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    504 ' ¦ T:#M : :.; ;t|AI)#S.' ; ¦ ; : C ...

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    Election Matters. London. City.—Lord Joh...

    carried the repeal of the navigation laws ; last year we equalized the duties on coffee , and reduced the differential duties on timber . At the same time , we have not been unmindful of those great interests from which an unjust protection was withdrawn ; for instance , in conforinity with the suggestions , contained in the report of a committee of the Souse of Lords , we reduced , by 60 O , O 00 Z ., the stampduties which pressed heavily on the sale and transfer of land . With similar views , we extended and enlarged the advances for drainage and agricultural improvements which had been sanctioned under the Administration of Sir E . Peel . The repeal of the navigation laws has been followed by a reduction of the burdens imposed by light dues , which have been diminished in the case of the coasting trade to little more than , one-fourth of their previous amount . Other important changes have been made , intended to raise the

    character , and promote the interests , of the merchant shipping of the country . The question bf the Merchant Seaman ' s Fund , which , had so long been a source of discontent among our sailors , has been brought to a satisfactory conclusion , with the aid of a liberal contribution from the public purse . The general commerce of the country has been assisted b y the increased provision made for colonial and foreign packets . In respect to our sugar colonies , we favoured immigration and public works by loans guaranteed by the home Government . It is not necessary for me to celebrate the success of measures intended to continue and complete the policy of free trade . You will find the more recent facts , furnishing the most conclusive proofs of the wisdom of that policy , in the financial statement of the present Chancellor of the Exchequer . That speech deserves your attentive study .

    The financial results of the policy of the last 10 years may be thus summed up : — » 1 . Customs' duties have been repealed or reduced to the extent of 9 , 000 , 000 ? . 2 . Excise duties have been repealed or reduced to the extent of 1 , 600 , 0007 .- ' 3 . Stamp duties were roduood , in 1690 , to the extent of 500 , 0007 . 4 . The window duties have been commuted for a housetax , by which relief was given to the extent of 1 , 200 , 0007 .

    5 . The produce of Customs , Excise ^ Stamps , and Taxes was , in 1842 , 48 , 000 , 0007 .: in 1851 , 46 , 600 , 0007 , Thus , the relief to the country has been 12 , 200 , 0007 . j the loss to the revenue only 1 4 OQ , OOOZ . With _ tbese facts before us for our information and guidance , I can have no hesitation in accepting the | jbhalfenge to decide finally , completely , and conclusively the contest between protection and free-trade . What the present Ministers may propose to the next Parliament I cannot divine . For myself , I shall be ready to contend , —•¦

    1 . That no duty should be imposed on the import of corn , either for protection or revenue , 2 . That the commercial policy of the last ten years is not an evil to be mitigated , but a good to be extended , — not an unwise and disastrous policy , which ought to be reversed , altered , or modified , but a just and beneficial system , which should be supported , strengthened and upheld . There are , however , restrictions on the pursuits of industry which still require our attention . The transfer of land is still clogged by legal difficulties , expenses , and delays , which unfairly diminish the value of that species of property , and to a great degree prevent its becoming an investment for the savings of the industrious

    classes . The machinery of the department Qf the Customs ought to be simplified to the utmost extent consistent with the safety of the revenue . It should be the object of the Legislature to remove , as far as possible , those remaining Burdens or restrictions upon the shipping interest which still impede its prosperity . Leaving questions of commercial policy , I must now advert to other subjects of importance which , during the career of the late Ministry , required from time to time our attention . In 1847 the perils and alarms of commerce induced us to assume the responsibility of suspending the law regulating the issues of the Bank of England . In 1848 the revolutions on the continent of Europe led to a

    threatened disturbance of the public peace in England , and wild projects of insurrection in Ireland . These dangers were met , and overcome . In 1846 , 1847 , and 1848 occurred the fearful destruction of tho potato crop in Ireland by an unknown and mysterious disease Tho ravages of a dreadful famine wore mitigated by the expenditure of noarly 8 , 000 , 0007 . of money , in wages to the unemployed and food for the starving . 6 uch were tho measures of immediate relief . Tho acts of Parliament which have boon passed for promoting tho great trunk railways , i ' or loans for arterial drainage and , land improvement , for tho sale of encumbered estates , for amending tho provisions of tho Poor Law , and , lastly , for a largo extension of tho franchise , will , it is hoped , lay tho groundwork for tho permanent welfare of Ireland .

    Tho laBt five years have seen tho wise enjoyment and oound exeroiae of constitutional freedom in tho great united province of Canada . Instead of bickerings between tho upper and lower provinces , dissonsions between tho LogiBlativo Councils and ^ Representative Assemblies , and an executive vibrating betwoon arbitrary power and helpless inaction , vte have soon all tho powers of tho State working harmoniously together , and a marvellous increase in revenue and population reward their efforts . I trust that this example will not be lost , either upon other colonies in circumstances somewhat similar , or upon tho

    Legislature at home . In the West Indian colonies tho two groat changes wnffocted wifhin twenty years , from slavery to freedom , and from monopoly to competition , have no doubt been eovoroly iblt , but , generally speaking , those colonies appear to be now Boekin / r for a revival of prosperity wlioro alone it con be fo \ md , — -in improved methods of cultivation and manufacture . Jteyiewing the policy of the last five years , it lias been

    matter of satisfaction to us who have presided over that policy , to witness , on leaving office , the people in . the enjoyment of greater comfort and increased means , public credit fully sustained , taxes largely reduced with scarcely any loss of revenue ^ ' peace preserved , and the name of Englana respected throughout the world * The chief cause of these results must not , however , bo sought in any existing' menj or in any recent measures . They flow from the spirit of our people , from P Magna Charta and the Bill of Rights , frona the freedom of public discussion , and the temperate use of poorer by the Crown , the Parliament , and jthe people . ^ It was from a confidence in this wise and considerate use of popular ( strength that

    we thought it at once just and prudent to extend the right of voting for members of Parliament . It appeared to us that the advance of the working classes in knowledge and intelligence ought to be accompanied by ah increased share of political power . I am aware how difficult a task it is to adjust in any plan of representation the respect due to ancient prescription with the claims of advancing trade , increased population , and growing intelligence j but it appeared to us wiser to endeavour to make this adjustment when various propositions for the purpose could be calmly weighed and deliberately settled , than to wait for the storm , when the conflict of the elements might overpower the voiceof reason , and the rush of the encroaching tide obliterate the footmarks of experience .

    There is a . subject not strictly connected with the franchise , but which has an important bearing on the safety of our institutions , —I allude to education . Voluntary effort has done much , but the means of instruction , even in reading and writing , are still unattainable b y a great proportion of our working classes . I can only say , I shall pay unremitting attention to a question which so deeply affects the future condition of the people . Upon another question , which last year so greatly absorbed the time and attention of Parliament as to stop the progress of many useful measures , I have but a few words to say . In arresting what we considered to be an invasion of the temporal rightsi of our Sovereign , and of the nation ,

    we were scrupulously careful to maintain inviolate the sacred principle of rengio «» liberty . In the same spirit in which I proposed the repeal of the Corporation , and Test Acts , and constantly supported the concession of the Boman Catholic claims , I shall continue ; to act . One portion of our fellow-subjects is still excluded from the privilege of sitting in Parliament or holding office under the Crown . The ensuing elections must determine whether the representatives of the people will be prepared by large majorities to remove those useless and degrading disabilities . The oath taken by members of Parliament ought to be the same for all , —simple | and not complex , —a bond of union , and not a badge of distrust or a source of

    religious discord . . * I have now laid my opinions before you on many subjects of past and future interest . I have shown you that while much has been done , much remains for us to do . You will rejoice , as I do , to observe that contests for just and useful reforms , though baffled oft , are ever won . Measures of religious , civil , and commercial liberty have in our own time had their origin , their periods of discussion , perhaps of discouragement , have suffered their hour of crisis and doubtful victory , have had their day of signal triumph , and finally have token their place among our permanent institutions . Thus it has been with the question of Boman Catholic disabilities : thus it has been with

    Parliamentary reform ; thus it is about to be with free trade . In this last struggle I have played a secondary , but not unimportant part . It will be np mean glory if , honoured with the name of your representative , I shall be enabled to promote that great cause which is about to obtain from the electors of the united kingdom its final and irrevocable triumph . _ Let it , however , be recollected that if the adverse party is to bo encountered with success , it must be met by the free trade reformers in a body . Large and useful improvements in our laws and administration can only bo effected by the cordial union and untiring energy of all friends of enlightened progress , commercial freedom , and civil equality . I remain your faithful and obliged servant , J . IZubseix .

    Lord John ' s supporters met at the London Tavern on Monday , under the presidenco of Mr . G . Prescott . Mr . Raikes Currie , M . P ., moved , and Mr . Thomas Hankey seconded , a resolution pledging the Liberal party to support collectively Lord John Russell , Sir Jainea Duke , and Baron Rothschild on one ticket . A diversion was made by Mr . W . I ) . Saull , who moved that each name be put separately . This was supported by several gentlemen , and there seemed a good deal of division , —tho opposition being represented by Mr . Alderman Wire , Mr . Wilson , and Mr . Charles Gilpin . Discord rose very fast , when Mr . Travers stepped in with a motion for adjournment , assisted by Mr . W . Ilawes and others . Several electors spoko in high terms of Lord John Russell , and finally the opposition unaccountably subsided , tho amendments were withdrawn , and tho resolution carried without opposition .

    Sir James Duke and " Lionel do RothBcbild" have issued addresses to tho electors ; but there is nothing new or remarkable in either . Frwenuny . —Mr . Wyld is canvassing thd borough , and a requisition , it is said , is in courso of signature , requesting Mr . Alderman Challii * to come forward Mr . Wyld is subjected to ft protty sovoro croas-oxaminution , out of which ho does not extricate himself very successfully . Sottthwakk . — -Sir W . MolfiHWorth and Alderman Humphrey lmvo now both put out ttddrosaes . The

    * tter says he has always opposed the Maroboth en dowment , and aU similar grants . Mr . Apsley Pellatt * name is placarded as that of the " resident candidate "

    ENGLAND AND WALES . Bbistol , —The Tory candidate for Bristol is one of the new Mongrel species Icnowii as " Free-trade Derb itesV ^ His name is M ^ Geachy ; he has been in p 2 * liament before ; he is described as being a « backbone " gentleman , and one who takes especial deli ght in bsin called Conservative . He addressed a thin meeting rf specfebly headed on Monday , and Ja said to have been " warmly received , " He is a Bristol man . Hunts . —Mr . Thornhill ' s death has left a vQrto — - ¦ " •"¦'"• •**"• *«» wiuu 4 u o wavu nan ieic a

    vacancv in the representation of Hunts . The new candidate L a Derbyite . Lord Mandeyille , like the Premier he gives up Protection- —provisionally . Protective duties have been repealed by the voice of the people legally expressed , and only by that voice can they again be re-enacted . It would be " worse than idle to deny " that the subject is " surrounded with the greatest difficulties . " Therefore is he glad Lord Derby is Minister . But , he will riot pledge himself to follow Lord Derby blindly , or " abandon his right of private judgment j" that is to say , when Lord Derby " ceases

    to identify himself with a policy" winch Mandeville thinks right , then Ma # devill . e will vote against Derby . Two of the things Lord Mandeville is sure will he done are very curious— -Lord Derby will neither disturb " public tranquillity by fruitless discussions and unnecessary tampering with legislation , nor allowing acknowledged evils to remain unrehuked . Did anybody , except perhaps the audience of a Mrs . Malaprop , ever hear before of ^ «» neeessary tamperings ? A ™» «*«; , then , such processes as necessary tamperings ? And what does Lord Mandeville mean by rebuking evils ? He might as well speak of applauding benefits . Bat

    if such be Protectionist grammar , what must be Protectionist logic P . Leeds . — --The iree- < 3 » de Derbyitesare represented as being in a very deplorable condition in the good town of Leeds . Mr . William Beckett has been implored again to contest the borough on the new political principle ^ - namely , supporting Lord Derby . But hie has declined . Manche ^ tee . —The two opposition candidates are Captain Denman and Mr . George Lock . These gentlemen are holding local meetings . They both profess Liberalism of a Whig tendency . Why they should be brought forward to disturb the present members , is a mystery . ¦ _

    .. . The sitting members attended a crowded meeting in the Free Trade Hall on Wednesday , and were most warmly and enthusiastically received . Mr . Gibson demolished the Protestant pretexts on which the new candidates were introduced ; and Mr . Bright delivered a capital speech on Ireland . Noethttmbeeland ( South ) . —The sitting members , Mr . S . Ogle and Mr . Matthew Bell , retire . Two new candidates have entered the field to supply the vacancies — " a supporter of Lord Derby , " in the person of Mr . Henry George Liddell , an offshoot of tho Tory Kavensworth family ; and a free-trader , whose name is W . B . Beaumont .

    Nottingham . —The Liberal candidates are Mr . Gisborne—a man well known in Notting ham—formerly a member of the House , and Mr . Strutt . They addressed a meeting together on Monday-Poetsmoxtth . — Lieutenant-Genoral Lord Frederick Fitzclarence , G . C . H ., having accepted the appointraont of Commander of the Forces at Bombay , has withdraw " from the candidature for the representation of this borough . Viscount Monck , of Ballytraroinon , Wcxtord , Ireland , has come forward in his stead . In his address ho says that his " principles are those of liberal ana enlightened progress . " With regard to the questions of Protection and Free-trade , he is « opposed to uny to

    taxation upon the food of tho people , and desires mo carried still further those principles of commerce anu finance tho application of which Jxas up to tins tune > . »> remarkably reduced taxation without dimimshmg tuo receipts of tho Treasury , and placed within tj » o rcaa of the poor man an increased supply of the necessary and comforta of life . " Lord Monck also promise * W advocate a modification of tho income-tax , an c *»' of tho franchiHO , and an improved and extended syM * of education for tho benefit of all sectfl and classes . Nor aro local matters overlooked by tho now ^ T ^ T He . promises to odvocato tho ostablishmont fj ° morcial dook 9 in Portsmouth , and the wtorost or for

    borougli and port generally . . „ ¦\ % r , nAtinr . ^ mncn ^ Mv . Gronfell boing elected W , "to two gentlomon propose to supply bis P " ^* Bnd French , a liberal and free-trader , living ncur ^/ j ^ Lord Clinton , wlioso name is a gunranteo oi nw Tory" and " Protectionist" prinoiploa . quhir < lfiy » Wjndsok . —Tho election torromatcd on £ »* J in the complete victory of tho Froo-trado v * a ** Mr . Grenfell . Tlio numbors were—

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    504 ' ¦ T : # M : :. ; ; t | AI ) # S . ' ; ¦ ; C ^» pRpay .

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), May 29, 1852, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_29051852/page/4/