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March 28, 1857.] THE LEADER. 2?3
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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Meetings. Mr. Horsfall And Mr. Charles T...
and the whole of this session , had exercised a factious sway over the House of Commons by the consciousness of having the power of dissolution in his hands . Why were members afraid of going to meet their constituents ? One main consideration-was the enormous expenses in ¦ which they were mulcted for the elections , especially in Scotland , where , even with the purest constituencies , the members -were subjected to heavier legal and other charges than in England . If we had three years" instead of seven years' Parliaments , the Parliaments -would come to be considered as of bonafde duration ; for it must be a great crisis indeed that would render necessary a dissolution before the time , and there would not be the same capricious exercise of the power of
dissolution . This reform , coupled with that of the ballot , would save a vast amount of turmoil and strife , as the effect of the ballot would be to put an end to the practice of canvassing at elections , and the more frequent recurrence of elections would be considered by men of all parties as a great boon . He observed that his lion , opponent ( Mr . Akroyd ) had a plan for permissive ballot ; but he ( Mr . Cobden ) was for compulsory ballot . He would make everybody vote ty ballot , with permissive open -votingthat was , any man who chose to put the name of his favourite candidate , Cobden or A-kroyd , on his hat or on his back was at liberty to do so . " ( Cheers . ) He afterwards stated that he was " in favour of household suffrage , the rate-book to be the register , and every man . rated to the poor to have a vote . ( Rounds of applause . *)
He was of opinion that , if a leader in the position of Lord John Russell were to introduce a Reform Bill , with the ballot included , he would trip up the heels of his opponents , take the wind out of their sails in a very clever and very successful way , and break the ranks of his adversaries in the counties . ( Hear , hear . ) The qualification for members was only a fiction , and lie would vote for its abolition , as in Scotland . " Mr . Cobden then went over several other political grounds , including the late Russian war , which he said had had no other effect than to increase the standing armies of Europe , and press down the peoples . In answer to questions put to him , he stated that tie should , after their recent vote in favour of the Canton massacre , vote that the Bishops be excluded from the House of Lords . He should not vote
for the opening of the Crystal Palace or Crystal Palace grounds on the Sunday , nor would he vote for the Maine Law . Mr . Shaw , constable of Huddersfield , proposed , and Mr . Thomas Mallinson seconded , Mr . Cobden as a fit and proper person to represent the borough ; and the resolution was carried by an overwhelming majority . The result was received with rounds of applause .- ^ -Mr . Cobden addressed another meeting on Tuesday night , with the same result . A meeting of electors at Colchester was addresaed on Saturday by Major the Right Hon . William Berksford , one of the candidates for North Essex . That gentleman explained his reasons for not going with his party in the recent China vote . Those reasons were
chiefly contained in a letter which he had written to some Conservative friend , and portions of which he read to the meeting . " In the first place , " wrote the Major , " I do not like the company which you have lately been keeping or endeavouring to keep . I -will not enter into the controversy of whether it is a coalition ot an agreement , or an approximation . I do not like such company . It must bring discredit , and will briug bad principles witli it . In the next place , I foresee and fear very disastrous results to our military position at Canton and to our national prestige if a resolution of the House of Commons should go out , repudiating the conduct of our forces there . Beware of that . Furtlfcr , I must look at the consequences of such a vote in its
results here at homo . A change of Government is unavoidable "; nay , you acknowledge that sucli is the object in view . Hero I must confess that I am opposed to turning oiitan existing Administration unless I see plainly a fair chance , at least , of establishing in its place a better one , which has a reasonable prospect of holding its ground . Now Lord Derby has proclaimed to the country that he cannot form such a Government with Mr . Gladstone and Mr . Sidney Herbert . If he has had no communication ( as I am told ) with them , how can he-make sure that they will not again decline ? and if they do join , will not such a coalition bring more discredit than strength with it ? Another and a very strong objection which I entertain to the change at this moment is the
conviction in my mind that the first act of tins coalition , as a Government , will bo to cut down the military estimates , and to reduce tho army again to tluit . state of inefficiency from which it lias only just emerged—an inefficiency for which both Mr . Gladatone and Mr . Sidney Herbert were in some degree accessory and answerable for . " Mr . Ducanic , tho other Conservative candidate , also addressed the meeting , observing that , though ho thought the conduct of Sir John Bowriug reprehensible , ho - wan inclined to support Lord Pnlmerston in prosecuting the war vigorously , and bringing it to an honourable and satisfactory termination . Kcsolutions were then adopted , pledging the meeting to do all in its power to Bceuro tho return of the two candidates .
Mr . Sani > ak 8 , the new candidato for Dudlicit , addressed a public meeting of tho elcctora of tho borough in the Old Town Hall on the evening of Friday week . He confessed that ho had asked and obtained tho support
of Lord Dudley , as he was sure they would have considered him a foolish person If he had not solicited the countenance of one who exercised such great political influence in the district ; but he-was perfectly unshackled . He then professed principles of a moderate -Liberal shade ; and a resolution approving of his views was carried by a small majority . An . adjourned meeting of electors of South Staffordshire -was held last Saturday afternoon at the Swan Hotel , Wblverhampton ; it was attended by about fifty representatives of the leading interests of the district . Mi . Sidney Cartwright , of Wolverhampton , presided . Mr . William Matiiews , an iron master near Dudley , and . a Mr . J . "W " . Foley , son of the Mr . Foley who represented East " Worcestershire in the last Parliament , expounded the principles on which they solicit the suffrages of the voters . Both are Liberals , in favour
of an extension of the suffrage , vote by ballot , and the abolition of compulsory church rates . The former , however , is opposed to the admission of Jews to Parliament , while the latter favours it . The names of two other candidates , who are now absent from Englandviz ., the Hon . F . GALTHonrE , and the Hon . Arthur "YYrottesley- —were mentioned , and a statement of their political sentiments was made to the meeting . Mr . Mathews was at once accepted as a candidate , and a division then took place on behalf of the other three candidates , when there were—For Mr . Folev , 25 ; the Hon . Arthur Wrottesley , 19 ; the Hon . F . Calthorpc , 1 ; and the meeting pledged itself to vote for Mr . Mathews , and Mr . Foley . The chairman was authorized to publish throughout South Staffordshire the decision to which the meeting had come , and to recommend Messrs . Mathews and Foley to the general constituency for election .
The Liberal party of Norwich held another great meeting on Friday week in . St . Andrew ' s Hall . Lord Bury " and Mr . H . W . ScitNEiDKK , the Liberal candidates , attended the meeting , and were received with great enthusiasm . On the following day , Lord Bury and Mr . Schneider attended in the Corn Exchange , and were favourably received . The farmers and merchants present in the Exchange were also addressed by Mr . Charles Buxton , on behalf of his brother , Sir Edward Noeth Buxton , who is now a candidate for the representation of East Norfolk with Major-General Winlmiaiu :. Business was for a time suspended , and the scene was one of much animation and interest .
Mr . James Wyld addressed a large meeting of the electors of Bodmtn in . the Guildhall on Thursday Treek , Mr . Sergeant presiding . He said that , though on many great questions of policy he should support Lord Palmerston with all his strength , yet , as representing an independent constituency , there were times and seasons when he might differ from him , and he was sure that such was the nobleness of Lord Palmers ton that ho would not seek a support given without thought or discrimination . A resolution approving Mr . Wyld as a candidate was unanimously agreed to .
The electors of Finsbuiiv had a crowded meeting at the London Mechanics' Institute on Monday , when Mr . Duncomrk stated his political principles , and promised that he . would vote for an equalization of poor-rates and land-tax . He then defended Lord Palmerston from the charge of being a Tory . The- proceedings concluded by tho passing , amidst acclamation , of a resolution pledging tho meeting to return Mr . Duncombe free of expense . —Mr . Serjeant Parky , Major Rked , and Mr . Cox , the other candidates , addressed the constituency on the same day in various parts of tho borough . —Mr . William Cox addressed the Finsbury electors on
Tuesday evening , and spoke in favour of the hallo f , the admission of the Jews into Parliament , innocent Sunday recreations ( though on this subject ho would bow with submission to the opinion of the Uishops ) , a reform of the bankruptcy laws , and a 51 . franchise . He would not vote for the extravagant annuity of 70 , 000 / . a year to tho l ' rinccss Koyal . ile agreed with Lord Palmerstou ' s conduct in connexion with the China question , but dissented from nine-tenths of his political opinions A resolution to support Mr . Cox was passed amidst loud chocks—Mr- Cox addressed another meeting of bin supporters on Thursday .
Mr . Serjeant Pakhy and Major Kickd , ex-M . P . for Abingdon , again addressed the elcctora of Fiuabury on Wednesday night . Both are Liberals . A district meeting of the supporters ) of Baron Uo'rii , sciiiu > , Sir Jamkh Dukio , Mr . Chawkoicd , and Mr . iiAiKKH Ci / iciurc , candidates for the Citv of Lo . \~ i > o : n , whs held on Tuesday evening , at 21 , Cannc / iistreet . The chnirniiui , Mr . Ingram Traverp , said that a great apathy exists in the City as regards tho election , and tlmt probably only a siiikII number of the electors will voto . Nothing of importance transpired in tho speeches of the candidates ; but Nome amusement Avns created by Mr . Ourrio denouncing Lord John Russell ' s r < il
Another meeting of tho supporters of the four confederated candidates for London took place on Wednesday . There was alao a gathering of the ndhcrents of Lord John Kussicli ,, at -winch tho brother of that
nobleman , Lord Charles James Fox Russell , gallantly defended the claims of his kinsman . In the course of bis speech , he said : —" With regard to the question of the ballot , he had authority to state that the vice-president of the Ballot Society in the City , the treasurer , and several of the committee , had determined to support Lord John Russell , notwithstanding his opposition to the ballot . ( Hear . ) But was his brother so determined an opponent of the ballot as some gentlemen seemed to suppose ? He had heard his brother say that in the abstract he was favourable to open voting , but that he might be driven to the ballot . ( Disapprobation , and a cry , " He never will be" ) What did his toother say at the London Tavern the other day ? He understood him to say that , when Mr . Hume stated that Only one man in seven enjoyed the franchise , he thought it only right that the other six should know how the
elector voted . But his brother now went a step further He wanted to carry a large extension of the franchise ; and when two men out of seven , instead of one out of seven , had the power of voting , the argumcut against the ballot would not be quite so strong in his brother ' s mind as it was . Q . lpj ) lause , anil partial disapprobation . ) ... It was only last night that his brother , not speaking upon the China question , but alluding to Lord Palmersto-n's address to the electors of Tiverton ., said , 'lie is a little hard upon us here , for ^ ie says that no one ventured to impugn the policy pursued by the Government at Naples . But I took exception to it on the first night of the session , and spoke to Lord Minto on the subject ; but I did not do more , because if I had brought forward a motion , the Tories would have voted with us , and we should have put the Government in a minority . ' This would show that his brother had no anhmis against Lord Palmerston . "
Another meeting of the supporters of Lord John Russell was held at Crosby Hall on Thursday . The proceedings presented no features of interest . Mr . Locke , one of the candidates for Southwark , addressed the electors on Monday , and indicated his approval of Lord Palmerston ' s foreign policy , as well as his . ( Mr . Locke ' s ) intention to support the further extension of the franchise , the abolition of church-rates and Jewish disabilities , the spread of education " , the opening of the British Museum , & c , on SundayB , vote by ballot , the abolition of the law of settlement , the equalisation of the poor-rates , and other measures of enlightened progress . A vote of confidence was unanimously passed . Mr . Pellatt appeared before his Southwaik constituents on Tuesday evening , vindicated his recent opposition to the Government on the China question , and obtained a vote of confidence .
Sir CriAULES Napieu addressed , his Southwark supporters on .. Wednesday nighr . He approves of Lord Palmerston ' s conduct with respect to the Chinese business , but thinks the people should refuse to support his administration unless he shows himself a genuine lieformer . Mr . Eoui'Ei . L , met his Lamii . ktii constituents on Monday . lie declared himself in favour of a more democratic House of Commons , and of any measure tending to advance the interests of the working classes , to lessen their hours of toil , and lengthen their hours of intelligent recreation , to abolish , the truck system , and to protect children in factories from tho demoralizing effects of excessive labour , lie denied that he was an ultra Pulmerstonian . A resolution expressing confidence wasi passed with only two dissentients .
The friends and supporters of Mr . Williams , at Lambeth , were addressed by that gentleman on Tuesday evening :. A resolution was passed , pledging the meeting to support his candidature to tho utmost . —Mr . Williams also addressed his constituents on Thursdaj ' . Mr . Wilkinson explained lii . s opinions to a meeting of Lainluth electors on Wednesday evening . Ho justified his vote in favour of minister * on the China -question ; intimated that there are great difficulties in the way of readjusting the income-tax ; said lie would support Sunday recreation ; and accused Mr . Williams of being very changeable in lii . s opinions .
At , S'loviivouT , on tho evening of Friday week , Mr . Kkkhiiaw , who spoke at ' considerable- length , explained his reasons for nut voting at till on Mr . Oobden ' s motion in reference to the China question . On carefully perusing the paper * relating to that subject , he felt that he could not conscientiously support the Government in the course that had been pursued , while , on tho other hand , lie felt that by voting for Mr . Cobden ' s motion lie might be aiding to overthrow Lord Palmc-nitou's Governincint to make room for a Tory AdminiHtration . — Mr . . ) . 1 J . Smith explained the grounds on which lie voted for Mr . ( Jobdcn ' s motion . He considered that lio
whs not sent to Parliament to vote with the Ministry under all cirpinnstanccs . The Government whipper-in once complained that ho had not voted with the Ministry on a certain occasion . Ho replied , " I always vote with you when you are right . " » ' Thank you for nothing , " was tho rejoinder ; " wo most need votes when wo are in , the wrong . " He wished to know whether Lord Palmerston would yield the ballot , extension of tho suffrage , Hhorteiihig of the duration of Parliaments , and reduction of taxation . He considered that Lord l ' ulmcrston could not ask for support until ho had anaweied that question Butisfactorily . Votea of con-
March 28, 1857.] The Leader. 2?3
March 28 , 1857 . ] THE LEADER . 2 ? 3
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Citation
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Leader (1850-1860), March 28, 1857, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_28031857/page/5/
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