of the Crown has propounded to the Par- lament a measure for the total abolition of all protective duties on the importation of foreign corn.

"The bill seems so well adapted to meet the present and future exigencies of the country, that I shall think it a point of duty to do all in my power towards rendering it the law of the land.

"I ventured, in the month of October last, to direct your attention to the 'pressing necessity of an immediate settlement of this long-agitated question—that necessity is now increased tenfold by the act of the Government; and a resistance to it, which could not postpone the measure beyond the interval of a few months, would mitigate none of the apprehended evils, and would raise up others of a more formidable kind.

"I state these arguments for your serious reflection; but they are not the sole -grounds on which I rest my determination to support the measure. • I shall accept it, not only without alarm, but in the fall and confident hope that it will prove conducive to the welfare of all classes of the community..

"But there is a preliminary consideration: the appeal to the country in 1841 was in fact, whatever the ostensible purpose, an appeal on the question of the Corn-laws. I maintained at that time that protection was indispensable, though I reserved a discretion on all details, and obtained your support accordingly.

"I am now of opinion that it is no longer expedient to maintain such pro- tection.

"Although no pledges were asked or given,! should be acting in contravention of an honourable understanding between myself and the electors on this especial matter were I to retain my seat and vote for the Ministerial measure. I have therefore requested the grant of the Chiltern Hundreds, that you may have the opportunity of proceeding to another election.

'You will readily believe that I contemplate such an event with exceeding pain. It would sever a connexion which I have enjoyed with honour and pleasure for fourteen years; one that I greatly prefer to any that could be offered. It would shut me out, perhaps for ever, from public occupations, and stop the progress of various measures to which I have devoted the best years of my political life, and surrendered many hopes of personal advantagadvantage.I mention these things to prove to you how deep and how sincere are my convictions.

"lam indebted to your kindness and confidence for the opportunities I have enjoyed of public service, and which, I trust, I have not misused. I shall ever ' retain towards you a lively sense of gratitude and esteem, with an ardent and unceasing prayer for your general and individual welfare.

"I shall appear on the hustings on the day of nomination, and call for a show of hands, to ascertain beyond a doubt the sentiments of the constituency.

"1 run, gentlemen, with much respect and esteem, your faithful friend and servant, Assuarr." Mr. Henry Charles Start, one of Lord Ashley's colleagues in the repre- sentation of Dorsetshire, has also resigned. Deeming it impracticable to ' resist the Free-trade movement, he is prepared to support the Ministerial measures; but, in deference to the understanding which existed between his constituents and himself at the time of his election, he confesses it to be his duty to tender his resignation.

Lord Arthur Lennox has resigned his seat for Chichester; in consequence, it is understood, of the Duke of Richmond's unwillingness to contribute Parliamentary support to the Ministry. Lord Henry Gordon Lennox, ano- ther of the family, has offered his services to the electors.

Lord Jocelyn, Secretary to the Board of Control, resigns his seat for Lynn Regis, with an explanatory letter.

Mr. Townshend Mainwaring has addressed a letter to the electors of the Denbighshire Boroughs, declaring that he has been converted from opinions • in favour of protection by Sir Robert Peel's announcement of the Govern raent measures- " Under these circumstances, I respectfully ask you to allow me to approach the consideration of the vast subject unfettered by the restraint which my own address to you at the last generall election imposes on me; otherwise I must take immediate steps to vacate my seat in Parliament I can most honestly assure

you' that no party feelings have influenced me in forming the views I now enter-

tain. Few, perhaps, have more reproached the Government than I have, for, asi conceived, unnecessarily stirring up this question at a moment when their own previous measures were working so well; few either have more deprecated their conduct in giving way, as it appeared, to agitation. Better motives, I am now inclined to believe, have actuated them. With them, I believe, the measure they

have .proposed may diffuse comfort and morality among the labouring classes, may invigorate trade, may permanently extend commerce, and that agriculture itself may derive a healthy stimulus from the encouragement which their measure proposes to give."

Mr. Wilson Patten, one of the Members for North Lancashire, has also addressed a letter to his constituents on the subject of the Government measures. He expresses his belief that an adjustment of the Corn-let question is so essential to the best interests of the country, that he is de- termined to enter upon the consideration of the proposed measures even at the sacrifice of former opinion, with the view of attaining that desir object. He thinks there is no reason to expect that any good can frcm delay: he considers the state of the corn-market unusually fa., _ar- able to an adjustment; and should an arrangement not take place, years of contest and uncertainty must follow. To his constituents he says—" I shall give a wide interpretation to any intimation which I may receive, that it is their wish, under the circumstances, to confide the trust now reposed in me to other hands."

Mr. Charteris, one of the Members for East Gloucestershire, avows his adhesion to the new commercial policy. He states that the principles of Free Trade have been acknowledged by all parties to be sound; the only question for decision being, how far they could be safely applied to a country like England? The success of the experiments made by Sir Robert Peel in 1842 had encouraged him to make a further advance in the same direction; public opinion had made rapid strides since 1841 in favour of perfectly free trade; and, for these and other reasons, Mr. Charteris is resolved to offer no opposition to the measures. Looking, however, to a declaration which he made two years ago at a Protection meet- ing, that he would never assent to any measure which diminished an iota of the protection which then existed, he does not feel himself at liberty to vote for abolition of the Corn-laws without appealing in the first place to his constituents. He therefore tenders his resignation; and should there be a strong demonstration in favour of accepting it, he will adopt the ne- cessary steps for creating a vacancy.

A meeting of the electors of North Staffordshire was held at the county- town on Monday, at the special request of Mr. Watts Russell, one of the Members, who wished to announce his conversion to the Ministerial views. of Free Trade. Earl St. Vincent, Lord Sandon, the Honourable W. Tal- bot, and Mr. Adderley, Mr. Russell's colleague, were present. Lord San- don, as Chairman of the Conservative Association, was called upon to pre- side; and a discussion arose at the outset as to the admission of reporters. A majority appeared in favour of publicity; but Mr. Russell having voted in the minority, it was deemed courteous to him to convert the meeting into a private one. So far as information could be gleaned from persona present, Lord Sandon stated that the arguments of Sir Robert Peel had not satisfied him that protection ought to be withdrawn from agriculture; but at the same time, he doubted the practicability of continuing it much longer, the leading statesmen on both sides of the House having given in their L.dhesion to the Free-trade doctrines. Besides, he was anxious that the question should be settled. Mr. Adderley stated that he was prepared to give the new measures an uncompromising opposition; and the declara- tion was well received. Mr. Russell announced a contrary course : after serious and anxious deliberation, he had come to the conclusion that Sir Robert Peel's measures were upon the whole calculated to benefit the country; and such being his opinion he felt conscientiously compelled to support them. Still, if he was satisfied that his supporters were generally opposed to the measures, he should feel it his duty to resign. He therefore hoped the electors present would express themselves without reserve. No expression of opinion, however, proceeded from the meeting; but all agreed in thinking that Mr. Russell was acting a commendable part in offering to resign his seat. He is to hold similar meetings in other parts of the division.

Mr. Cartwright has resigned his seat for South Northamptonshire. Bad health is assigned as the cause; but he condemns the new policy.

Several Protection meetings have been held to consider the Ministerial proposals; and the invariable result has been a declaration of hostility to the measure, as involving inevitable ruin to the agriculturists. Derision is cast on the compensatory provisions: the County Members are to be called upon to give an unequivocal statement of their intentions.' and where the answer happens to be unfavourable, the parties are to be called upon to re- sign their trust. Petitions to both Houses of Parliament are also to be forwarded. The places where meetings have been held are Tamworth, Canterbury, Reading, Thirsk, Aylesbury, Northampton, Stafford, Ely, De- vizes, Newbury. At Hereford a meeting was called, but not held. The Tamworth Society held an adjourned meeting, at Tamworth, on Saturday, to review the Ministerial proposals. Mr. Pye, who presided at the former meeting, now took the chair; :remarking, that although Le expected a great alteration in the Provision-laws, he was nevertheless sur- prised at the scheme propounded by Sir Robert PeeL Compensation had been promised; but the fulfilment falsified the promise—the compensation amounted to nothing. Rain to the farmer was involved in the success of the scheme, and ruin to the manufacturer would soon follow. Major Bam- ford moved a condemnatory resolution. He saw around him a great num- ber of voters for the borough of Tamworth; and he would ask, would they support the men who would vote against their interests? [The answer was given in loud cheers, and cries of ` No, no 11 In the event of a dis- solution, the Major advised them to adhere to each other like a bundle of sticks. Mr. Parsons declared that he would withhold his support from Captain A'Court if he went over to the enemy; and as to Sir Robert Peel, he should be happy to join with twenty other eleeters in calling upon him to resign. Mr. Woolferstan insinuated that Sir Robert Peel was playing the part of Jerry Sneak—the League being Mrs. Sneak. The resolutions were passed without dissent One of them contains a call to Sir Robert. Peel to resign, on the score of treachery and the falsification of pledgee. The Herefordshire Agricultural Society held its annual Candlemas dinner, at the county-town on Monday. In returning thanks for the Army, Captain Johnstone made a dash at the Free-traders; urging the Protectionists to imitate the Army and stand up like men. The Captain was called to order by the Chairman; who advised him not to disturb the harmony of the meeting by using such strong language. Captain John- stone did not think it possible that language too strong could be used; and proceeded to act upon his opinion, calling upon the farmers to quit themselves like soldiers and fight the enemy to the last. Sir Robert Price, the Borough Member, tendered advice opposite to that given by Captain Johnstone—

He would entreat them not to give battle; he would enjoin them not to show fight ; for no good could result from it, and they would have to repent their in- discretion. The agitated question was likely to be brought to a settlement in a way not strictly in accordance with his own wishes, and he believed that if a settlement had been made some years ago it would have been more satisfactory; but they were not now to consider the past but the future. His friends on his right and left had hoped for the best, but still feared the consequences to follow the proposed alterations. Now his own anticipations were not of so gloomy a character. He hoped that they would be enabled to compete with foreign pro- duction; for he was of opinion that agriculture was capable of still further im- provement beyond what had been effected of late years; and if the agriculturists of the country would all unite in their endeavours to this end, he thought they would be able to succeed in competing with foreign produce.

The Northamptonshire Society met at Northampton on Tuesday. Lord . Southampton, Sir Charles Knightley, M.P., Mr. T. P. Manned, M.P., and Mr. Stafford O'Brien, M.P., occupied prominent places. The Ministerial com- pensation was kicked about like a foot-ball. Lord Southampton treated it as

"a decided insult "; Colonel Cartwright looked upon it as "a perfect bugbear" (!); it was, he said, like taking from them a sovereign and offer- ing in exchange a brass farthing. Mr. Canning, a farmer, asserted that on land at 30e. an acre, the whole amount of compensation would not exceed Id: on a bushel of wheat. On other matters the speakers were equally - plain-spoken and decided. Lord Southampton asked, of what possible use a duty of 4s. would be? for his part, "he would rather be smashed all at once." But it was all humbug." What was the use of a 4s. duty when wheat was at 53s.? Why, the farmer could not live when wheat was at 53s., and therefore the duty of 4s. was no remuneration at all. Mr. Can- ning said that Sir Robert Peel, in one of his late speeches, called the aris- -Mersey of the country "a proud aristocracy": Mr. Canning wished to God that Peellead more of the aristocratic blood—that he had more of the proud 'blood, and less of the cotton blood. He for one would not accept the detestable measure of a 4s. duty, but would rather fight the battle to the last. Sir Charles Knightley was jocose about letters which Sir Robert Peel -read in the House of Commons- " Potato letter on potato letter—nothing but potatoes, potatoes, potatoes—till . he was absolutely tired of hearing him." Did any man believe that these letters, though not absolutely written at home, were not in spirit dictated by Sir Roberi himself? Sir Charles believed that the Premier had determined long ago to destroy protection to agriculture; and to assist the object, he applied to Mr. Spring Rice, asking him to send him a lamenting and dolorous letter on the potato disease. This put Sir Charles in mind of an anecdote which would amuse them. It was an old story, but he knew it to be true because he got it from the nobleman to whom it happened, the late Lord Sydney. He had been invited by Mr. Spring Rice's fatheren-law, the late Earl of Limerick, to dine with him on a Saturday; and, by one of those na takes which Irishmen somethnes make, the invitation was sent for the Saturday before that on which the dinner was intended. Accordingly, Lord Sydney went; when Lord Limerick said, "I am very glad to see you, though I did not expect you today; but I shall be very glad if you will dine with our family." Accordingly they sat down to table, with the four daughters of the "noble Earl, and four covered dishes were placed upon the table. "What have your got there, my dear?' said Lord Limerick, addressing his eldest daughter: "lift the cover and see." The rang lady, dutifully lifting the cover, replied, "Potatoes, papa." " Iftimpts" said the n*le Lord; what have you get there?" The seeond daughter, lifting the next cowls replied, "Potatoes, papa." "What lame yen got?" (to the third). "Potatoes, papa." "And what (to the fourth) hum you got?" "Potatoes, papa." [It is impossible, says the Morning Post, to deeeribe the vivacity and point with which Sir Charles told this anecdote, or the ludicrous effeet it had upon the meethig.1 That, he continued, was really a fact, for the late Lord Sydney told him himself; so tint the story was literally true; and in those days the potatoes were not peeled. .1 vughter.)

Sir Charles instituted a genteel comparison. Some said, how was it likely that a man of Sir Robert Peel's rank and station would do anything to rum the country ? Now, there were many instances of men esking both their lives and .their property to establish a fame, whether bad or good. What made Oxford shoot at the Queen ? He was sure either to be hanged or transported; and yet, for the sake of eetablishing a particular kind of reputation, be was willing to risk these two things : and therefore he did not give Sir Robert Peel the least eredit for his disinterestedness.

At a meeting of a branch of the Staffordshire Society, held at the county-town on Thursday, a letter was read from Lord Talbot, intimating his approval of the Ministerial scheme, and resigning his office of Pre- sident. Mr. Adderley, M.P., told an anecdote— lie knew a few nights ago an honourable gentleman said to Mr. O'Connell, "What do you think of it now 2" To which Mr. O'Connell replied, "I shall boa fool if Ida not DOW carry my Repeal "; and Dr. Bovrring, who was sitting toy the aide observed, "And within five years we will have the Bishops out of the House of Lords."

The managing Committee of the Somerset Society has published an address to the friends of Protection; thus exhorting them- " Give your immediate, determined, and unqualified confidence and support to those gentlemen who have now the arduous duty to perform of defending in Par- - figment those interests which are now assailed by an unhallowed alliance between yoar open, unscrupulous enemies, and those treacherous friends in whom the mere you have confided the more you have been betrayed."

The Free-traders are busily engaged in getting up petitions for a total and immediate repeal of the Corn-laws; and few public meetings have can- sequently been held. The Town-Councils of Nottingham, Derby, Gates- head, Sunderland, and Worcester, and the Manchester Commercial Asso- ciation have expressed a favourable disposition towards the Government measure; but some of those bodice, deeming the delay of three years im- politic, have resolved to petition Parliament to make the abolition of the Corn-laws immediate. The Newcastle Town-Council have petitioned for the passing of the measure as it stands.

The Manchester Commercial Association, composed of merchants and traders who seceded from the Chamber of Commerce of that town on a political question, assembled on Wednesday to consider the Government measures. The feeling of the meeting will be ascertained from the resat': tions adopted and embodied in petitions to Parliament.

Mr. J. B. Wanklyn, an influential Conserratire, moved, "That this Associa- tion regards with great satifaction the scheme proposed by her Majesty's Govern- ment in the House of Commons, in so far as the same recognizes the freeing of trade and commerce from excessive and protective duties."

Mr. Alderman Neild moved, "That whilst approving of the Ministerial mei.. sure as a whole, this Association regrets that the final abolition of the duties on corn should have been postponed; as experience has demonstrated that delay can- not be advantageous to the parties proposed to be benefited thereby." A third resolution contained an approval of the proposed alteration in the law of settlement.

Mr. H. J. Marcus, a share-broker of Leeds, has been apprehended on a charge of forgery; the name of Mr. Lupton, the Mayor of Leeds, having been forged to a transfer of railway shares, and the signature attested by Mr. Marcus. The ease mination of the prisoner was private. It is said that he attempted to poison him- self when arrested.

A very destructive fire occurred at Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Tuesday morn- ing, at the locomotive-engine manufactory of Messrs. Hawthorn. About four o'clock, Mosscrop, a joiner, was admitted by the watchman of the establishment, to finish some work. The man was provided with a lantern, with which he went into the joiners' shop; soon afterwards, the shop was on fire; and though the alarm was immediately given, and engines and other assistance were_quickly obtained, a large pile of biulaiugs was utterly destroyed in an hour. The con- flagration was augmented for a tune by the burning of the gas, which was turned on; the pipes having melted, and the stop-cock being out of reach. An immense number of models, portions of locomotives, seven engines in an advanced state, three finished, and a corresponding number of tenders, were consumed or ren- dered worthless. The damage was then estimated at something between 16,0001. and 20,000/. Messrs. Hawthorn were partially insured. They held large contracts for the supply of locomotives—sufficient to have employed them for three years. At mid-day on Tuesday, all the people employed in those portions of the estab- lishment not burnt down were set to work; and every effort will be made speedily to employ the rest of the establishment. After the fire was got under, a search was made for Mosscrop: he was found at his house. He was taken before the Magistrates, apparently to be charged with wilfully causing the fire; but the evidence only pointed to him as the pm- bable cause by some carelessness with his lantern. In the mean time, he was remanded.

Mosscrop has since been liberated; the-Magistrates considering that the evi- dence was insufficient to prove a felonious intent. On searching the ruins much of the machinery was found uninjured, and the amount of loss is estimated at much less than at first.

There were fifteen incendiary fires in Norfolk during the last quarter, according to a statement made to the Magistrates by the Chief Constable of the Counts', Others have occurred since, and the crime is said to be increasing.