IEtt„:113robinces.
Some of the leaden; of the late Anti-Corn-law League had a ;meeting at Manchester last week, with the objects set forth in the following circular subsequently issued to all parts of the kingdom. Mr. George Wilson, who signs it, is the old ohairman of the League under its Anti-Corn-law organi- zation.
"5, Newell's Buildings. Manchester, April 27, 1848.
"Dear Sir—A number of gentlemen have met here today to consider what steps should be taken to promote a cordial union of all classes of Reformers in favour of an improvement in our system of Parliamentary representation. They feel that increasing public expenditure and increasing taxation are causes of the deepest anxiety; and they doubt the possibility of any permanent remedy being applied whilst the tax-payers are for the most part excluded from direct influence in -Parliament.
"I have been requested to address this circular to you, to ascertain how far you think the extention of the franchise to all householders, with the protection of the ballot, the more equal distribution of the electoral power by means of electoral districts, and the shortening of the duration of Parliaments to a period not ex- ceeding three years, would afford a system of representation such as the middle classes, now partially enfranchised would generally acquiesce in, and which the unenfranchised classes would accept as a substantial admission to their legitimate place in the constitution. "I shall be glad also to know whether you think that, at the present time, a movement is desirable in favour of the changes I have indicated, and if you are disposed to cooperate with an association founded for the purpose of promoting them. I shall be glad also to know what, so far as you have ascertained, is the prevailing feeling of the inhabitants of your town or district on the subjects to which I have referred.
"The replies to this circular will not be published; and I will thank you to favour me with an answer at your earliest convenience. "I am, dear Sir, faithfully yours, GEORGE Wrisorr."
Reform meetings In the provinces have began to multiply, and they are 'becoming important.
At Leicester, a very large and influential meeting was held on Thurs- day, under the chairmanship of the Mayor. Resolutions were adopted de- claring that the House of Commons does not now fairly represent the people; that Mr. Home's motion of inquiry into the representation is mat- ter of satisfaction; and that the Borough Members, Sir Joshua Walmsley and Mr. Gardner, should be requested to support it.
At Manchester, a meeting was held on Tuesday, which filled the Corn Exchange, a very large building, though the admission was checked by tickets. Mr. J. C. Dyer, a retired merchant, Mr. A. Prentice, Mr. J. Watts, and Mr. Councillor Heywood, were the first speakers. On the pro- posal of a resolution in flavour of " a wide extension of the franchise," equal electoral districts, vote by ballot, and a shortened duration of Parliaments, a Chartist amendment was proposed. Mr. Henry Vincent spoke at some length, counselling the Chartists to be no longer obstructive, but to go with the new movement as far as it accompanied them on their way. The address seemed to have much influence on the Chartists present, and the original resolution was carried unanimously. At Birmingham, the movement has become organized, and promises re- sults. A meeting was held in the great Town-hall, which was crammed, on Monday, chiefly to hear an address on the representation from Mr. Henry Vincent. Mr. Muntz and Mr. Scholefield, the two Members, and most of the leading men of the town, were present. Mr. Vincent having spoken an hour, Mr. Muntz explained to the meeting the objects and corstitutioa of the new party lately formed in the House of Commons under Mr. Hume. He himself was for universal suffrage; but four-fifths of the newly-formed party were against it. Would it be prudent to reject the assistance of upwards of a hundred Members in the House, by persisting in the demand for the whole suf- frage at once? If the new party gained all they aimed at, the people could not long be denied the rest of their rights. The Tory, the Peel, and the Whig party, were all broken up; and there was in fact no longer an Opposition in the House of Commons. In such a state of things, which could not long last, a hundred united Members would have great power. He was of extreme opinions himself, but was inclined to make a temporary sacrifice to obtain in the end the extended changes he desired. Mr. Scholefield took the same line of argument. Mr. Joseph Sturge was delighted to find Mr. Muntz so near to agreement with himself: he would not quarrel about a name; and urged those present to join the new movement. Several others spoke in favour of unity of effort. Several Chartists acknowledged that the points advocated by the new party were some of the most important in the Charter; and they seemed rather in fa- vour of accepting instalments of their political demands. The meeting separated with a harmoniooa feeling, but without taking any steps.
On Wednesday, a sicond meeting was held in the same place; at which Alderman Weston prebided, and Mr. George Edmonds and several other members of the Corporation were present; Mr. Muntz and many leading Chartists also attended. Mr. Edmonds and Mr. Muntz spoke at great length, and apparently with much effect on the Chartists, in support of a resolution in favour of " the extension of the suffrage to every person hold- ing a distinct tenement, whether part of the house or the house itself, pay- ing a bona fide rent, said having occupied for at least six months before the election; the vote by ballot"; the division of the country into electoral clis: tricts; and triennial Parliaments. . Mr. Mason, a Chartist, ended a lengthened speech with a declaration in favour of hearty union between the middle and working classes. Mr. Hill and Mr. B. K. Douglas, Chartists, followed in the same tote. The latter moved- " That this meeting is of opinion that these reforms will be best effected by uniting the middle and working classes; and it views with great satisfaction the spontaneous desire universally evinced by the intelligent men of all classes to unite cordially in support of any movement in favour of moderate reforms." This resolution was carried unanimously. Other Chartists spoke in fa- vour of assisting the new movement, or at least of not in any way attempt- ing to check it.
The proceedings ended with a resolution to form a Committee, to be called the Reform League, with Mr. Mintz for President.
The Committee of the Cobden Testimonial Fund met at Manchester on Saturday, and received wstateatent of the result of the undertaking. It appeared that the amount subscribed was 79,0001.; from which 4,8001. had to be deducted for expenses; leaving a balance of 74,0001. to be placed at Mr. Cobden's disposal. Of the amount subscribed the. whole had been col
would -
lected except about 2,0001, and of that arrear 1,5001. ould yet be received. Some portion of the money had'been invested, with Mr. Cobden'e consent; and a moiety had been expended in the purchase of an estate known as Mr. Cobden's birth-place. The balance was in cash, and ready to be paid over by the treasurers as soon as the mode of doing it should be determined upon. It was resolved to authorize the treasurers, when the accounts should have been audited, to place the entire fund at the absolute disposal of Mr. Cobden, and to request them to transmit to the subscribers gene- rally a copy of the accounts as audited, with Mr. Cobden's acknowledg- ment of the receipt of the meaty.
r.
The Manchester papers report an improvement in the state of trade there. A large addition to the employed workmen in the cotton-manufacture has been made during the past week, and further additions are contemplated.
Previous page
