Vroniutin

Among the addresses of Ministers to the conatituenoies, the only pass sage bearing on the future in Sir George Grey's to the electors of Morpeth is the following " While it will be the duty of the next Parliament to exercise a wise and judicious control over the public expenditure, I trust it will also be enabled to devote more time and attention than has been possible in a state of war to useful domestic legislation and to measures of internal improvement."

Mr. M. T. Baines, in his address to Leeds, relies on the past. After eulogizing Lord Palmerston's foreign policy, he says

" His domestic policy ham been directed to develop the principles of free trade, to promote legal, commercial, and social reforms, and to render the Church more efficient for its great and sacred purposes, by placing in its highest stations men eminent for piety, diligence, and faithfulness.' Mr. Vernon Smith says he believes that "the frame energy which hal sot the seal on foreign troubles will also effect large reforms in our laws and steady improvement in our institutions."

Mr. Ilorsman has met his constituents at Stroud. He told them, he looked with great regret at the proceedings in China, and disapproved some of them. Sir John Bowring might have taken a war-junk and battered down a fort, and then have rested quiet until he had referred home. Thet is the opinion of nine-tenths of the community. But the question for the Government was, not what Sir John had done, but what they were to do ; how best they could get out of the serape. They took the course which in the eyes of the Chinese would be the most manly, and the most speedy in coining to a termination, and the best calculated to increase the valuable trade we have with that country.

Mr. Disraeli has issued his address to the electors of Buckinghamshire, He begins by saying, that since the Minister has acknowledged the justness of the vote of the House of Commons by superseding his agents in Chine, it is clear that the plea for the dissolution is a pretext. " What then is the real object ?—To waste a year." "Lord Palmerston is an eminent man, who has deserved well of his country ; but as Prime Minister he occupies a false position. Ile is the Tory chief of a Radical Cabinet With no domestic policy, he is obliged to divert the attention of the people, from the consideration of their own affairs, to the distraction of foreign politica. Ilia external system is turbulent and aggressive that his rule athome may be tranquil and unassailed. Hence arise excessive expenditure, heavy taxation, and the stoppage of all social improvement. His scheme of conduct is so devoid of all political principle, that when forced to appeal to the people, his only claim to their confidence is his name. Such arts and resources may suit the despotic ruler of a Continental state exhausted by revolutions, but they do not become a British Minister, govern' log a country proud, free, and progressive, animated by glorious traditions; and expiring to future excellence. The honour and the best interests of the country require that men should be returned to the new Parliament with definite principles. If you will confer on me, for the fourth time, the high distinction of being your member, I will, as heretofore, uphold our constitint tion in Church and State, and support those popular and aristocratic insti tutions which, in this country, have made power a privilege, but hare et'tended the possession of that privilege to all who exert themselves to deserve

it—institutions which have educated a nation to aspire and excel. The general policy which I would enforce at this; juncture may be contained in these words--Honourable peace, reduced taxation, and social improvement."

On the Church question he remarks, that the attempt to play off the different Church parties against each other for political objects is a dangerous course; and he recommends Churchmen to unite in opposition to the foes of the Church, rather than quarrel among themselves. In his address to the electors of North Essex, Mr. William Beresford takes up a position among the seceding Tories. "I have heard," he says, "that a few—a very few—of the constituency are displeased with my wilful absence from the late division on Mr. Cobden's resolution. I acted as I did because I did not approve any anoinalone conjunction of discordant parties united for the purpose of overthrowing Lord Palmerston. Still more did I disapprove of the resolution itself, inasmuch as I looked upon it as tending to endanger the lives and jeopardize the property of Englishmen in those distant parts, and even to hazard the prestige of our power in the East."

It appears that Sir James Graham had been in serious danger of losing his seat. On the morning after the division on Mr. Cobden's motion, Sir James wrote to his agent at Carlisle, saying that there would be a dissolution, and that he could not stand again with Mr. Ferguson, as they had differed so greatly in their votes. This letter brought a deputation to London to confer with Sir James. The deputation endeavoured, and failed, to extract from him an engagement to stand again with Mr. Ferguson, and to vote confidence in Palmerston in the new Parliament. Sir James resented this as dictation. In reply to an invitation from the electors, he went down to Carlisle, and met them on Monday. At that meeting he described the conduct of the deputation ; vindicated his vote on Mr. Cobden's motion' denied that he was a party to a coalition, and avowed that his political leaning was most towards Lord John Russell. Lord Palmerston he said is not a fit leader for the Liberal party. Lord Palmerston opposed Mr. Locke King's motion. "le that the first time he has tried to defeat Reform ? (Cries of "_ ,lbro I") Lord John Russell and I are the only surviving members of Lord Grey's Cabinet who framed the first outline of the Reform Bill in 1831. I shall not dwell much on what occurred in 1831. Sufiice it to say, that what I then saw convinced tne that Lord Palmerston at heart was not an eager Reformer. Lord Aberdeen formed his Government : Lord John Russell refused to be a member of that Government unless a Reform Bill was introduced. Then also the Reform Bill was referred to a Committee of the Cabinet. Lord Palmerston was a member of that Committee. A bill was introduced by Lord John Russell and myself—our two names were on the back of it—giving large extension of the suffrage in the counties; extending the franchise in the cities and towns coincident with the municipal right of voting; disfranchising some of the smaller boroughs, and giving others only One Member instead of two. What was the conduct of the great leader of the Liberal party on that occasion? He actually withdrew from Lord Aberdeen's Cabinet, rather than sanction so moderate a measure of Reform as that I have now stated." (Checnt.)

On the motion of Mr. Philip Howard of Corby Castle, the meeting voted "full confidence" in Sir James.

• Mr. Cobden has circulated a farewell address to the electors of the West Ridng. The following is its most interesting passage

" Elected your representative in Parliament, without solicitation or expectation, when a thousand miles distant from England, I dissolved very reluctantly my connexion with the borough of Stockport to enable you to give an emphatic expression of attachment to the cause of commercial freedom. From the moment, however, when the Free-trade policy was no longer opposed by any political party in the country, I felt that every motive which led to my having become the representative of your most important electoral district has wholly ceased; for to one who like myself, takes an active interest in the leading public questions of the 'day, it offers no advantage to be elected for the largest of our constituencies. On the contrary, it involves the additional labour of much local and private business, and a great increase of correspondence—that terrible tax on the time of public men. Nor does it confer any compensating rank or privilege in the struggle of Parliamentary, life. The House of Commons is a pure republic, where each Member's position is decided by his own intrinsic qualities and his arguments derive no force from the weight of the body whom he represents. Lord John Russell would be equally our first debater whether he sat for London or Tavistock. It is true that a very different rule applies to the votes of the Members for large constituencies, for they servo to indicate the policy which, sooner or later, the Government must pursue. But, as with the exception of Free-trade, my honourable colleague and myself are generally opposed on the great questions of the day, I am deprived of the satisfaction of feeling that my vote has any weight in the decisions of the Legislature."

Mr. Cobden met the electors of Salford on Tuesday, and personally declined the proffered honour of a seat for that borough. He prefers to try his luck at Huddersfield, and appears to be sanguine of success. "I am not easily beaten anywhere," he said, "and I have no doubt I shall succeed in getting a scat somewhere." Moreover, he prefers to retain his connexion with Yorkshire, and to sit for a borough where only one Member is returned, as he "is not good at running in a curricle." He recommended Sir Elkanah Armitage to the people of Salford. Sir Elkanah showed some coyness, but gave way, and has now issued his address.

Mr. Bright has issued his address from Rome. Ho expresses approval of Mr. Cobdon's resolution on the Canton quarrel. He condemns the Government for going to war with Persia without consulting Parliament. He disapproves of the Government proposal to raise the duties on tea and sugar, and would deal with the extravagance of the Estimates rather than impose taxes on articles of almost universal consumption.

The struggle in Manchester grows daily more exciting. There is undoubtedly a strong feeling against the sitting Members, but also a reluctance to part with such well-tried servants. Mr. Cobden took the field on behalf of Mr. Bright, on Wednesday, at a crowded meeting in the Freetrade Hall. Mr. George Wilson occupied the chair; Mr. Milner Gibson and Mr. Cobden were the speakers. The meeting pledged itself, by a vote nearly unanimous, to use all lawful means to return Mr. Gibson and Mr. Bright, Mr. Cobden made a long and powerful speech on behalf of Mr. Bright. He denied with great emphasis the charge of coalition. When he first entered Parliament, ho declared that he would know neither Whig nor Tory until they had repealed the Corn-laws. Are we not to pursue the same course again ? Am I, because I find Mr. Disraeli and Sir John Pakington coming round to principles I have been advocating—am I, at the.moment which offers a fair chance of success to my opinion, to say, 'No I will not join you ; that would be conspiracy— that would be a coalition ?' Lord Derby, Mr. Gladstone, and Mr. Disraeli, have used almost the identical language which I used on this spot seven or eight years ago. Here is my programme= Non-intervention, diminished expenditure in your armaments, and diminished taxation if you follow that policy.' But am I, when I see this policy, which seems to be advocated and very rapidly adopted by the whole Conservative party in the House of Commons, immediately to turn from the course I took seven years ago and say, If you offer to reduce the establishments two millions a year you (Mr. Gladstone or Mr. Disraeli) only want to make a factious opposition to the Government, and therefore I will oppose you ?' I want such factious opposition." (Loud cheers.) Mr. Cobden examined and condemned the policy and conduct of Lord Palmerston ; supporting his conclusions by a searching analysis of sliceille acts through a long career. He evidently made a strong imM*011 aping relinevetou and in favour of Gibson and Bright.

General Perronet Thompson reappears in public life as a candidate for Bradford. The address he has issued is characteristic of the veteran who has borne a share in so many political conflicts.

"I come to refresh the acquaintance we have long had. It began in the time of struggle for a great principle, to the value of which every portion of your town bears witness. To detain you with sentiments which have long been common to us would be waste of time ; to a few points it may be well to advert. Of war, as of surgery, the less we want the better; but what we have should be good. To reduce wars and fightings to a minimum, is the great practical problem for wise men in the present day. Concerning intervention, the same. We want intervention for good, and not intervention for evil. Is not your police maintained on the same principle? Nations will at some time unite for ;police, which shall do on a great scale what the other does. . Though not so fist as we could wish, reform and improvement are nicking head in all directions. We have had time to take lessons in the method of assisting."

The report that Mr. Layard would withdraw frau Aylesbury was premature. Both himself and Sir Richard Bethell addressed the electors on Wednesday, and won from them an unanimous vote of confidence. A large meeting of the electors of Brighton, held on Monday in the

ITown-Thill,—Mr. Moses Ricardo in the chair,—fairly adopted Mr. Wibi ham Coningham as their candidate. He described himself, first, as an independent supporter of Lord Palmerston's Government; and secondly., as a Liberal politician and an advocate of reasonable and practical reform.

The supporters of Sir Joshua Walmaley and Mr. J. Biggs met those gentlemen on Monday, in the New Hall, Leicester, and passed a resolution approving of the conduct of both. Mr. John D. Harris the third candidate, belongs to the same party, but differs from his rivals on the Sabbath question : his address shows that he is a Sabbath-observance Man.

There was an open-air meeting at Sheffield on Monday—" the largest over held since 1830, when Mr. Brougham advocated Parliamentary Reform." The object of this assembly was to hear an explanation of his views from Mr. Overend Q.C. Mr. Overend said that he is no Derbyite, and that so far as one man could be the follower of another he is a follower of Lord Palmerston. He spoke highly of Mr. Roebuck, who has "the honour of the country at heart " ; and assailed Mr. Hadfield, as "a man of the Manchester school, who would not care if the French landed in London so long as their cotton-bags are safe." The meeting gave Mr. Overend a qualified support.

A large meeting of the Conservative electors of Liverpool was held at the Amphitheatre on Monday, and it was formally resolved that Mr. Horsfall and Mr. Turner should be the party "candidates for the borough at the next general election."

Sir Arthur Elton has addressed the electors of Bath, on the most Liberal principles. He thus meets the prevailing attempt to limit the issue of the election to the China question

" It appears to me that the present juncture is one of much importance to the interests of the Liberal cause and the welfare of the nation. Parliament is dissolved upon a question which, for aught we know, may at this verymoment be definitively settled. I allude to the dispute between the Chinese Commissioner and the English officials, the results of which have proved so calamitous to the population of Canton. Upon this question similar views may be entertained by politicians strongly opposed on matters i of more permanent interest. Yet it s attempted to stake the entire character of a Parliament elected for seven years upon this sole issue I respectfully protest against this injudicious and shortsighted policy. The destinies of the British empire must not be committed for seven years to the hands of a House of Commons composed of men whose only recommendation is a knack of adopting at the shortest notice any electioneering cry that chances to be popular."

Mr. Henry Baring, the Member for Marlborough, is placed in a peculiar position—the failure of the Royal British Bank prevents him from meeting his constituents. It appears that he accepted twenty shares in the bank in lieu of a debt, and when the bank failed he found himself under a frightful liability. Ready to pay his share' and more than his share, he is prevented from doing so by the state of the law which prevents an arrangement between the debtors and creditors of the bank. He has therefore retired to Paris, pending the passing of an act of Parliament, to prevent his own ruin by unscrupulous creditors. He solicits reelection.

Mr. Humphrey Brown made a speech to the electors of Tewkesbury on Monday. He said nothing about the Royal British Bank. The meeting pledged itself to reelect him.

The Monmouth Magistrates have fined Michael Taylor, a farmer of Skenfrith, 600/. for manufacturing malt without a licence.

While Mr. Cobden was addressing the electors of Huddersfield, in the Theatre of that town, on Thursday, part of one of the galleries fell down, carrying with it several persons. It does not appear that any one was killed. The accident, however, arrested the speaker and dissolved the meeting.

Some damage was done to the Art Treasures building at Manchester by the high wind on Saturday; much glass was shattered in the more exposed parts of the roof.

The fire has been nearly extinguished in the Lundhill mine, and the process of pumping out the water will soon commence. The subscriptions for the families of the colliers who suffered now amounts to 70001,: the Queen subscribed 2001., and Prince Albert 100/. to the fund.

Mrs. Robson, a lady residing near Newcastle has been burnt to death by her muslin dress having taken fire as she passed the fire-grate in the breakfast-room : her husband's attempt to throw her down and wrap her in a rug to extinguish the flames was rendered vain by her excitement,