Northern Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-04-27 00:00:00

session to express its opinion ; if at this moment we have no Parli ament sitting at Westminster, we have, during *. present week the parliament of the people of the united Kingdom. (Loud cheers.) They can do two good works by th e One act--they can question their candidates upon „ s ubject of ref orm and the subject of war ; and it is for 'ne. electors and th e non - e l ec t ors of the country to put it dof the power of any man who comes forward as a can nal'? t° shirk either one ques ti on or the other. (Cheers.), of e "eve, ho wever , we may sa f e l y l eave th e great question wavwar to b e d ecided when parliament meets in the r i g h t , f orm xou h ave h eard to night - on two s id es o f thi s plat who the two views entertained by the . two great parties There"Pre,s opi n i ons on f ore i gn p o liti cs i n this country. b eari has always been for many years one party trr • gto the French, and and another to the Aus ju and Ru ss i an alliance. I do not pretend to-night to saf,e between them, but I am quite sure that we may Fell leave them to , watch one another.. (Hear, hear.) , what is the duty of the people of this country in the v 4 snt t t t h e une ? With reference to elections, my counsel foro the would be, do not trust to the Conservative . party a en a measure o f re f orm. (Ch eers .) I am not going to dist -s t hem demonstrative talent ; I am not going to ar.. e them as a party, capable of managing with a loyal Jinst intere regard to the dignity of the crown and material Rat c, the the people and government of this country. You 3_ ll 'ne question of Reform, I say, do not trust them. f ro ,,,uave no right to expect grapes from thorns, and figs 4 4 7 t,histles. It is true, they are now reformers. It is ye r C In deed, that all men are now reformers. At this t4;Present election, you have extreme Radicals, Whig the ' e ,a , ni, Conservative Liberals, old Tories (a very few of b oo t ii ), and that - hybrid sort of a creature, new holding Bu t, :11 . 0 4 " Iv advancing a' little, called a Coniervative. antecede W. me to remind you, that there is nothing in the eena ~n t s of these men, and nothing connected with their upon recent questions of parliamentary . reform, 4 114, „ s w°lll ,d warrant you in putting any trust in ,them. of a e,to remind you that they rejected the resolution int o c" ' Olll l Russell, and wanted to be trusted to . go li e d unnittee. I do not think the House was justi (lllc,st:oll, g,4ing - into committee. Mr. Roebuck put the !ayin i " l) Lainly to Disraeli, the last night of the debate, 4 tla -Will you, or will you not, be . consenting parties, bo ron. ~nleasure should go into committe , e, to reduce the deeid e g c ; f ranchise to a certain amount ? ' Mr. Disraeli eth er 'Y declined to give any pledge upon that, .or any path arn q u estion connected with it. Well, then, they dissolved l aught — A ell , t under false pretences. (Hear, hear, and Prei „; r „ . ) No man will be understood as slighting the she rn ° 7 l ,"ve of the Queen; when he tells you that the speech and n - „T e ,,, s _ in person is the speech of the Queen's ministers, l'arli a - r „," that of herself. I say . that that - speech dissolves whieC en t on grounds which do not exist, - and upon an issue try, not the issue to be tried by the, people of this coun raent t was not impossible for them to carry on the govern pa of the country, and, if they' were, there was another ha/Z (1114 e willing to ' take the - responsibility of it in their untilt But they chose to dissolve and they ' do not do it neol a °rd Derby, in the House' of Lords, had exultingly th at -r ed that now they had done with the Reform Bill, and Peoni the Y were absolved from any obligation to the to bringof this country, or Parliament - and the country, tie in another bill on that subject. Pa r e e med to b e g l a d t o h ave go t r id of the bill, and then the h, a ' 4 , e nt is dissolved, according to the speech put into billb-riqs of the Q ueen an d th e a n swe r given by the elections ell,hether the nation will reinforce the supporters of , ill th e /I DY 8 Government, and give him such a majority reins o f ...°llSe of Commons as will enable him to keep the eall s 4 ., Power, and to defy the machinations of what he the, will discordant sections on the other side, or whether compel him to resign office, and leave the govern % of the country in the hands of those who are not one 01 01 0 themselv e s. I, for one,: do not regret the discordant a ti ta nt a which are i n th e H ous e o f Co mmons . , The r e was k roa , e when there was but two parties in that House, the Conserative party of Tories, and the party of the 'go ; but who does not know that in these days doe p ow er of public opinion was extremely limited ? Who thnot kn ow th a t i n th ose d a y s men wen t up t o parlia enot for the purpose of redeeming the pledges given to e ar People on the hustings, or for the purpose of communi silog the reso l u tion and wish of the people, but to follow Pitt p art or any one else who might be leader, at the time, of the toned which they belonged. Now people are not con -4o return men, -except on very rare occasions, as the - h re s upporters of any particular man. You must have th e e - ,,,, w „n, 0 are, to some extent at least, determined to express Bid e gut of the people. All that is wanted on the Liberal Lithe house is, that the great aristocratic leaders of the trin e Party, instead of abiding by the nonsensical doe with °lfinality, should place themselves more in harmony You b;`, e People of the country at large.- . tc the neh men as those who tamely submit Would - , o , 4 „`ates of the whipper-in of the Whig party. Cobd en .1 4,' u have your Roebucks, Gibsons, and Wak e of 7„ uoating like ' pieces of dead matter in the be la, pl ,"1 - Whigs boat, or of any other boat which might Icree tt i n o - " e u for the purpose of getting a shoal of fishes, and it i s, ahves with them. Certainly not. You will find, as Co nu ne tues e independent elements in the House of day h ate which will bring , the government of the ' - ' - in --- t o w ,.; v er name that government may assume not s the adoption of liberal measures. I do it itcn aY that all these men are perfectly sincere, and are th ey s e.IY attached to the motions they make and the votes to p a re) but this I do say, that it is well to send men up atit ue q a,[nent with a sense of their responsibility to con men which sent them there, and that it is well that th e w l'?' o , in th e i r h earts, wou ld g l a dl y f o ll ow th e b e h es t s o f in thelPPer-in can be thus kept true in their ordinary votes eo nse - ""„? s e of: Commons. • Well, I repeat, trust not the at th e ; judge them by the efforts they are making stam i Present ti me. I s t h ere a goo d man in the county to b e t ag for any place, a man of mark, I mean, who is not 4 11(1 out, if Conservative money, Conservative interest, arlton influence can accomplish it ? (Hear, hear.) of ro o f [ this, Mr. Thompson referred to the opposition Sir ~',right in Birmingham, and that of Mr. Wilson, and Of w a — ,:kme Perry in Devenport. Referring to the question henag s ' quoted a statement lately published in a Belgian of k,,'„ a Per, to the effect that the cost of the peaceful armies 6 ,7oaPe at the p resen t ti m e amounted to no less than altop,„';',7° men, and of the navies to 219,000 men, making o,,ruer 5 924, 000. Soldiers cost each inhabitant of 6s Gan 12 s 6d annually, of France lOs 10d, of Russia armi es of Austria '6s 84-d, &c., &c. The maintenance of aun n e a s i , in time of' p eace , cos t the countries of Europe Plfa £73,313,750, and of fleets £ 17,687,500, in all in th 7' 250 . He declared that the most stupendous fact how ' history o f the world at the present t i me, an d remar k e d Of 4 i lls ignificant beside those sums appeared the expenditure be lle whole world for every purpose connected with mean v(he nce, education, and religion. He did not at 1 to discuss the peace question there, but, ,irap c ,, e , s ame time, he passingly alluded to the great by - 4." ai lee of the movement in favour of deciding disputes ti,‘ernational arbitration, and the necessity of watching th e e e Meantime with the strictest eye the expenditure of he ne °ll ntrY• He declared that no Reform measure would vrorjeptable which did not enfranchise the bulk of the as llng classes, which did not disfranchise such boroughs elte'r:undel and Caine, and did not recognise the tlallvlitri of representation in . properties . with the e of population and industrial importance. ktli ft -e ntand now made for reform, reasonable and calm Pe e .„ - I ngh it might be, was not the less determined, and the resAecthad_i but to persevere and they would bye and bye be e,lith,;; e u by those who now affected to scorn them, and the 4. 111 J 2 4, n growing would come to such a point that ‘o cis e ,ue sneered °lv at Mr. Bright's bill would be glad 'at last tioh a p.A — 'ePt it. After some further observations, Mr. Thom h p- s 4at —ile luded in an eloquent peroration, and resumed i i 1 loud applause. ream t. ' Charles Willmer was called upon to move the next He said, he would not have intruded himself on Cha. ne eting that night, but for his position in the Reform Tb - u o ) whi c h compelled him to the duty. Mr. Geor g e ter -ill i rmi was invited by the Liverpool Reform Club , , " purpos of addressing the Reformers of r h arti ti) 2 °l on` e the great questions of the day, Pclie' ar ly with reference to that question of foreig n !" . Aid er -3 Which had hitherto not been so fully co th at eu by the English people, as it deserved. He moved th e cordial vote of thanks be given to Mr. Thompson, for ev e elo quent address which he had delivered to them that )141Ing• (Applause.) resf', S tecn seconded the motion, after a few remarks ad othe",,e'l, to the working men, encouraging them to help each 111 O btaining votes for , those who had none.. The M r - Propositio n was e nthusiastically responded to. app George Thompson returned thanks in brief and s rop r i ate terms. lie; co : k vote of thanks to the chairman, moved by Mr. Thomp- ' n cluded the business, and the meeting then dispersed. NO find SHIP SHOULD co TO SEA without one of Saunders att e r• ' .s Patent S e lf- c l e ansing Charcoal Filters, cased Eietlil i _P_ e xpressly for use on board ship. Note t h e add and address, ' 4B & Co., , 16, Parker-street, Liverpool. a A," Vir lI`AL AC ClDENT.—Yesterday, a man, named Michael a B O" , vfho lived in Limekiln-lane, was at work o o r n e b d o o a e r l d , wh ' e l i ? called the Chancellor, in the Bramley-hMo eh e was hurt, and died soon after in t e Northern 8 1 ) 41. i s tert.4lt 8 a Well known maxim that "time is money"—the ter;, a re relati ve ;so to save one is to save the other. We eacj bo th time, and economise patience, and present goodi /ere, when we h ave a good PEN—a bad one upsets pat eiteel "d temper Preserve all, then, by purehasmg your sal e p e ns and oth er stat i onery, at E. T. Hall's wirhle ito-t`'',. el Pen w are h ouse. 23, South John-street. a n Pelyi s,T homas Lowe's, G. W. Hughes, and other maker's " v Pgr gross, 'Good Pea Holden 2d per dozen. THE NORTHERN TIMES, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 1859 owns Lord Derby's sway. (Hear, bear, and cheers.) That party, upon the recent division, numbered upwards ( f 300 members, and the coalition of discordant factions only brought a majority of some 30—I believe 39—against them. (Hear, hear.). Let us take a glance at the state of Europe at the present. Does it not give one of the most conclusive reasons for Englishmen supporting the strongest government which the country can produce. (Hear, hear) We know that Europe is on the brink of war. I trust that England may be at peace for many years to come. We know that two powerful empires have, in all probability, already drawn the sword against each other, and we cannot foresee any termination of what will probably prove a most san guinary struggle. Gentlemen, it is the interest—it is - the strongest: interest—of England to preserve peace, but in order to preserve peace England must be armed. (Hear, hear.) Her neutrality, as Lord Derby said, must be an armed neutrality. (Hear, hear.) Her. position, I think, should be that of impregnability at home, and that if it should ever become necessary; which I trust it never may, that England should strike a blow anywhere in her own defence, she should be able to do 'so with effect. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Now, gentlemen, I will say a few words upon the great domestic question which will 'probably come before the house during the next session—l mean the question of Reform. With regard to the only bill—and I give Lord Derby's government great credit for being the only govern ment which redeemed its pledge in that respect (hear) with regard to the only bill which has yet been before the country, I cannot say. that I myself approved wholly of that bill. I think there are many parts_ of that measure which ought not to be carried, and yet I repeat that I give Lord Derby's Government credit for being the first govern ment, for the lastaten years, which has redeemed its promises with regard to Reform. (Hear, hear.) All have promised, but none have performed, except Lord Derby. (Choirs.) I may say that there were some provisions in that bill to which I should object. I think there are many reasons against what is called, although that is not the true name, the disfranchisement of the 40s freeholders. (Hear, hear.) But there were other parts of the bill which I believe to be very good; and I think we must all entirely disapprove of the coalition which denied that bill a fair hearing, and would not consider it in committee. (Hear, hear.) I believe that bill' might have been made the 'foundation of a measure which would have satisfied the country. (Hear, hear.) Let us look at the other bills which have been before the country---or rather the only bill which has regularly been printed and submitted to the country---I mean the bill 'of Mr. John Bright. Now, I have the strongest possi ble objection to the bill of Mr. John Bright. (Hear, hear.) I think that part of it which re-distributed and took away a ' vast. number of seats from the smaller boroughs---I believe more than 120---and re-distributed them in a most unfair manner, was a most objectionable measure. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Bright proposed to take all those seats, and give them, with a very few exceptions, entirely to the large towns of Lancashire and Yorkshire, or nearly entirely to those towns. My opinion; with regard to the re-distribution of seats, is, that it is inevitable certain seats must, on the passing of any reform bill, be taken away, which ought to be divided with equality between the large towns in the manufacturing interests, and the counties which are now inadequately re presented. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) ..Then I see no reason for the proviso introducing triennial parliaments. I am quite satisfied with the septennial act. I think we have elections enough at present. And now, with regard to the ballot. My main objection to this measure—l will not go into all the arguments against it for these are innumerable , ' but I th ink the strongest' and the main objection to it is that, it is contrary 'to that publicity, which is the very essence of the British Constitution ; and that public opinion, if we had the ballot, would be deprived of its force. (Hear, hear.) Ido not believe that it would prevent coercion and intimidation, more especially the most dangerous coercion and intimida tion—that by trades' unions, but I think it would prevent the wholesome ,pressure of public opinion. If I were to point to the measure which I think would give the best chance of a settlement of the reform question—although I decline to pledge myself to any particular rating, or any particular diminution of the franchise— I think Mr. Walpole's measure was one of the nearest to hit off the necessities of the country. (Hear, hear.) lam for a considerable diminution of both the borough and the county franchise ; but if Igo to parlia ment, I will go as your representative. I will go there to give a fair consideration to the scheme which will, no doubt, be brought before parliament for reform; and when I have made up my opinion I will give my vote, and if I am the representative of this county, I will then come back and ask you to endorse . it. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Gentle men, I should wish to say a few words with regard to our national defences. I think that a most important subject. The country must be armed, and I would grudge, there fore, no government money which is expended upon our fleets and upon our armies. (Cheers.) We are approaching a phase of the world's history which will, be yond all doubt, be marked by great convulsions, and it is absolutely necessary that England should retain that high position to which her greatness, her honour, and her dignity entitle her. lam for the strictest economy, and the most rigid supervision over all the expences in which the govern- I ment is concerned, but lam not for either a ' penny wise or a pound foolish" policy. (Hear, hear.) There may be often conjunctures at which it is the best economy to spend money rather than to save it. With regard to education, I would support any grant almost of public money upon the extension of education. (Hear, hear.) I believe that education is the cheapest thing on which money can be 'spent. (Hear, hear.) Ido not know that there are any more subjects upon which you may wish for information with regard to my political opinions. If there should be any points upon which any one desires to be farther satisfied, I shall be happy to answer any questions. I shall now conclude, simply by saying, that if you choose to send me to parliament, you may be assured that I will use all my energy, and put forth every' exertion in my power. Mr. Legh came forward, and was received with cheers,. and one cheer proposed and given for the Crimean hero. He said, Gentlemen, in consenting to come forward to contest the representation of the Southern Divi sion of Lancashire, I did so not on any personal grounds. There is a strong feeling in favour of Conservative principies in the county, and feeling very strongly on that subject myself, I have allowed myself to be put forward, in default of a better man—(hear, hear)---so you must take me as I am. (Laughter ) There are but four subjects which you might like me to express my opinions upon. These four subjects constitute the political creed of every man that is engaged in canvass ing Great Britain at this moment. The first subject I will take is one that is the first and principal one in all our minds at this time. It is the question of peace or war. There can be no doubt that it is peace and not war that has a favourable impression on all. It is my firm belief, that if England was made safe, it will be by an efficient army and navy, especially the latter—to show to the world that she is prepared to hold her own. It is my firm belief that, by i the condition of her navy, she will be enabled to carry out any measure that may be brought forward for the preservation of the peace. (Hear, hear.) France has five or six times as large an army as we have, and her navy is very little inferior to ours. Let us show her, and all the world, that we are not willing to let slip that supremacy of the sea that has been from time immemorial, what may be termed her right. And it is to our navy that we must trust, if we should be attacked by any of these strong nations. I would say that we should have an efficient navy, and I hope that the Government will look to the state of the navy. The next subject that I shall mention is Reform, and I think you may be able to draw from my address what are my opinions on that subject. I have hoard of candidates who are in favouraof the disfranchisement of boroughs, and extending the franchise to those that are rated at anything. - Though I am in favonr of a considerable reduction, I would not go so far, but I would not deny it to intelligent men. I never can consent to property qualifi cation being swept away altogether. I would not like to trust everything to the men who have nothing to lose but a great deal to gain. (Hear, hear.) I will nat. pledge myself to any particular rating or reform, but when a bill is brought forward I will give it my serious consideration. I have a few words to say . on the ballot, and I think it is unnecessary and contemptible. It will never stop intimidation, depend upon it ; nor is it likely to return a better class of legislators to the House of Commons. I might say a great deal against it, but Ido not think that it is necessary, as we have heard a great deal about it already. but I hope in a short time to hear no more about it. (Laughter.) The last subject which I will men tion is one on which there are very different opinions held, and about' which there is a good deal of ill feeling. 1 mean that of church rates. (Hear, hear.) I hope to see, in the next parliament, a measure brought in that will put an end to that feeling. I would extend liberty to all who hold different opinions from myself, but at the same time I think the established church of this country should be maintained---(cheers)---and for that reason I will not vote for the abolition of church rates. I have finished now all I have to say, only I suppose I ought to say something about myself---(laughter)---but I don't know what it is I ought to say (renewed laughter), except that if you' do me the honour to send me to parliament as one of your representatives, I am ready to devote all my energy to do my duty. I will conclude by again reminding you of my firm resolution to devote all my time and energy to your welfare, and the welfare of this county. (Cheers.) The Chairman then called upon Mr. Horsfall to move the first resolution, Mr. Horsfall came forward amid loud cheers, and said : Mr. Chairman and gentlemen : The resolution which has been put into my hands, and which I have great pleasure in moving, is, " That in the opinion of this meeting, the Hons. Egerton and Legh are fit and proper persons to repre sent the Southern Division of Lancashire in Parliament." (Cheers.) It is yery cheering to see the eatimeiwsnt with which - . I you receive the resolution in reference to my honow ablel (Cheers.) I might refer also to India, to prove the manner friends. It is an enthu s i asm w hi c h ar i ses not on ly from in which the present Administration has conducted our I personal feelings to themselves, but, I trust, to respond to foreign affairs. I believe the policy which they those principles which they are to represent to the house. adopted in India was a far wiser policy than that they i (Hear, hear.) Mr. Chairman, as an elector of South rejeeted. It was a policy, not of wholesale confiscation, not Lancashire, I beg to thank the hon. candidates pre- ef tmdiscriminating vengeance, but a policy of justice sent for affording us the opportunity of contradicting tempered with mercy. (Hear, hear.) It was a policy of the words of the Manchester diction. justice crying aloud for the punishment of those who had 1 A Voice :None of your humbug. imbrued their hands in the blood of the helpless and the ! Mr. Horsfall continued---Manchester, you will remem- innocent, in the blood of the females and the ber, at the last election, did its duty, and upon this, lam children in the massacre of Cawnpore. (Loud checrs.) sure, you will nobly do y our dut y . No w , I always dislike It was.also a policy of mercy, granting pardon any personal reference to our o pp onents, and I wi ll s ay that to those who had been seduced and led away to join the I respect and esteem Messrs. Heywood and Cheetham ; b u t r e bellion. (Hear, hear.) We have seen the fruits of that this is not a personal contest that we are contesting for. I policy in the pacification of India ; and if it were necessary do not hesitate fora moment as to whom I feel bound to give to prove the manner in which the present Government my vote. Now, gentlemen, reference has been made to the intend to administer the affairs of India, it may be seen in youth of Mr. Egerton and Mr. Legh, but allow me to say, the appointment of Sir Charles Trevelyan, who, f rom my experience of parliamentary matters as your althou g h a Whi g and a political opponent, was representative-- - (cries of no, no)---I can truly say that I selected as Governor General of Madras. (Hear, hear.) cons cientiously believe that I would have served you better Now, gentlemen, with reference to reform, I believe, that h a d I g one to parliament at the age of our friends. it was to obtain power that induced the Opposition chiefs to (Cheer's.) Tell me that 30, or 33 are too young to enter reject the bill of reform - the bill of Lord Derby's govern parliament. went, on the second reading---I believe that that was the A Voice : Ridiculous. moving power. It has been said, by a preceeding speaker, Mr. Horsfall : 'I can tell you this, my honourable that this government has been the first that has redeemed f r iend Mr. Legh was not too yo un g to fi g ht your battles its Pledge with reference to reform. From 1846 to the l at Inkerman (cheers), and I ho p e y ou will show that present time, the Liberals have been in power , never et carried a reform bill, and why have they not ? he is not too . young to fight your battles in the House of till last June, eleven out of the thirteen years, and they have Commons. (Cheers.) Now , it would be the hei g ht of p re- y sumption in me to stand here, as an elector of South Lanca- They have always had a large working majority in the shire to state my own opinions on any of the questions which House of .Commons, but they always put it off on some my friends have mentioned ; but having had the privilege frivolous pretext. No party could have brought it forward and duty of watching the course of affairs in the House o f without recalling a most hostile resistance. One o f th e Commons, I may be permitted to say a few words to you clauses in that bill, and which has been so much reviled, on these matters. It is well - known that Lord Derby's was that proposing . to give the elective franchise to those government was defeated by a combination of 331 members, who had deposits in the savings bank. (Hear , hear.) [who voted against his measure. The people of this country Only a few days ago, Mr. Cheetham, in this place, made a could never believe that there is any bond of union among speech against this very clause. Now, bear this in mind, them. We have Palmerston, Russell, and Br i ght, that in 1844, when Lord John Russell introduced a Reform ' in succession, as diametrically opposed to one another Bill, here was this clause giving the elective franchise to as they are to Lord Derby. I will illustrate what I mean. When I was in Stafford, some time ago, four seamen came every man who had a deposit in the savings' bank of £ 5O . And in the debate which followed—Mr. Cheetham to the door of the house in which I stopped and said they were shipwrecked off Hull. I went to speak to them, as was in the, House of Commons at that time --- there was not the slightest objection to that clause. Lord John my affections are, and I hope ever will be, with the seaman Russell stated, and I think with great propriety, that those (hear, hear), and I saw one was a seaman, but that the men who had the bona fide sum of £5O in the sav ings' ' bank others were men that he had picked up by the way. I spoke were the men who showed such prudence and forethought to them, and they told me they were wrecked in a ship that they were fairly entitled to the elective franchise. called the Elizabeth. I told one of them to go about 15 yards You have it therefore proved that the present Go to the right, and another to go about fifteen yards to the vernment are desirous of giving that franchise to the left, and the third to go about the same distance straight working and intelligent classes, and under that class on, and the other to stand where he was. I then went to one, a very large number might have been introduced and I said I was very' sorry to hear that he had been wrecked to the franchise. It may not be uninteresting to you to in the Elizabeth, but, says I, what was the captain's name. know that there are upwards of 10,000 men who have He said it was Jones, sir. I went to another, and .told him deposits with an aggregate amount of £6,0 00 , and upwards. I was sorry that he had. been wrecked in the Elizabeth, but Some ma y sa y that these are not the working men. It is pray, said I, what was the captain's name. " Brown," sir, not so. There are no less than 13 , 000 hard w orrkin g men, said he. . I told the. same thing to the third, and I said who have deposits in the savings banks,more or less I what was the captain's name, and he said Smith , ' sir. say this, that when I see a man, ho, from his hard (Laughter.) Now, I said come here, you arc a pretty set earned wages, lays up a small sum weekly for a rainy day, fellows to go to sail in the ship Elizabeth with three cap- and to make provision for his wife and family in the case tains ; you may well be lost. (Loud cheers.) I see I need of sickness or death, I say that man has given proof that not apply it ; you have applied it already ; will you trust he is worthy of the elective franchise, and with such I the vessel of the state to three s captains ? (" No, no.") would entrust him. (Applause.) Now, gentlemen, one She will be wrecked if you do, and she will deserve it. word with reference to the ballot. I think we may rest We are told that Lord Derby brought forward a Reform our case upon the arguments of our opponents. (Hear, hear.) Bill, and that it did not satisfy. But there was Lord John One of the Liberal candidates, a gentleman of whom Russell in power and out Of power continually, and he I would speak with the utmost respect, a man of warm never brought anything forward but a shadow; and then, when and generous feelings, a gentleman esteemed, and deservedly Lord Derby brings forward a substantial measure of Reform, esteemed in this town, and what has he said. He has told he dangles his little shadow before you in place of Lord you here that he would make the ballot compulsory, for if Derby's substantial measure. I feel that I ought not to You do not make it so there was that feeling in the minds occupy your time (" Go on"), and yet I cannot sit down of Englishmen that 99 out of every 100 would vote without making reference to a remark that has already been openly. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) He went on made, that there are three states. We have the Queen, to tell- you that he never saw the ballot have God bless her (applause) ; we have the Lords, and we; the any good plan for carrying it out, and to tell you that it people of Liverpool, owe a debt of gratitude to the, Lords had been tried in Australia and other places, and (hear, hear) ; and we have the House of Commons. It is failed; are these arguments against the ballot, or for voting there where our opponents make the mistake. It was well for it. (Applause.) If the feeling of Englishmen is so observed by one of Liverpool's best representatives—Mr. strong, that 99 out of every 100 are prepared to vote openly, Canning—the great error of the Radicals is this, they think then why force that law upon men who are opposed that the constitution of this .country is one wide field of democracy, inlaid with a peerage, and adorned with stars, to it, and especially that in no country has it been productive ~ f good. Is this boasted reform ? You and the whole covered with a crown. Now I trust that our hon. friends will, when you send them forward to the House ( may call it reform if you like, but I would call it tyranny. Applause.) Mr. Cheetham, the other liberal candidate, of Commons, discharge the duties that you impose upon has stated that he admitted the ballot was an evil, but he them. One word more; Ido believe that they would would adopt it in order to be free from intimidation. In be faithful in the discharge of their duties, timidation is diminishing, and if you leave it alone public for the benefit of the mercantile, manufacturing, and agri- o p inion wiil aeon p ut it down. (Hear, hear.) In cultural classes, and I would say to you, when the day for timidation ? I should like to know who dare try it recording your Votes arrives, you will not only p lace them with those thousands around me. (Hear , hear. ) at the head of the poll, but with such a triumphant majority, Is there one here to-day that can say he dare not vote that wherever it may be said that there were doubt in the openly. I believe you all glory in the privilege of openly minds of the people, it can be said of you that there was no avowing yourselves. (Hear, hear.) I believe if you had doubt on the men in Lancashire. (Loud cheers.) the choice this very day, whether you would vote openly or Mr. Jas. A. Tobin then came forward, and was received secretly, there is not a man in this assembly bat would record his vote openly, fearlessly, in the light of day , before with loud cheering. He said : Gentlemen , we are met here upon an occasion which is of the deepest interest to his fellow man—before those candidates he co nscientiousl y believed to be in the right. We have heard a great deal everyone in the community, from the riche st merchant on 'Change to every one of the hard-working artisans whom I about sympathy with the working classes from those very see before me. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Her Majesty's men who, during their lives, endeavoured to disfranchise gevernment have, with the approval of our most gracious the freemen of Liverpool. When the Hon. Erskine Perry Queen, dissolved parliament. They have thought it right came here, he was asked whether he would disfranchise the to appeal from the decision of the _House of Commons to Liverpool freemen. lie said, "Wait till to-morrow, until the electors of the United Kingdom. It is for you, the I see how they vote." That is, if they vote for me, they electors, to say, whether you will have a are intelli g ent and independent men, but if they voted strong Conservative Government, or whether you will against him, as they gloried in doing, then they would be any longer allow your interests to be trifled away by the corrupt and ignorant. (Laughter and applause.) In factions which have been so graphically described by my 1854, Lord John Russell proposed the disfranchisement friend Mr. Horsfall in the House of Commons. (Hear, of 45,000 artisans. (Hear, hear.) What sympathy has hear.) And, gentlemen, if ever there were a time when it he with the working classes. (Hear, hear.) Lat us refer was necessary to' have a strong and vigorous government, it to the ten hours factory bill. Who was it introduced this is at the present moment, when you see the whole of Europe measure, but Conservatives ; who opp osed it, but John bristling with the bayonets of advancing troops, and the mighty Bright and his party. What was the object of this armies of France and Austria preparing for the. battle. measure, but to grant some little time each day to the operatives for instruction and recreation. l am not go in g At this very moment the eyes of the whole world are turned to say whether that bill might not be slightly improved, so to that river which separates the plains of Lombardy from Sar as not to be the slightest inconvenience to the manufacturers. dinia; and when you see a small constitutional state made the But as to its general bearings, I may appeal to Mr. battle field, were two of the greatest but most despotic Cheetham himself, for he stated here the other night that military powers in Europe are about to contend, how can you hope that liberty will take its birth from so ill-amended that bill worked well for the employers and employed , and it was related in the House of Commons that, shortly after a conflict? Would you not rather fear that the its passing parliament, there was no less than fifty night spirit of freedom which has struck deeply into sc h oo ls established. The number of deaths was diminished , the soil of Piedmont, and which was s p readin g and also disease. I would tell these men that I would like to rapidly to surrounding states---would you not rather fear s ee them advocating measures of this kind, that would that it will be trampled down under the iron heel of mil i ta r y increase the happiness and comfort of the people, and would despotism. (Hear, hear.) Gentlemen, the sympathies of carry peace and contentme nt into ever y cotta g e. I will not England go with Sardinia. (Hear, hear.) trespass longer on your time. I have the greatest pleasure A Voice : Against Austria. (Cheers.) in supporting Mr. Egerton and Mr. Legh, because I sup- Mr. Tobin : They go with Sardinia, notmerely because of the gallant manner in which she fought by our side in the Pose they will support those principles that are for the Crimea---because in former wars Austria had also been a Prosperity of the country, and that they will be found in the ranks of progress, but not of democratic invasion. For faithful ally of this country---but our sympathies go with her because she has a free and a constitutional this I give them all the supp ort I can, and if y ou agrea with me, then with one voice proclaim it ; say, in unmis government. (Hear, hear, and loud cheers.) It has been takable terms, whether you will have them or not. well said, that the mission of Sardinia was one of example and not of conquest ; and we may well consider that, when The Chairman then put the motion, and it was carried she made that challenge to Austria a short time since, it with a show of hands. was somewhat inconsistent with that mission, but now, if Mr. Horsfall called for three cheers which were Austria should be the first to strike the blow and to begin enthusiastically responded to. war, and that too in defiance of the protest of England, of Mr. James Hohne was then called upon to move the next 1 Russia, and of Prussia, I say, she will find herself isolated resolution, which was "That this meeting pledges itself to from the rest of Europe. But, gentlemen, come peace or come constitutional use every means to secure the return war, this country will at least have the satisfaction.of feel of the hon. Algernon Egerton, and Mr. Le g h. " An ing that she has done her utmost to maintain peace, (hear, opportunity was now afforded them of returning . to parlia hear) ; and if war should be proclaimed, let the disastrous menu two gentlemen well known in - this division of the consequences of it fall upon those who have too rashly invoked the God of battles. (Loud cheers.) For this county, and who w2uld &e their aid and assistance to continue in Derby and . the present ministry. country, it is our policy to maintain strict • neutrality, so power Lord t long as it is possible to do so. (Hear, hear.) Now, sir, I He , heard much about this m o m f y t t h is e h philanthropy expressed country. If he believed believe that the people of England have confidence in Lord towards the t working-classesuttered. by these menw were the sentiments Derby's administration. (Hear, and loud cheers.) They have o t f e tll en he un • e t n h for would • • one loin them. But he had not forgotten that scarcely twelve months ago Englishmen--- lived long enough in the world to know that certain parties our fellow-countrymen—were, during the reign of a Whig used otherparties for the sake of obtainingpower, and lived long at enou,% inthe World to know that certain parties Administration, allowed to waste away their time in the when that Power was obtained, the ladder was very dungeons of Naples—Englishmen, part of the crew of the sharply knocked down. He had employed a great many men, and it was alwayshis care, not for their political Cagliari—and that daring that Administration no ray of hope dawned upon those unfortunate men; and the rights, • engineer, (Watts) and his companions might never again but to provide them with plenty of work, and see have tasted the sweets of freedom; but no sooner had Lord that they were paid every Friday night; and he left' to others who had more time and ability, to take care of their Derby's Government come in to p ower, than they took the most energet ic, but the most reason interests of the working classes. He concluded by calling `lP°ll them to exert themselves individu all y to return the able, measures to obtain redress, and in the two members just e course of a few weeks they did obtain it. ( Hear, hear, and Mr. S. B. Lloyd was cal led u p on to second the motion. cheers.) Not only were our fello w-countr y men set at liberty, but the Neapolitan Governmen t g ave £3,000 as , In allusion to Mr. Brown , he said, that honourable gentleman, who had done so much fo r the town of Liver p ool, would compensation to them. (Cheers.) T he p eo p le of this country have not forgotten, also, that scarcely twelve pendence he had hitherto shown, if he had retired from the months ago, the despatch, the famous despatch, of Count have conducted himself more consistently with the inde- Walewski, was allowed to remain unanswered (cheers), a despatch which branded England, as a nation, as the accom- of Newall-buildings, and come and bolster up, h id t t Southern Division, without lending himself to the cliq h u i e s pliers of conspiracy and assassination. The present i P • Emperor Napoleon complained of the press of England— I return a nominee of the same e cliql---Icrair aof entle he complained that we gave a refuge and an asylum to those I no ")---a clique who sent for he Mr. y onion of the county, the electors of South L . ancas ur , r, Na o highest respect, g and who conspired against his life and his government, and he would take him upon one demanded that they should be sent away from this country. I told him that they Would for the ballot bill. Mr. man for whom he had t He supported that demand by the threats uttered by the condition, that he won o French colonels, who offered to lead their troops to thein for the ballot." (Laughter.) shores of England. Would it be believed that an English ' "`Nell, I sdpp t e h s e e am highest terms of Mr. Brown, and said statesman, the Prime Minister, would allow a despatch of He spoke in a • for the representation, he would that kind to remain unanswered---and why ? Forsooth, be- if he had stood again _. h. ' Hewood said, in answer l to Messrs. George Wilson and Co., cause it was said there was no use in answering it in the had been said of the youth of their candidates, then angry temper of the French monarch. (Oh, oh.) but he would remind them that Mr. Pitt was prime minis.. But, sirs, I ask you, were we as a nation to remain quiet not have gone . a yard to vote against their. Somet mg ' ter at 24 years of ag e. Let them reject Mr. Cheet ham, under such a calumny.? (No, no.) Were we t o wait patiently under such an insult until , f orsooth, it had pleased w ho had voted for Robe rt Lowe s spoliation bill. He h oped ngthe f r o e r so th lu e ti m on a . nner in which two entlemen before them triumphantly, with cheers.) In 1803, after the peace of Amiens, the first g. . ty into the House of Commons. He Ii a very in large majori , s. e had great a neighbouring monarch to be soothed ? (No, no, and the Southern Division would do their duty, and return. the Napoleon made the very same demand, couched The motion was put, and carried. British press, and of the fact, that the refugees in this coup- , precisely the same language. He cboemspeluatintuedctahneandaof; bthuet and Georges Cadoudal were allowed a refuge Mr. Egerton proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, they had T he Chairman replied to the vote of thanks in a few try, and demanded that they should h to b 1 rec m eived_hina . . (Applause.) Mr. Legh seconded the motion, andalso returned cowed; ; they were not to be forced by . a p and lea sure thanked in s seconding meeting di th time stated that he auks. even although the first Napoleon at the the British Government of that day were not such threats, The Ministry of the day gave a clear and decided answer. words, Pater TfiliCh the meeting separated, shouting would lead army after army for th uest of Great Britain. 1 " Tobin for the borough," and making other demands, which were as little responded to. TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN TIMES. Sir) — As a County Elector, I attended the Conservative meeting, at the Amphitheatre, to-day, and wished to avail myself of my undoubted privilege, as an elector, to ask one or two questions of the candidates. In this country, thank nothing Heaven, we know of Austrian despotism, and have been accustom e d to imagine that every man was free to express his sentiments. Certainly, , it has ever been con sidered that, at a public meeting of Englishmen, any elector was free to ask questions of the candidates for his votes, provided he conducted himself in an orderly manner. Now, sir, at the meeting to-day, se, at the proper time, to put two questions to Messrs. Egerton and Legh- One related to Maynooth, and th e other to the rating of the Liverpool docks. The moment I had uttered the words "Mr. Chairman," I was collared by some ruffian, who was near me, and ejected from the meeting. I t in again, and the same thing occurred a econd go tim Sir, I am an Irish Catholic, and probably my accent may have betrayed me. This may account for the rough treat_ - went which I received from the hands of these 2niscalled gentlemen. I cannot but contrast with their conduct the courteous manner in which the Liberal candidates have always replied to any questions put to. them by an elector, notwithstanding the invariable disturbance made at Liberal meetings by the Tories. It is only the old story, Mr. Editor, over again, Toryism fears free discussion, and so it will ever be, but their conduct deserves to be held in repro bation, and I trust you will find me a corner in your paper to-morrow for this letter. PATRICE: CAVANAGH, On the County List of Voters for the Parish of Liverpool. SELECT VESTRY. Yesterday morning, at half-past nine o'clock, the usual fortnightly meeting of the select vestry was held in the board-room of the workhouse, Brownlow-hill Mr. Church warden Jones occupied the chair. The other members present were --- Messrs. Smith, Scott, Denton, Owen, Williams, Turner, Chesney, Hand, Jones, Peck, Whitty, Critchley, Cooke, Cropper, Jackson, Syred, Cafferata, Hughes, Luff, Melly, and Gair.. WOUKKOUSE COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this committee were read. Mr. Churchwarden Cropper moved their confirmation, and in doing so he called the attention of the vestry to the notice that had been taket of the building accounts; and Mr. Jones, who had been kind enouh to attend and examine them, had drawn out the following series of reso lutions, to be adopted as standing orders for the committee, in order that the system hithiTto in existence might not be perpetuated :-Ist. That in all future work to be done in the workhouse, no work be paid for unless a written order of the committee be produced by the tradesman. 2nd. That whenever it may be found Onavoidable to execute work without tender, and when the work will amount to £5 and upwards, that the surveyor furnish the materials, and obtain journeymen to execute the work. 3rd. That on or before the commencement of the work, arrangements be made for having a proper check upon the materials used, and upon the time. 4th. That all bills for work be placed before the workhouse committee prior to the surveyor certifying the same, and immediately upon the completion of the work ordered. After a few remarks, the proceedings were confirmed unanimously. INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this committee were read. Mr. Jones, in moving their confirmation, said. they had not been able to lay the usual yearly return of the schools before that meeting ; but it was so far in progress that he was able to state—and the figures, when presented to the next meeting of the vestry, would bear him out —that there was a gradual improvement in the results of the schools. (Hear, hear.) lie thought the figures would be very satisfactory to every gentleman who had taken an interest in the schools; and if there should be, in future, the same ratio of progress, they would have very little to complain of with reference to their officers there. The proceedings were confirmed. Mr. Denton asked whether Mr. Weightman had fur nished the board with the measurements of the workhouse yet? The Chairman replied in the negative. Mr. Denton said, the last thing he heard of it was in the newspapers, in a speech made by their esteemed rector, informing them that there was some good news in prospect —that Mr. Weightman was about to furnish them with the estimates. He was sorry Mr. Weightman had not performed that promise. That was something like six months ag?, _ The subject then dropped. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this committee were read. The Chairman mentioned to the board that four of their collectors had been dismissed, one for defalcation ' and the other three for irregularity. Arrangements hadbeen made for the collection of the remainder of the rates. These arrangements had been. in operation for a week, and they were found to work satisfactory. Mr. Tuff gave a notice of motion to the effect, that in all future collections of rates, the finance committee be instructed to provide for the distribution of the parish into twelve districts, or such other number as may be advisable, giving each collector an equal proportion of the large and small assessments. The proceedings of the finance committee were then con firmed. A letter was read from the poor-law board asking the expression of the vestry on the subject of keeping boys and girls in the schools above 15 years of age, and if steps were taken to fit them for work outside. The letter was referred to the industrial schools committee. The board then proceeded with the election of a chaplain for the workhouse. It appeared that there were 36 candi dates, of whom 13 had been selected, and at a subsequent meeting of the workhouse committee these were reduced to three—the Rev. 111.r._ Scott, Folliott, and Patterson. The election was put to the vote by ballot, and the result was in favour of the Rev. Mr. Scott, who was accordingly declared elected. Mr. Jackson said they were now arrived at the end of their parochial year, and before he rendered up his office he wished to discharge a duty which he and all the members of that board owed to their venerable chairman. That board was constituted of men of different sentiments, religions and political, and although many questions came before them, which were calculated to excite their feelings, he thought their proceedings as a whole had been characterised by great decorum and great forbearance. However much this might have been owinc , to individual intelligence and self-respect as well as mutual respect, he thought they held that character in a great measure by the ability and the impartial conduct which had been at all times exercised by their respected chairman, the rector. He, therefore, begged leave to move a vote of thanks to the Rev. Rector Campbell for the able and impartial manner in which he had at all times exercised the office of chairman at that board. He accompanied that vote of thanks with a heartfelt gratitnde for the measure of health which had been awarded to him by Providence, and which, at one time, seemed most likely to give way, and hoped that his health might be long spared to do much good amongst them. Mr. \Vhitty said he felt very happy in seconding that vote of thanks. Parochial honours were so very unsatis factory and short - live d, that ho was anxious to avail himself o He had had for six years a seat at that bo f a t r h last an honour. during that time he had been no inattentive observer of the uniform impartiality, as well as ability, of the Rev. Rector. It was true that they had many shades of opinion amongst them, and he also considered that a very great deal of the decorum of that board was due to the intelligence, the character, and the ability of their respected chairman. He did not mean to detract from .the merits of his colleagues, when he said that a great deal of the absence of those rude personalities which had distingnished that Board from other bodies must, of necessity, be attributed to the clearness of the j ndgment and perception of the chairman, and they should, therefore, convey their thanks to him in the most cordial manner. (Applause.) The Rev. Rector Campbell said he was exceedingly obliged for the kind man ner in whi ch they had received the proposal of a vote of thanks to him; and, secondly, for th e complimentary terms in which that propositi on h a d been made. As they had been pleased to pay him a com pliment, he could not but in justice return th a t compli ment to them, because, although he had done his very best to act impartially and courteously to all, he was bound to say that courtesy which he had e nde that impartiality and endeavoured to exercise towards them, they had more than reciprocated to him. It was very peak contemptuously of vestries, and he must confesesilarthgaets of vestries e - y frequently had exposed themselves to irregularity - in using personalities, they therefore must not wonder that public opinion was sometimes against them, but he must say, with regard to the select vestry of Liverpool, ever since he had the management of it, and that was for a long course of years, he bad never 'met with anything like discourteousness, anything like irregularity of conduct, but what was very easily reformed ; and he must confess that he thought they had set an example to the Select Vestries in other parts of the county, which it was well to imitate. (Hear,hear.) He did not think he was paying an un.tarle.u_ compliment to them, when he said that h e had done h i s best to treat them with conrtesy, and that tli ) e i v b h e a n d a d v o ing ne their best to reciprocate that t o wardslf o t s, and showing to him with courtesy and respect on ailsleoic ca ne to which it was themselves amenable to any leitttlieulduke pli d their kindness, and so long as them sincerely for his necessity to impose. il it pleased God to continue his health, should be very yto render to them, and to the Parish of Liverpool, • ehvearpyp-service that was iri his power. (G rea t applause.) The meeting t h en Droke up, CONSERVATIVE MEETING;' The friends and supporters of Messrs. Egerton and Legh held their meeting in the Amphitheatre at half-past 12 o'clock yesterday. The greater part of the building was tolerably well filled before the proceedings began, but there was, at least, at that period very little of the crowding which usually is seen at a political meeting in the Amphitheatre. Among those on the platform were---Messrs. George Booker, John Myers, Alfred Castellaine, J. Fisher, Alderman Gardner, Alderman Robertson, Alderman Thomas Bold, J. 0. Cooper, John Hand, Wagstaff, J. Parker, J. C. Livingstone, Nickson, Priest, Blain, Bernard Hall, Gibbeson, Thomas Clarke, Whitehead, J. B. Leatherbarrow, J. R. Cooper, Hall, Alexander Shand, J. R. Shaw; Crosthwaite, J. B. Spence, Holmes, Hayman, H. Rae, Hurry, Thomas E. Moss, T. B. Horsfall, Christopher Bushell, G. 11. Hors fall, Wm. Cleaver, Alderman Bennett, James Tyrer, John Cooper, James llfolme, J. Watham, C. Chalk, J. Arkle, Wilson Forster, S. R. Graves, Jos. Booker, C. S. Parker, Preston ; J. - Riolley.. The Amphitheatre boxes were hung in front with ban ners, bearing such inscriptions as, " - No Bright, or Demo cratic Reform ;" " No Liberalism for the sake of Place ;" " The Queen, the Altar, and the Constitution ;" " Derby, and Constitutional Reform," &c., &c. When the candidates entered the building, and appeared on the platform, accompanied by Mr. Francis Shand, and several other gentlemen, they were received with loud bursts of cheering. Mr. Thomas E. Moss said : Brother electors, and gentle men, this is indeed a cheering scene, and proves that there is a strong link between the commercial interests of this great town and the agricultural interests of South Lanca shire. (Cheers.) Allow me to propose to you a chairman to preside over this day's proceedings. I give you a well known name—the name of a genuine unflinching Conser vative, Frank Shand. (Great cheering.) The motion was carried by acclamation, and the chair taken by Mr. Shand. Mr.' Shand : You are met, gentlemen, on this occasion, to consider an object as momentous as any that can be sub mitted to us at the present moment. The selection of 'two fit and proper parties to represent the southern divisiun of this great county in parliament. (Applause.) A Voice : Three cheers for John Bright. Mr. Shand : I say momentous, not only as regards the welfare of our locality, but as it affects the great interests of our common country. It is especially at the present moment momentous, when we consider the fearful crisis which seems to impend over the European affairs. In that I particularly claim the support of this country to maintain the administration of Lord Derby. (Applause.) For I say, in him alone, I find that political chief, who can at this moment, who is in a position at this moment to maintain the government effectively for the, country. (Applause.) The only chief who can at this moment keep a government of strength and solidity. One that shall impress the foreign powers with an assurance of the policy which he is prepared to carry out. (Applause.) 'Then gentlemen, I think it' is time that this country should shake itself up and arouse itself to some independent action, and not submit, as it has hitherto done, to, a despotic power which emanates from NewalPs buildings, Manches• ter. lam not going . to submit to that which now pretends' to issue a kind of universal law. You are not prepared, I am sure, once more to bow the knee to Mr. Cheetham. You are surely not prepared to accept the ballot box in any way, either from Mr. Cheetham or others. [Cries of "No, no, and yes, yes." - Here a scene of dis order took place in he pit, and cries of "Put him "out," were heard from all quarters.] When order was restored, Mr. Shand continued to say : I do not expect, for one moment, that all will agree with me, and therefore I should be sorry to try to restrain any gentleman who may choose to express his opinions. But, gentlemen, lam not prepared to support Mr. Cheetham, bearing, as he does, the ballot-box. (Hear, hear.) Neither am I prepared to see the successor of that inestimable gentleman (Mr. Brown)—for estimable we call him, though differing with him—l am not prepared to see his successor even in the humble person of Heywood, who has been car ried to Newall-street Buildings, and there dipped in the dark waters of their streets, and come out, stulted as he was, with the ballot-box. (Applause.) Why, any gentleman who has heard him express his private sentiments, will observe, in all he says, a denial of the virtue of the ballot-box, or its practical ap plication. You, therefore, could seriously never think of returning such men as these. What use would they be ? They would be no use in the administration of Lord John Russell, who detests the ballot, and they would be same in the administration of Lord Palmerston, who is of the same opinion. They would do nothing except join Mr. Bright for universal suffrage, and turn out once a year with the honourable Mr. Berkeley on his annual division. Having come to this point it is well that you should have some gentlemen uninfected with the mys tification of the last, untrammelled with either party, and uncontrolled in any way ; men who will put their hands upon their hearts, and be able to tell you the sentiments which beat there, and tell you they are prepared fully to maintain those principles. (Applause.) I will at once introduce to you the Hon. Mr. Algernon Egerton. Mr. Egerton came forward, and was- received with enthusiastic applause. He said : Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, in rising for the first time in my life to address a vast' assemblage like the present, in one of the greatest and worthiest cities of the empire, I may well feel, I think, some diffidence in my power, to do justice to the.principles for which I ask your support. I trust that you will consider the principles, and not the person who addresses you. (Cheers.) I know that in coming to Liverpool I seek to succeed in the representation of the southern division of this county, a gentleman who, although I differ from him in politics, yet has a very just claim upon the consideration of his fellow-citizens here, and upon the constituency of South Lancashire generally. , (Hear, hear.) His princely liberality must have endeared him to you, and the way in which he represented the seperate interests of this county, have been such as did him great credit among you, I have no doubt. (Hear, hear.) But, gentlemen, I observe in the report of the meeting of our opponents here, almost the first thing which was said by the chairman, Mr. Brown, was an accusation of presumption against me in coming forward at all to represent the county ; and with your leave, before I go into detail upon the principles for which I stand up here, I will say a few words with regard to his accusa tion. (Cheers.) Now it might be presumption in one who has not yet arrived, perhaps, at middle life, like myself, to come forward and place himself before so large a constitu ency as this; but before I consented to stand for South Lancashire, I took care that I should have a very general expression of feeling from various parts of the county ; and when 1 was convinced that it was a general feeling which requested me to stand there, I thought it my duty to come forward, and, thinking so, I may promise that, what energies or any small abilities I may possess will, if I am elected, be at the service of this great constituency. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) I will now proceed to give you my idea of what is meant by the professions I have put forward to my supporters as Conservative principles. (Hear, hear.) I am an inde pendent supporter of Lord Derby's Government. (Loud cheers.) Now with regard to Conservative principles, I think they may be very shortly defined, as an attachment to the Throne, to the Queen, and to the representative insti tutions, and the general constitution of our country. (Cheers.) I know that Mr. Bright and others have asked, What is this constitution I hear so much about ?" He has said, " I have never seen it ;" and it is a favourite remark, Among the Radicals, that they have never seen the constitution. But lam well aware that the constitution under which we live is not one of the " cut-and-dry" measures brought forward by theorists. (Hear, hear.) It has grown up for at least 200 or 300 years. Its laws are well known by those who have to administer them, and they are calculated for the benefit and the advantage of the country. (Hear, hear. One principal feature of that constitution is, that interests shall be represented, and not mere numbers. By interests, I mean that the landed interest, the commercial interest, the manufacturing interest, and also the working-man's interest, should be represented in tile House of Commons (hear, hear, and cheers), but represented in such a manner that they should balance each other, and that no one interest should be able to sweep the others from the consideration of the country. (Hear, hear.) Such being one of the principles of our constitution, I say that the new-fangled panacea which has been found to cure all our ills, ought never to become the law of this country. I allude to universal suffrage and the ballot. (Groans,) Now, with regard to universal suffrage, I have no hesitation whatever in sa y in g that it is a failure wher ever it has been tried. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) I ask you if there is more liberty of the subject in America than here ? (No, no.) That is the great country in which uni versal suffrage has been tried, and there it has been pro nounced a failure by no less an authority than the President of the Republic himself, Mr. Buchanan. (Hear, hear.) He said himself that the country is fast verging into the state in which government resolves itself into anarchy. (Hear, hear.) That is the result, gentlemen, of universal suffrage in a country where the race of people has come off the same stock as ourselves. I therefore think that if there is a chance in the next session, as I think there is, of the proposed Reform wearing the shape of a revolu tionary Reform, it is our duty here to stand up, and to take such measures, so far as this county is concerned, as shall prevent it becoming so. (Hear, hear.) Now, with regard to the Derby government, I have said that I will give an independent support to that government. (Cheers.) One of the principal reasons which influences me in giving that support is, that I think it is the strongest government which is possible under the present state of affairs. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) We all know that the House of Com mons is split into various factions, under different leaders, and some under no leaders at all. (Laughter.) But the strongest party in the 1/018c j,4 that which at present