The Express.
London, England, 1852-01-22 00:00:00

THE NEW REFORM BILL.

MEETING AT LEEDS.
On Tuesday night last a large and influential
meeting was held at the Music Hall, Leeds, on the question
of parliamentary reform, hut more topecially to elicit the
views of the different classes of reformers in the borough
on the scheme of parliamentary reform as agreed to at she
late confi-renta: hi Id in Manchester. The meeting included
all sections of the reform party. JOHN WILNON, &Kt. (one
of the aldermen of the borough) took the chair, and was
surrounded by James Garth Marshall, Esq., H. C.
Marshall, Esq., Aldermen Luccock, Bower, Carbutt, and
Pease; t'ouncillors John Marshall, Weinman, Morgan,
Carter, Kcttlewell, George, and Heaps ; John Wilkiuson,
Esq., Edward Homes, Esq., Charles Naylor, Esq., Robert
Adams, Esq., J. C. Barrett, Esq., &c.
The CHARMAN, in opening the business of the even-
ing, said—lt has been urged in some quarters that such
meetings are unnecessary, or at any rate premature, and
that it would be better to wait till we have the government
measure before us. To this doctrine I entirely dissent.
(Hear, hear.) I think that it is much better that all large
constituencies should speak out in a firm and decided tone
as to the character of the measure of reform which they are
looking for, and which they think the country is entitled to
before the government are publicly committed to any mea-
sure of their own. (Applause.) Nothing can be more
unwise than for government to resist reasonable and safe
practical reforms ; and nothing more impolitic than for people
to make rash, unreasonable, and impracticable demands.
If we want an example, the lesson is before us. Look at
France. France, under the autocratic, conservative, sel-
fish, grant-nothing policy of Louis Philippe. became so
desperate that they upset the whole fabric of government
and established a republic—a republic which looted front
ISIS to 18.11, durieg which short period some strange
transactions took place—(hear, hear)—and now, at the
very commencement of 18. 2, under the specious name of a
republic, they are reaping the worst fruits of despotism—
, (hear, hear)—a despotism so hideous that, with an en•
lightened people like the French, it is impossible it can long
remain. (.. Hear, hear," and applause.) Let us profit by
their experience, and let government take warning by their
exerience. (Hear.)
J. O. MARSHALL, Esq.,l M.P., said—Great is now
the necessity for the middle and working classes to continue
to act in earnest and in concert. (Applause.) I trust that
the disposition ma to art is widely felt among reformers.
On the one hand we ought to demand that this measure, if
agitated at all, shall contain a really large and liberal ex-
tension of the franchise amongst that intelligent and Indus-
trious portion of the community whose conduct since the '
last Reform Bill has so eminently entitled them to the sup-
port and confidence of their fellow-countrymen. (Cheers.)
On the other hand, we must take care that in our proposed
changes we keep within those ancient and recognised princi-
ples of our mixed and tempered constitution, which are es-
sential to safety and to unity of action. (Hear.) I
need hardly say that I have ever been a firm advocate for a
large extension of the suffrage, both betore I entered par-
liament and since I have had the high honour of being one
of the representatives for the important constituency of
this borough. (Applanse.) Acting on this principle, I
have always given my vote in the House of Commons in
favour of Mr. Hume's motion for household suffrage—
(hear, hear)—triennial parliaments—(applause)—vote by
ballot)—(loud applauae)—and a more equitable apportion-
ment of the representation. (Renewed applause.) This
Deemed to me the best general definition of a measure of
reform, as once based upon old constitutional principles
and landmarks, and large enough to ratify the just de-
mends of the improved intelligence of the people. Much,
no doubt, will depend upon the learning of the limits and
details of these principles as embodied in a practical
measure. What we ought to aim at is such a liberal
extension of the franchise as without swamping the existing
constituency shall satisfy the just and moderate expectations
of the people. (Hear.) lie moved the following resolu-
tion That this meeting having considered the existing
state of the representation of the I lilted Kingdom, is desi-
ous to see such changes effected as will satisfy the just and
moderate expectations of the people, and render the House
of Commons, in conformity with the spirit of the constitu-
tion, a fair representation of the property, the industry, sad
the intelligence of the people; and that while aiming at
this object, it is moreover anxious to adhere to the ancient
landmarks of our representative system, and within their
limits to introduce such changes only as experience has
shown to be wise and safe."

E. BAIN Esq., seconded the resolution, and said—l
acres with the sentiment that, when the prime minister of this
sannley has ammemesad taw it is his intention to bring the
repeassatatian tido people bcfure the consideration of par-
liament, it M Ow towns and constituencies so large as
this to tales that sehject into their own consideration, meet
together to discuss it, and to present (heir owa view of the
question to the sinister, in order to wind him in the forma-
tion of his measures. (Applause.) I think, too, that it is
most wise and proper that the town of Leeds should meet
on such an ocendon, and my only regret is that
we have not met at an earlier period in order to
set an example to other towns, which would, I
believe, have been the case if we could have met some
weeks ago. I rejoice, sir, that we have seen a prime minister
of England, whatever may be the measure he may ulti-
mately bring forward, adopt the wise course of bringing the
question of a reform in the representation of the people be-
fore parlisinent4not at a time of agitation—when ho is forced
to yield to the importunate demands of the people, and in
such a way as to have the appearance of giving a reluctant
assent to what he could not fully sgree to—but in a time of
general peace, and as great prosperity as this country has
at any previous period known. It appears to me to be
true wisdom, when any measure which is likely to excite
public opinion to any considerable degree is to be brought
forward, that the more calm and tranquil are the circum-
stances on which it is advanced, the better will it be not
only for that question, but also fur the continued tranqui-
lity and happiness of our country. I think it must
be admitted that up to the present period, with some few
exceptions, the working classes of England have hail but a
very small share in thu constituencies uf the kingdom. (Ileac)
I am at the lame time deliberately convinced, from close
observation and inquiries of a number of years—which I
may say have been carried on in a spirit of" great impar-
tiality by me—l am perfectly convinced that there has been
an immense progress in the attainment both of general and
political knowledge amongst the working classes of this
country. The general conduct, too, of the working glasses
of this country for the last twenty years has been such that
we may now safely claim fur them the possession of much
diseriminetion, virtue, and a very considerable amount of
knowledge. It seems then to me thrt while the intellectual
cultivation of the people is not nearly so high as we could wish it
to be, and as we hope it will yet be, still there is such au
amount of cultivation both in virtue and knowledge, as
clearly to entitle a very large proportam of the working
classes to h, admitted to the exercise of the franchise which
will enable them to exercise an influence in the parliament
of their country. ('. Hear, hear," and e4eers.) I think,
therefore, that a very large and bold extension of the fran-
chise is both safe and wise; and certainly I think it is
saw and wiser to grant such extension than in the present