The annual show of the Grantham Agricultural Association, at Grant-
ham yesterday, was of the same character as the many shows of similar societies in the country—it was above the average in cattle and image- meths. At the dinner, Sir Montague Chohnondeley took the chair ; but Sir John Trollope, one of the County Members, was the principal speaker. His topics were the Police Bill, education, and agricultural statistics. -
Lincolnshire, he said, did not want a police, and he had opposed the bill to the utmost; but since Parliament has passed it they are bound to carry it out. As to education, he was opposed to any measure founded on the secular principle - but he was ready to vote for any measure that would se- cure a religious daining, and the reforthation rather than the punishment of juvenile offenders. The Agricultural Statistics Bill he described as air- called-for ; and he seemed to be of opinion that such statistics could only benefit the commercial community. He took credit to the Opposition for defeating the bill. " It was down on the paper day after day for discussiom but never came on, as the Government, knowing that they would be beaten upon it, used to keep us night after night until one or two o'clock, and then postpone it. At last we got rid of it by a side-wind. We got up one after ano- ther and asked when it was to be brought on ; and the consequence was, that, by throwing in that kind of quick sharp fire we got the Government to with- draw it altogether. I was, Iinust confess, a leader in that conspiracy ; and if it be again introduced in the same shape I shall give every opposition. I am, as you know, a member of that constitutional body. the Opposition ; but I was told the other day that we were a defunct party Now, I hope there will always be an Opposition—an Opposition prepared to oppose all unsatia- factory measures, but ready to support everything that may be for the dignity and honour of the country. That is the principle of action with which every one ambitious of becoming a senator ought to be imbued. I 'mentioned already the course we pursued with respect to the war : I aaid we gave it every support; although I for one think that had the reins of Government been in firmer hands it might have been altogether avoided ; but having drifted into it, we felt it our duty, by liberally sppplying the sinews of war, to enable her Majesty to carry it on in a manner consistent with the national character. It is now, I think, too bad, after giving Go- vernment that support, to be told that as an Opposition we are dead or obsolete and effete. Lord Palmerston himself never said that, but has, on the contrary, acknowledged the support we afforded him ; and will find, when we come to matters of domestic legislation, that we are alive and ready to oppose what measures of his we may think worthy of condemna- tion. ' . (Great cheering.)
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