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Leader (1850-1860), 18th December 1858, Edition 2 of 2, Page 4

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      Fpha.T The Publication Of The Royal Proc...

      every other commercial interest in the country has * " -ot oil well under the rule of free trade , the shipping interest has " stood lamenting . " But the signers of the petition are most anxious to " protest against auy attempt to connect their application with any . considerations of disputed systems of general commercial policy . " How the connexion is to be . avoided , neither Mr . G . F . Young nor his sympathisers gave the faintest hint ; only they want to be protected—when every other commercial interest is unprotected .

      During the week the new Divorce Court has been actively employed in the settlement . of various matrimoniaf troubles , and the enormous need there was for such a tribunal is amply illustrated by the varied character of the cases brought before it . Its uses have not yet been tested to a tithe of the extent to which we may live to see them applicable ; and the work , it has done so far has not been all well done ; but the establishment of the court was a great triumph of civilisation , and its development should be watched with jealous solicitude .

      K-, 72 The Lead Eli. [No. 456, December ...

      K-, 72 THE LEAD Eli . [ No . 456 , December 18 , 1858

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      J & rnt Sntelligwtrt . —*— .

      Political Foresh Ado Wings. Mb. Bright A...

      POLITICAL FORESH ADO WINGS . Mb . Bright at Edinburgh . —On Wednesday evening a very crowded meeting was held in the Municipal Hall to hear Mr . Bright on the subject of Parliamentary Reform . After some general remarks on this question , of a similar character to those which he delivered at Manchester , Mr Bright said he trusted that the measure of the present Ministry would not be like the feast of the Spanish host , very little meat and a great deal of tablecloth . The feeling for Reform was founded upon the steady growth of public opinion . The till of 1832 was full of great results , and the greatest was , that it settled for ever the question whether the constitution required

      that the representatives of the people should be a fraudulent and sham one , or whether they should have the right to require from Parliament that fair and full re ^ presentation which he hoped the meeting was there to demand . He did not think it was possible to maintain a law which shut out from the enjoyment of political rights five-sixths of the grown men of the United Kingdom . He proposed to take a wider and more rational basis than the present 10 / . franchise , which he thought would be safe , and for all purposes good and honest , representation ; instead of the 5 / . rating proposed by Lord John Russell in 1852 , he would prefer that every man who was an occupier and who was rated for the relief of the

      poor should be entitled to have a vote . Referring in ironical terms to certain articles in the Times newspaper on the subject of Reform , he remarked that the Times , which always went with the strongest , was now asking ¦ wh y he did not give the details of the measure of Reform which he was preparing on behalf of the people of England . He asked , in Teturn , why the Times , which was always writing about Reform , did not insist that Lord Palmerston , when that nobleman was known to be preparing a measure , should state the details of his proposed bill . Of the House of Lords he said that if any one asserted that the four hundred temporal peers represented the individual interests only of

      those four hundred peers and their families , he placed tBe " --iBtence of the House of Lords on a most precariouT foundation . There were four hundred men chosen , not by the people , sottiny lip ? . . " . ' £ »* * ° dissent from , and reject year after year , as they bad done , i » : e beneficent and excellent measures passed by tho representatives of the people . He appealed to the meeting if they wished an extension of the franchise—such an extension as would admit a large infusion of the working classes . ( Cries of "Yes , yes . " ) Did they intend to keep the franchise as it was ? ( No , no . ) Well , then , he thought he had a right to complain of those public writers

      who had on this question said they were for Reform , but that they were not for his ( Mr . Brigbt ' s ) Reform . He thought that every man who spoko or who wrote on this subject ought to discuss it without reference to his likings or disllkings to any particular individual . Tho question was a great and a solemn one , and if it were discussed as such , he believed ere long that the country would come to a very wise and satisfactory conclusion- — a conclusion which would before long be ratified by Parliament . ( Groat cheering . ) He asked them to compare the state of matters now to what it -wag it was In 1798 . There were no riots and insurrections now as at that

      time ; and was not this owing to the growing intelligence , education , and civilisation of tho country , and the belief entertained by tho people that they -were not wholly disregarded by tho Legislature from 1842 to 1840 ? And particularly to that of X 846 , which repealed tho Corn-laws ., ho attributed much of tho plenty , happiness , and ease enjoyed by tho people . In tho changes that were wished In tho representation ho do-. ulred to keep to the ancient landmarks 5 and , warned by Jbe experience of tho past , their measure should bo moderate in in its strength , but it should bo irresistibly strong n its moderation .

      Mkssks . Buioht ani > " Mii-nkh Gibson at Manchester . — -Tho much-talked of soiree , prepared with so much care by the local leaders , took place ' on'Saturday , in the Free Trade Hall . Mr . George Wilson presided , and letters or apology were received from Lord J . Russell , Mr . Cobi . len , Mr . Villiers , Mr . Locke King , Mr . Layard , and Mr . Roebuck . Mr . Gibscii combated Mr . Lowe's Kidderminster speech , and ridiculed the idea that the people do not want Reform . Mr . Bright began bv contrasting the former conduct of the Tory . party with its conduct in voting for corn-law repeal , and its

      present exertions to extend the political rights of the people . He denied that lie desired to question the prerogatives of the Crown or of the House of Peers . His next proposition was that the House of Commons docs not represent the country . There are 1 , 000 , 000 voters , yet 200 , 000 are allowed to elect one-half of the House of Commons . He denied a charge brought against him that he wants to " Americanise" us ; and of " scores of writers" who h : ive attacked his Birmingham speeches , he said , " if thtsy were dressed in the garb that becomes them , they would be dressed in plush . "

      This " Times" and Mk . Bkigiit . — In answer to the hon . gentleman's attack on the writers who differ from his opinions , the Times remarks : — " In the new dictionary , which , we perceive will be speedily required , we must " look for something like the following : — Worth , noun substantive . — -Agreement with Mr . Bright . Worthy , adjective . —Agreeing with Mr . Bright . Unworthy , adjective . —That which disagrees with Mr . Bright . Bright , proper name . —The same as Right , quod vide . ' Wrong . —That which is different from Bright . What Mr .

      Bright ought to be dressed in does not appear ; but he has no doubt that all who differ from him should wear plush , and that a man who does so differ must be actuated by the vilest motives , the meanest selfishness , the basest servility , the- most disgusting hypocrisy . Who can wonder that a cause advocated with such candour , meekness , and power Of conciliation should find favour in the eyes of all men , and soothe , by the consciousness of universal approbation , the temper and feelings of its pacific and mucb-enduriug advocates ?"

      m conjunction with an extension of the privilege , nf T constitution to those at present without Kg 1 ^ should- be such a distribution of seats as to Sveto ^ middle and working classes that fair amount of ' nni v ? influence to which they were entitled , sTh a £ , UlCaI would deserve the support of every ienuL 15 ^ If , however , it should prove to be a meSuS ZSfiZ ? increase the influence of the counties at the eSi towns , such a measure would have his unflihchinW " sition . . : ¦ o ° Ppo-Metropolitan Movements . —A nreli , ninarv mee ,. . of gentlemen anxious to promote the redistribution J metropolitan seats on an equitable basis was h ^ n Tuesday at the Ebndon Coffee-house , ' ' Earnest , !} able speeches were delivered by gentlemen represent ! , ^ various metropolitan districts , and a resolution . 2 adopted in support of the objects of the meetint Another meeting on the Reform question , crowded . „ $ enthusiastic in its character , has been held in the South wark Literary Institution . The resolutions included manhood suffrage and the vote bv ballot

      Provincial Movements . —At Congleton a Reform Association has been formed to render support to Mr Bright . Manhood suffrage has been adopted as the basis of the Association , in the belief that by demanding this ultimate settlement a large instalment may be obtained at once . —The people of Burnley have resolved to memorialise Lord Derby for the enfranchisement of their town , and they want household suffrage and rote by ballot as a means of making their votes general and effective . —At Taunton a crowded assembl y adopted resolutions in favour of the ballot . —At a meeting ia Leicester , the working and middle classes mixed themselves up together . The borough members were present , but did not speak . The Leicester people voted all the Reform points . On the franchise question , their resolution demands " manhood suffrage , or at least such an

      extension as shall include every householder . " An effective Kcfonn meeting has been held at Basingstoke Mr . Wilks was the principal speaker . —At Rochdalethe Electors' Reform Committee met a public meeting of Liberal electors on Wednesday , and reported that they had fixed upon Mr . Cobden as their representative in the event of an election , and the meeting unanimously ratified that choice . Mr . Cobden has declared that , in the event of a dissolution of Parliament , he will consider himself pledged , if elected , to sit for Rochdale . Siu Ciiarxks Wood , M . P . —The right hon . baronet presided , this week , at a meeting of the Halifax

      Mk . Robakt ' es , M . P ., and Mr . Kendall , M . P . —At the Callihgton Agricultural Association , the members for the eastern division of the county were present . M > . Robartes said he believed that no Reform Bill would suit the public that did not ilo away with the remainder of the nomination boroughs—whether Whig or Toryand also very considerably extend the suffrage . He thought that unless something like a compromise were entered into with regard to the other details of Reform , it would be quite impossible , to carry a bill . He wished it to be understood that he was for the ballot . Mr . N .

      Mechanics' Institute , and took occasion to make a long speech on social progress . In the course of his observations he spoke of speeches recently delivered which were intended to promote a separation of classes , to alienate the people from the aristocracy , the poor from the rich , the workman from the master , and so on . Where such speeches were delivered , or by whom , Sir Charles did not aay . - Mr , Miall . —This gentleman addressed the electors of Banbury on Tuesday nig ht . He met with a very cordial reception , and the points of his speech were

      Kendall said he did not think the country very ripe for Reform , but as promises had been decidedly given , no doubt a Reform Bill must be brought before Parliament , No one could deny the ability of the Chancellor of the Exchequer , whom he believed to be , take him for all in all , the first man of theday , though hewasimprudent at times . In preparing the Keform Bill , Mr . Disraeli might go much further than he ( Mr . Kendall ) should like , and he might be compelled to choose between two evils—Scylla on the one hand and Charybdis on the other . He was afraid that he should either be compelled to vote fur a Government measure which he did not like , or support

      loudly applauded . Mr . Miall advocated less diplomatic intercourse with foreign nations , and a more hearty manifestation of popular sympathy with the people of other countries . He would maintain the national defences in an efficient state , but this he thought could be done at half the present oxpensc . Ho adyocated the separation of religion from tho civil power-, and , with regard to the Sunday question , ho would support the law as it stood . His utterance on the Reform question was very decided . He would give the suffrage to tne nian , and , as far as tho right to vote was concerned , no could draw no distinction between tho electoral ana

      something very radical indeed . The result of which would be that he would be placed in a most extraordinary fix . Whatever Reform Bill was passed it must not be a sham measure—it must be progressive . Without that they would only have a new Reform Bill proposed . Nothing upon earth , ho added , should ever induce ihim to vote for tho ballot . Mr- Dalgms . ii , M . P . —At o public meeting in Glasgow , he hon . gentleman said;— Having considered household suffrage in all its bearings , I do not see that it will be a fair representation of tho feelings of tho country . Under household suffrage , how many thousand * of our most intelligent operatives and young men would be entirely thrown out of the franchise because they did not occupy a houso ? It would bo gross injustice to deprive of electoral privileges young men who are coming forward to bo tho leading men in tho city in ablo to

      non-electoral classes . , . . . Sin A . II . Elton , M . P . —The hon . baronet hw addressed the farmers at Clevedou on Parliamentary Reform . He said that he would not support the 1 manufacturing as against the agricultural interest , but wouw act with fairness toward * all parties . He w » for ft large extension of tho suffrage and tho vote by ballot . Mk . Hvn » y Dkummqnd , M . P .-At a meeting of agriculturists at Guiidfonl , Mr . Dr ummond aaMM would only mention one pojnt on tho w ^ 'j'g . t 5 b « oauBo bv nolltics ho understood ft fig ' * betwem wr » tna

      their various professions , until they wore keep n , house of their own . We must have not only manhood suffrage , but as near an approach as possible to equal electoral districts . With regard to vote by ballot , 1 do not caro much about It under tho present state of tho suffrage ; but when it cornea to be universal suffrage , then lot us have voto by ballot by all moans . I havo always voted for voto by bullot , and will continue to t ! o so . I have hoard it said that tho people care nothing about Reform . Gontlomon , thirty years ngo , when reform agitation was carried on to such an extent , perhaps not 100 men in Glasgow had votes , and now there are between 16 , 000 and 16 , 000 . These men are , no doubt , Indifferent , but there are from 00 , 000 to 70 , 000 that havo no votes . These men are anxious to havo a voto , and you will find that they will agitato till they got one . " Mr . Oiiamjm Fousxitn , M . P . — At Walsnll , tho member for tho borough » akl , in reference to the Reform Bill which thoy might expect tho Government to bring forward , ho thought tho boat test of the sincerity of tho Government would bo found in tho manner In which tho bi ll provided for tho redistribution of seats . If

      factions , and ho never cured for a fight ° t * - » What we had to consider was , that other gont omen should not come hero and eat our beef and m » " ° "« this consideration was tho more urged upon u 1 iy concentration of troops on tho coast of Urnnco « u our country—a concentration far greater tuan am taken placo before .

      The Manchester M^^^S Former-It Laving Bo...

      THE MANCHESTER M ^^^ S former-It Laving boeu announced that Mr . » " «"' " ° ; sw u Extraordinary to Her Majesty's Govon ^ ' J ° t ( Uo appear at Manchester on Friday evening I "" . . » w ,, his intentions for tho bonottt of tho country , w- ^ iikmIo Immediate oleotric arnui gcmouts for roio » b d tolligonco aa to tho doBtinlea of the nation . * a wire to bo carried from tho -T o *« rftj h-oiu . » Tomplo-bar to the left-hand sldo of We « lj » ll ™ m street , just . between his lettor-woig hor ax <» « - b Mon . and having ordered a number of | mg «« to " 11 ^ dunce , In oiiho of emergency , Mr . * und <•> " » aor , „ tho muncho « tor uttorftneoe . And tUls v « " which they arrived ; - —

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Dec. 18, 1858, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_18121858/page/4/