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    fideace in Messrs . Kershaw and Smith were passed unanimously . Mr . Jamles Has ^ ay addressed the men of Dumfries on . Friday week . Ho defied that he was a follower of Bfr . Disraeli , or a Tory of the old school , or a . protege of liord Stanley , though " an admirer of that young nobleman , " and a supporter of those measures of a sanitary and social character with which bis Lordship has identified himself . He disapproved of the bombardment of Canton , and did not attach any value to the proposals Cor extending the suffrage as a means of elevating the people , which is to be effected rather by spiritual means . —There is some talk of a third candidate— -Mr . James Caird , of Baldoon , thewell-knowa agriculturist—coming forward . ¦ .

    Mr . Rich an < l Mr . ' WrviWi met their constituents of the borough of Riciuiojsd ( Yorkshire ) on Friday night . Mr . Rich , after explaining the principles which had influenced him in his Parliamentary career , referred to his neutrality on the Chinese question . He thought that Sir John Bowring had not only exceeded his instructions , hut had positively acted against them . He had withheld bis vote because an injustice had been committed by our Plenipotentiary , "but he did not vote against the Cabinet because that wrong was not of their doing . To no Minister would he give a passive adhesion , although Lord Palmerston would receive his general support . The boa . gentleman said he was favourable to an

    extension of the county franchise , - and to the discontinuance of church-rates , but he was opposed to the ballot . —Mr . Wyyill cordially approved the measures which Ministers had taken with regard to the Chinese question , his opinion being that Sir John Bowring had no other course open to him , and Lord Palmerston no alternative but to support our representative in China . He himself was in favour of an extension of the franchise , bat he would make it go hand-in-hand with the education of the people . To free trade he had always given his decided adhesion , 'mid he was prepared to carry out the principles of free trade to their fullest extent . — The meeting -was adjourned without any resolution having been agreed to *

    The Tower HAMUSiselectors were addressed on Tuesday evening uyMr . Ayrton , the new candidate , who pronounced in favour of an extended franchise , vote by ballot , short Parliaments , and the abolition of all religious establishments , as relics of ages long past , when men -were so ignorant that they all' believed alike £ a religion , or , if they dissented , were burnt to death . He ihouglit one-tenth of the proposed 70 , 000 ? . would be more than enough for the Princess Hoyal . A vote of confidence was carried , unanimously . Mr . Butler , the " resident candidate" for the Tower Hamlets , and Sir Wuxiam Clay ( Liberals ) , met the electors on "Wednesday , and expounded their opinions ia

    full . A requisition , numerously signed by the electors of the Tower Hamlets , was presented to Mr . J . G . Holyoake , publisher , of Fleet-street , to offer himself as * a candidate ; but , as the . presentation -waa subsequent to the address of Mr . Ayrton , Mr . Holyoake deemed it his duty to refrain from dividing the extreme Liberal party in the borough . Mr . Holyoake addressed a meeting at the "White Raven , Baven-street , Whitechapel , on Thursday evening , in the course of which he acknowledged the ability 'with whLch Sir William Clay dealt with the church-rate question , but remarked that he had failed to make a convert of Lord John Russell * . With regard to Mr . Butler , ho said that gentleman was , no doubt , the resident candidate , but he should leave the borough more frequently to attend to his parliamentary duties . He advocated the election of earnest Reformers , who

    should insist upon national suffrage as the best measure of state education , and as a measure which would tender national education inevitable—upon civil and religious freedom , which should include all who had a conscience , — and upon the establishment of home colonies on wasto lands , so as to save poor-rates and train , useful emigrants . It was the choice of members without responsibility which led to administrative incapacity . They aUould choose men -who had zeal as well as honour , who were earnest as well as able , who would work aa well as vote , who -would lead as well as represent , who would net only preserve the character of the constituency , but raakc their principles a power aa well aa a name in the nation . — A resolution was passed regretting the unselfish decision of Mr . Holyoake , and expressing a hope that ho ^ would allow himself to be put in nomination on a future occasion .

    Messrs . Viujism and Tiiounkly addressed a public meetiug of their constituents in the Corn-Exchange , Woi ^ iuiamttoe * , on Monday evening . Mr . Henry Walker , chairman of the committee , presided . They wore supported lby all tho influential members of the liberal party in / Wolvorhauipton , and tho lUXgo ha . ll was thronged with electors . Additional interest attached to too meeting from tho circumstance that Mr . Kettle , TTho had been a candidate , resigned that afternoon , and left the borough in tho possession of the eittiug member who havo rcuiu « d it during twenty-three ycatfl . A £ teJ th « delivery of addecsues , a resolution explainer tho utmost confidence , waa passed by acclamation . A meetiug at Edinbukoh , of tho original Xiboral Committee , held on Monday , presided ovtsr by tUe Loxd

    sioncf the franchise was desirable . The old freemen were retained by the aid of the Tories , against the wkl ? of the whole Liberal party ; and the ( Jkandos clause iu the Keform IBill , wlneb . was also the work of the Tor party , placed the representation of the counties in « hands of the landlords . Let them look at the effect , e . introducing the 10 ? . franchise into counties without anV restriction . Why , they could b y that franchise establish tens and hundreds of votes which would be used iust a * the landlords might direct . ( Hear , / tear . ) Take tC 1 W . householders of Doncaster , for example . Two-third * of them , he would assume , are of . Liberal opinions and one-third are Conservatives . Suppose a Tory landlord were to make cow-iouse votes ; he could place a stable in ., one field , a cow-house in another a pig stv in

    , another , and so on round his estate . One field he could apportion to his butler , a second to his footman a third to Ms gardener , and so on through all his servants and labourers , and swamp the independent electors of the whole neighbourhood . { Loud ^ iplause . ' ) De < irous as they were to extend the franchise , Government could not consent to a measure like this without some protection against this system of manufacturing votes and converting counties into close boroughs in the hands of the landlords . " ( Applause . ) Sir Charles acknowledged that measures might be taken against this- but \ e mentioned it to show that the Government was only opposed to an impolitic extension , of the suffrage .

    jJIr . J . E . Denisox and Lord Robert ( J untos the candidates for Noimi Xottingiiamsiiike , have ' addressed the eleel ore of that division . It is thought " that Lord H . Bentinck will , after all , be nominated by some of his more enthusiastic supporters . A numerous and . influential meeting of the electors of . the Gravesend district of West Kent was held in . the Assembly Room of the Literary Institution , on Thursday night . Messrs . "YYykeiiam Martin and James Whatman , the Liberal candidates , addressed the meeting at considerable in

    length explanation of their political principles and of the , , grounds upon which they had respectively supported the policy of Lord Palmerston ia the Chinese question . Both gentlemen pledged themselves to a continued support of the general policy of Lord Palmerston ' s Administration so long as it sustained the national honour , and acted in support of the liberal principles , particularly the extension of the franchise . — The meeting cheered the speeches of the candidates , and unanimously adopted a resolution to the effect that it would use every exertion to promote their joint return .

    Provost , discussed at some length the respective merits of Lord Falmerston aud lord John Russell . Resolutions were carried , aftimung that the committee would support no candidate -vrho would not support Lord Palmerston , and expressing confidence ia Mr Black . The electors of the Kilmaenock Bujighs were addressed on . Monday by Mr . Bouverie , who defended our proceedings at Canton , and indicated a general agreement with Liberal principles . "On Monday evening , " says the Times , " Gbeat Yarmouth was the scene of a demonstration in favour of the Liberal and Ministerial candidates , Mr . Torrens M'Ccjliagh and Mr . E . W . ~ Watkxx . A public meeting , convened by handbill , was announced to be held ia

    the Corn Exchange at eight o ' clock , and , as that building became inconveniently crowded at the hour named , it was intimated from the platform that the candidates would speak from , the balcony in front of the Star Hotel , the Liberal head-quarters . In a few minutes , a crowd of from 4000 to 5000 persons had assembled , aad , although the night was excessively cold , the speeches delivered -were received with interest and enthusiasm throughout the proceedings . Blue lights were occasionally burnt from the balcony , and the sudd . -en glimpses thus afforded of the eager and upturned faces below were singularly picturesque . " The addresses of the candidates do not demand special notice . The meeting pledged itself to support both gentlemen at th _ e poll .

    lhe friends of Mr . CitAMBEBS and General Codeixgtojj held a meeting at the Mitre Tavern , Greenwich , on Monday evening . Mr . James Laingwas in the chair . The proceedings of the meetiag were characterized by great unanimity , and resolutions were agreed to expressing confidence in General Codiington and Mr . M . Chambers , and constituting a committee to ensure their return . On Tuesday evening , the General and Mr . Chambers addressed a meeting of electors held at the Five Bells , Hatcham . Their addresses were very favour- * ably received , aud a resolution was adopted pledging the meeting to use every exertion to secure their return . On the same evening , BIr . Tonvjstsenjo , an undertaker , whorn numerous placards announce as the " resident " candidate , and who appears to stand upon the local interest , addressed a numerous meeting in the Lecturehall , Greenwich . All the candidates are sanguine of

    success . A public meeting of the electors of South Hajkts , residing in Portsmouth ., took place at St . George ' s Hall on Tuesday evening , to hear Sir Jervoise Clarke Jervoise explain his views ; Mr . Alderman George Sheppard in the chair . Sir j , C . Jervoise having addressed the meeting , it wa 3 moved by A . * r . B . W . Carter , seconded by Mr . W . J . Cooper , coroner , and carried unanimously—" That this meeting , having heard the opinions of Sir Jervoiso Clarke Jervoise , is of opinion that he is a fit and proper person to represent the Liberal electors of the southern division of this county in Parliament . "

    The adjourned meeting of Messrs . Milner Gibson and Bright ' s supporters at Ma 2 Jciiestek , took place on Wednesday evening , at the Tree Trade Hall . It is calculated that at least seven thousand persons were present ; and a painful interest was excited by the announcement made by the chairman QIr . George "Wilson ) tluit Mr . Cobden , who was expected to address the meeting , was utterly exhausted by his efforts during the previous seven or eight days , aud that he was then in Manchester , suffering from intense affliction of the brain , ia consequence , as his friends believed , of his exertions in behalf of the people , Mr . Gibson then addressed tho meeting :, and a vote of confidence in him and Mr . Bright " \ vas carried all but unanimously , aud with great applause . The proceedings terminated -with three cheers for the Queen , and three for Gibson and Bright . In the meanwhile , an open-air meeting outside tbe liall had passed another vote of confidence in the candidates .

    The potentate of Drury Lane Theatre , Mr , E . T . Siirra , having retired from Bridpoit , has put up for Bei > foed , the electors of winch town he addressed on Monday night on Liberal principles , and was rewarded by a vote of confidence , though not without opposition . His assertion that he was certaiu to l ) e returned at IBridport , but that he had given up his chance for the sake of tlio people of Bedford , was received with , cries of " Gammon , Smith !" The electors of Middlesex had a meeting on Tuesday evening " , when Lord Robert Guosvenok defended his voting with Sir . Cobdeu on the recent occasion , aud expounded his already well-known ruligious opinions .

    The contest in South Noutiiamptoxshihk is iacreusing in intensity . On Wednesday , Lord Althoiu ? personally canvassed his constituents in Syrceham aud Brackley . At the latter place , ho addressed a meeting at grea . t length . After a general review of the state of parties , and an ample exposition of his own Liberal principles , his Lordship concluded by saying that he was an advocate of civil and religious liberty . Ho thought that every ono should have perfect freedom iu his religious views ; and lie did not think the State should tax a inan heavily , or at all , for the support of views -which lie did not hold . If they did him the honour to return him to Parliament , he would go unpledged to any tiling .

    Mr . ILVNBUK . Y , the other candidate , followed , defending Lord Palmerston , and indicating for himself a Liberal programme , including the ballot , and Mr . Locke King ' s bill for extending the county franchise . A Voice : " What about the 70 , 0 O 0 J . -which is to bo voted to tho Princess Royal on her marriage ? Answer that , Lord Robert . " Lord Robert Grosvenor said he had heard nothing about it . All he could say was , that , if such a proposition was brought before tho House of Commons , he must ascertain the reason for proposing it before lie could give any answer . ( Cheers and laughter . ) A resolution exproasiug confidence in both candidates was unauimously carried .- —The two candidates also met thoir supporters on Thursday .

    A liberal candidate for South Essux—Mr . IX . Baice n Wing-MKLd—has como forward in opposition to > tho two Conservative candidates and late members , Mr . T . W- Buamston and Sir W . Bowyku Smutu . He met tho Liberal electors on Wednesday night , when a vote of confidence in him was passed , thougli not without some opposition , owing to his saying that he waa opposed to tho ballot aud to the abolition of churchrates . A crowded meeting of the electors of Woucestek was held at tlio Guildball on Wednesday night , to hear

    Mr . J . C . CounoLD and Mr . IIjcnuy J . Selwyn , the Conservative candidates for Ipswich , addrosaod tuo . electors on Wednesday evening . Three eheeia were given for hoth gentlemen . Sir Ciiakles Wooi > appeared on Wednesday before the electors of IIaljfax . Ho explained and vindicated tho policy of Government with reference to China , the nations of tho Continent , and homo affairs . With , respect to Mr , Loeko King's motion , ho said : —> " Tho Government had thought it necessary to oppose , this measure , not because thoy thought an extension of the county suffrage uudwirable , ot that they had any objection to tho 10 / . franchise iu counties . Tho greatest proof of that wns that in tho bill introduced in 1850

    an exposition of principles from Mr . Alderman dhwk"V » That gentleman nddresaod the meeting at great length . UflPbaiid ho would not bo returned tta tho tool of any party iu tho House of Commons . A groat number of tho constituencies returned members to Parliament solely that they might vote as parly leaders dictated to them , and not us tho people rcquirud of thorn . If thoy returned members merely to support any of tho loading interi'sta in Parliament , thoy weru oncoiini ^ iug thorn to vote ixi support of faction ; and ho oxpruascd im opinion that tbo legislation of tho lu . it ton years \ vi » a a disgi'tjca to tho British statute-book . Ho liimsoH" had been a

    Avua contained » provision for extending , witli certain qualifications , th « 10 Z . franehiso to counties . Ho would tell thoui why tho Government objected to Mr . Lock * . King ' s measure Tlwy did not think tlutf nycry ex ten-

    Untitled Article

    394 * T HE LiE A . D E B . [ No . 366 , Sattjuday ,

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), March 28, 1857, page 294, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2186/page/6/