1 JANUARY 1859, Page 5

Christmas has not stayed the tepid agitation in behalf of

re- form. A little more intensity has been given to the movement, but it is confined 'to the North. In Perth, in Hull, in Leeds, the Bright prognignme has been accepted. In Bolton a meeting

declared for manhood suffrage. At Newcastle Mr. Bright has had a friendly talk with the leaders of the Northern Reform Union, and the upshot is that they stick to their views, sup- porting Mr. Bright at the same time, while Mr. Brig,lit goes for what is practicable. On the whole there seems to be a more general acquiescence in the cardinal points of the Bright Refona Bill.