The Express.
London, England, 1852-02-26 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, THURSDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 26, 1852.

paper? Why were the Asap publications to be precluded
from #ving as fresh and as assly intelligence if all awe-
resting meta of the day as wore now circulated amongst
the wesithisr portions of the community ? (Hear, hear.)
Ibough Ws remarks had chiefly relation to the newspaper
stamp, he wished to be understood as willing to co-operate
with others in lighting as determined a battle as they could
for the repeal of the paper and advertisement duties.
(Dear, hear.) The paper duty fell heavily on those publi-
catious which were published at a low rate, and depended
for their returns on an extended circulation. (Herr)
And the advertisement duty was a tax which prevented
cumiounications of every kind ;,it we, anti-commercial, un-
just, and injurious, not only to the educational, but to the
commercial iutereets of the people ; and the three
taxes together formed, if considered as a whole, the
heaviest impersitioa on the press, in the shape of a
fiscal burden, that existed in any country in the world.
(Hear, hear.) He therefore called on the meeting to give
their dispassionate consideration to the resolutions submitted
to them, and if they felt it consistent with their convictions
so to du, to stamp their condemnation upon that most odious
system of taxation. (Cheers.)
Mr. EDWARDS moved the following resolution : ,
"That the duties en paper. advertisements, and newspapers
curtail the) liberty of the press, obstruct the diffusion of
knowledge, and aro inconsistent with the professions
of the legislature in favour of popular education."
With regard to the paper duly, he believed it could he
easily shown that the duty was in reality threepence, in-
stead of three halfpence, as was pretended. (Hear, hear.)
Ile behoved with Cromwell, that if a government was not
able to withstand paper bullets, it could not stand at all.
(Loud cheers.)
Mr. SCHOL ELD, M.P., in seconding the resolution,
said he did not mean to address to the meting more than
one or two oloervations. Ile did not attend the meeting
because of his being rominently connected with the move-
ment, but because he represented a constituency which
deeply felt the injustice of the tax on knowledge. • It was
a great hypocrisy to pretend to be in favour of the diffusion
of knowledge and at the same time to maintains tax on
the ere ry eh ments of that knowledge. (Hear.) They had
a change of ministers, and whether that change was for
the worse or the better time would tell. But in reference
to this question, no Chancellor of the Exchequer could be
more hostile than the laat, one of whose last school was to
declare that, although the judges had decided against the
government in the ea-e of the "Monthly Narrative," a
prosecution would be instituted against any others who dill
what Mr. Dickens had done. (tleer.) Ile did not know
whether Mr. Disraeli would take the same view of the
question, but if the new government devoted some attention
to social questions, and none pleased so etronoly for consi-
deration as the present one, ho would give them all the aid
in his power. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. COBDEN then rose, amidst the most enthusiastic
(heeling, to address the meeting. The hon. gentleman
said :—When he saw the great interest taken in the pre-
sent question by the meeting, and by the crowd of person'
who could nut enter that room, he could not help coacludin
that it had at length taken a due hold of the public mind
in the metropolis—(hear, hear)—and he would venture to
affirm, that in attending thst meeting, thee did something
more than listen to speeches; they will so far co-operate iu
promoting the prosperity of their association, that their
next anniv, nary meeting might be held in Drury-lane
Theatre, where their accommodation would be more suited
to the number of their friends; and his experience as an
anti-torn-law agitator had taught him that when they
got installed in a metropolitan patent thNitre, their
triumph would he soon at hand, and that not
long alter the Chancellor of the Exchequer would
put the tax into the budget fur abolition. The main
question before them was the question of the penny
stamp on newsy,: pers. It was not a fiscal question at all ;
it was not a question of 2.50,0001. a year, which was all it
netted fur the revenue, after making the necessary deduc-
tions on account of the transmission of newspapers through
the Puet.ollice Ire. 01 charge. Wed, it would be fully. to
supposethat there coal I be any great resistance to the sm•
portunities of the public for the abolition of this tax, on the
ground that it was essential fur revenue purpose's. No,
the removal of these imposts was resisted on totally dif-
ferent grouuds : it was resisted on a principle; because they
wanted, aa far as pouible, to exclude the great mass of
the people from the discussion of political questions. (Hear,
hear.) The preamble of the act of parliament framed in
1819 had let the cat out of the bug ; it had avowed that it
was carried in order to prevent the dissemination of cheap
literature among the mass of the people. Now, looking at
the question me rely as a matter of interest to the govern-
ment, he would ask was it beneficial in that point of view
that the people should be kept in darkness regarding po-
litical questions? Could they prevent the l pimp e from
cussing political events? Why, then, would they nut
give them the opportunity of discussing them in
the best possible manner? Why not have facts
and arguments thrust under their noses? (Hear, hear.)
And was it not a monstrous inconsistency to find one great
party of the aristocracy advocating the extension of the
franchise to 61. rated householders, and at the same time to
have the same persons excluded from the perusal of the
daily papers, whereby they might inform themselves of the
current events of the day, which they ought to do if they
were to exercise the functions of electors. (Hear hesr.)
Es would affirm that persona would be ever found discussing
public events whether you afforded them the means of doing
so properly or not. They had seen on the continent of
Europe questions raised, and which had received a conside-
rable amount of popular support—questions which in this
country • (mid not be regarded as capable for a moment of
bearing the light of intelligence and argument. (Hear.)
And how had such questions been met there? Why, there
had been attempts, and succeseful ones too, he was sorry to
say, to put them doss at by force, and by calling in the aid
of horse, feat, and artillery. (Hear, hear.) 110 proclaimed
that that was not the way to settle any question. (Cheers.)
Ideas were nut to. be destroyed by musketry. (Hear.)
Now he maintained that in every country of the Continent
where a fancied peace and order had been established by
meats of brute force and violence, these same ideas, which
were 'opposed to lie buried in the dust, and the
blood of their profe-sors, would be proclaimed again
in spite of the brute farce which had put them down—
(cheers)—and all he would say was. that if such opinions
could only be put down by brutal violence, they deserved
to triumph. (War, hear.) Lord Derby had come into
power, and he had no doubt he had tome into power to
carry out his opinions, and what those opinions were he
told them some three weeks ago. He came into power to
restore the corn laws. (Loud groans.) Now, if Lord
Derby had been in the balsa of seeing daily at his club
penny newspapers, which circulated by hundreds of thou-
sands amongst the people, be would be able to see what the
public opinion was upon that subject, and it would not be
necessary for him (Mr. Cobden) to go down to Manchester
to-morrow,and to the West Biding, to address meetings of his
fellow countrymen on this subject—(loud cheering)—and to
tell Lord Deroy that he should not put another farthing
of taxation on corn. (Loud and vehement cheering.) All
literary men had a deep interest in this question, sod he
told many of them that he was surprised at their apparent
indifference on this subject. Gentlemen of the highest
education, many of them having received probably univer-
sity education, seeking, as short hand writers, employ-
ment from proprietors of newspapers, cap in hand,
and with an assiduity half of which would procure situations
in the police or on railways. And why was this? It wan
caused by the monopoly of the present system, which
restricted the field of employment. (Hear.) But let
them once abolish that monopoly, and he would guarantee
four times the number of papers they had now, and four
times the demand for literary talent. (Hear, hear.) He
would call on all those then present, as well as on these who
lived by the cultivation of literature, to join in that move-
ment, the object of which was to put an end to the restric-
tions on their industry. (The hon. gentleman sat down
amidst load cheers.)
Mr. HUME said that he was pleased to see so large a
meeting, which was so crowded that many persons at the
door could not find admittance. This showed that great
interest began to be excited on the subject. (Hear.) He
was one of those who 22 years ago struggled for the aboli-
tion of the 4)d. duty, and after 16 years of contest, they
partially succeeded, for in 1836 a reduction of the tax too
place. (Hear.) In 183.5, the year before the reduction
took place, the newspapers published in this country
amounted to 34,000,000; n 1837, the year after the reduc-
tion, they increased to 47,000,000; and in 1848, they
amounted to 48,000,000. (Hear.) It was true that the
population had in the meantime increased, but not
in anything like the proportion of newspapers. (Hear,
hear.) It was absurd far men to say that they
wished to see education diffused and schools established,
when they at the same time continued the tax on the news-
paper, which was the great instructor of the people in these
.days. (Hear, hear.) He moat cordially joined in the
resolution, and he hoped that before another year the
pub& shad would be so prepared and resolved on this
quails of the taxes ma knowledge, that no government
would dare to refuse flak repeal. (Cheers.)
Xi. EGGERS iris in favour of the resolution, which
was weird uoanicseady.
pre. COLLET prolong the next resolution : " That the
bilpilleasee of the MOW of revenueyielded by the
=sroaaiilatork lhoehuua tbiltimlt is mew 1,
ou of dookarytag aswas
the lads-
' potoisto et the graft est teevestieg the elreslatica et
arm Neturepers."
Ur. Traiteox acesedled the plesintioo, which was sup-
ported by Mr. O'Buaaae, and orris& unanimously.
Mr maim then separated.

DEPUTATION TO THE BOARD OF TRADE.—On Tues-
day a deputation of shipownen connected with Great Yar-
mouth, accompanied by Messrs. Rumbold and J. l3andars,
the representative.' of the borough, had an interview with
the Right Hon. 11. Labouchers. at the Board, for the pur-
pose of presenting a memorial from that port, soliciting the
rescinding of so much of the Steam Navigation Act of last
year as required that sailing vessels under 140 tons, and not
carrying passengers, should have two boats. The memorial-
ists stated that such vesses were obliged to carry their boats
upon deck, and being employed chiefly in tho tout-
ing trade, the number of the crew was never
larger then could be accommodated in one boat,
such as was now carried, they being usually of from
16 to 17 feet in length, and always in an efficient and
serviceable condition. They added that vessels under
150 tons could only carry two boots by putting one inside
the other, which would necessitate the removal from the
larger boat of oars and thwarts, so that on an emergency
the time that would be lost in getting out and refitting the
brats would, in souse CAWS, be inevitably destructive of
human life, while one boat only, being on the deck, might
in the most sudden emergency be put afloat slid be saved.
Mr. Laboucliere, after hearing these statements, promised
to grant the relief solicited, lid sent an order to the
Custom-house for that purpose.
MAXIM OF NAPOLEON (THE LITTLE).-111 political
discussions there is nothing like coming to the (bayonet's)
point.—Piume,

PARLIAMENTARY REFORM.
MEETING IN LAMBETH.
' A meeting of the inhabitants of the borough of
Lambeth took place last evening, at the Horns, Kenning-
ton for the pme of conaidering the measure of reform
lately submitted to parliament. There was • crowded at-
tendance. Upon the platform were Mr. Tennyson d'Eyn-
court, H.P., Mr. W. Williams, M.P., Mr. Locke King,
M.P., Mr. lcock, M.P., Mr. Trelawny, M.P., and a num-
ber of influential gentlemen connected with the borough.
Mr. W. A. WILKINSON, being unanimously called to
the chair, said they Imo been called together to consider
the Reform Bill of Lotd J. Hassell. One great defect in
that measure was the absence of the ballot. A man could
not he sincere in proposing an extension of the franchise
without he gave the ballot along with it. (Hear.) That
bill was now defunct, and no doubt it would Indecently in-
, wired. (Cheers.) The whip themselves were gone, at
least, as ministers, and he hoped they would prove better
friends to the people in opposition. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. THOMAS HARVEY moved "That the sudden
and abrupt termination of Lord John Russell's ministry
shall in no degree deter the inhabitants of Lambeth from
pressing forward their well-matured demands for a
thorough reform of the House of Commons ; this meeting
being fully convinced that if ever there was a time
when interer as well as duty called for unanimity to
prevail among all classes of reformers, it is the present.
This meeting therefore calls upon every liberal consti-
tuency throughout the country, at once to pledge their
representatives to demand of the government such a
change in our representative system an shall embrace
the important principles of residential suffrage, vote by
ballot, triennial parliaments, equal electoral di,tricts, and
the abolition of the property qualification for members."
Mr. J. P. MURROUOII seconded the resolution. He
observed that they were met to celebrate the obsequies of
whiggery and finality, and he hoped they hail seen the '
last of Lord John Revert!. (Cheers )
Mr. T. D'EYNCOURT, M.P., was received with much
applause. Ile said he would appeal to the whole course of
his public life in proof of his being a thorough reformer.
(Cheers.) During 20 years he had never flinched from
supporting the liberties of the people, though lie lout never
given any pledge when elected ; and he was certain the
electors would not disgrace him by asking him fur a pledge
to do that which he was mast disposed to do. (Hear.) He
went the full length of this resolution. (Cheers.) The
crowded state of the meeting proved the sincerity of the
desire for reform in that borough. (Cheers.) It had been
said the people were indifferent about Lord J. Russell's
bill; the tact was, they never anticipated from him any
valuable measure of reform. (Hear.) Besides, the best
clauses of his measure might have been nullified by his
colleagues in the cabinet, and they ought not to dismiss
him front the public service with contempt, for he had
been the author of good measures ; he had been the author
of the first Reform Bill and of the repeal of the 'feet and
Corporation Acts. (" hear," and some disapprobation.) Ile
(Mr. D'Eyncourt) so entirely disapproved of the late Reform
Bill, that he should have voted against it had nut the pro-
posal for enlarging the 67 small boroughs been withdrawn.
Mr. W. WILLIAMS, M.P., was loudly cheered on
rising. Ho said, that for more than thirty years he had
taken an active part in carrying out the principles of the
resolution proposed. For fourteen years lie had not only
voted for, but spoken in the house of Commons in favour
of those principles, and, in some respects, had gone beyond
them. (Cheers.) The great advantage of the Reform Bill
of Lord John Russell was, that through it, the Whigs had
admitted the necessity of reform. (Hear, hear,) The
small portion of good in the Lill was nullified by the pro-
metal for enlarging and resuscitating the rotten boroughs.
Mr. J. THWA (TES congratulated the meeting on the
presence of so many members of parliament on the plat-
term, and observed that when an election appeared pro-
bable they generally "real up" for the oeension.
Let the people beware of accepting any instalment
of reform, which would defer the great consummation they
so earnestly desired. (Cheers.)
Mr. BRYSON said the motion was very good, but it did
not go far enough. He moved an amendment in favour of
unisersal suffrage, annual parliaments, and payment of
members. . .

Mr. MANCE seconded the amendment, and charged
Mr. D'Eyncourt with neglecting his duty to the electors,
because he had refused to support certain points of the
charter.

I•he amendment wu then put, hut not above a score of
hands were held up in its flavour. The original motion was
then put and carried amidst loud cheering.
Mr. WEIIIIER moved—" That this meeting, viewing
with deep regret the sudden advent to power of a party
who have hitherto been the avowed enemies of progress,
and the advocates of the unrighteous tax upon food, calls
upon the friends of humanity in a determined manner to
resist, by every constitutional means, any attempt to reim-
pose a bread tax."
Mr. TOWNSEND seconded the resolution. •

Mr. LOCKS 'LINO. M.P., said he had not attended
the meeting under the idea of a dissolution being at hand,
for he knew better than to cringe in that way, but to learn
the sentiments of the people on the subject of reform,
(Hear.) It should be remembered that the liberal meat-
bon scarcely mustered 100 in parliament. Surrey, with
its half-a-million of inhabitants, had only seven members ;
and of those, six (the member for Reigate only being the
exception) invariably voted for liberal measures. (Cheers.)
The counties of Wilts and Dorset, with a much smaller
population, each returned a larger number of members.
Ile thought the liberal members had good ground to com- '
plain of the people not supporting theta ; it was hard work
for them to be constantly twitted with being in advance of
the country, and being told that the people did not case
about reform, their bellies being very well filled. (Hear.
hear.) As long as he was iu parliament, he should do all
in his power to obtain reform on all essential points at a
time of comparative quiet, when there was no very strong
agitation.
Mr. ALCOCK, M P., said the question of the bread tax
was the one now immediately before them. Years ago he
had advocated a total free trade in corn, and he had tamer
*hanged his mind. (Cheers.)
A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceedings.