The Express.
London, England, 1865-11-23 00:00:00

REFORM MEETING AT BRADFORD.

BRADFORD, WEDNESDAY Nunn'.
Thin evening • large and enthusiastic meeting
es parliamentary reform, convened by the Mayor of the
borough, in response to • requisition signed by 2,500 of
the inhabitants, was held in St. George's Hall. The Maros
(Mr. J. V. Godwin) presided.
Mr. Alderman BROWN moved the first resolution, as
follows :—" That in the opinion of this meeting the
assembling of the new parliament, the absence of other
questions of immediate urgency, and the state of general
peace, render the present time favourable to the introduc-
tion of a meatus of palismentary reform so often pro-
mised by her Majesty's government."
Mr. ROBERT KELL seconded the motion, and it was sup-
ported by Mr. C. THOMAS.
Mr. FOBBTEA also supported the motion, and in al-
luding to the present position of the reform ques-
tion, expressed his conviction that the House of
Commons would see the question would no longer
be trifled with, and his confidence that the govern-
ment would not allow the party to trifle
with it. It would not be forgotten that Lord Palmerston
never was an earnest reformer, and now that be was gone,
the time bad cocas when the reform question moat be
settled. In the place of Lord Palmerston they had Earl
Russell end Mr. G tadstone, who, of all men in en official
position, were most pledged before the country on this
question. Mr. Gladstone had taken every opportunity
of informing the public of hie convictions with regard
to it, and that was • guarantee that he would
not belie at this critical time the pledges which be bad so
recently made. But if the government were disposed to
trifle, the country would not allow it to do so. The eons-
try expected reform, although there was no violent agita-
tion for it; and he never before spoke with so much hope
and faith on this question ma now. He hid oosfidence t
aut
the government would bring in • comprehensive bill, and
determine to sand or fall by it. If the country
should object, it was better they should fail an
wait until the country was ready. He had nod
fear that next session the government would declare, even
if they had not matured a bill, that they would lose no time
in bringing one forward. Large towns meetings should be
held with the object of throwing the responsibility on the
govereineet. It would be • mistake for the reform party
to propose • bill at this crisis, beaus if moderate, many
would may it should go further, but if larger, it might be •
hook, upon which enemies would bang opposition. He
called upon the meeting to give Mr. Glaciates,
the opportunity of stating whether he really favoured the
introduction of working men to a share in the government.
No doubt the answer would be such would give great pro-
gram to the cause of freedom. Ho did not say
the next
reform bill would give working men what eventually they
would obtain, or an overwhelming or preponderating share ;
but it would give them • real and abstained share in
the representation, and that would be an era well worth
while to have worked hard for. It was the interest of
England that working moo should not be obliged to go to
America ore the colonies before they could obtain the right
of citizenship, or carry out the instincts of patriotism °. In
America they did participate in the government, and bad
their own personal feeling in their cease for its honour sod
interest. If the same were done here the throne would be
more secure, because sone would be excluded from the might
of aiding the sovereign by their counsel. The country would
then not only be more free, but more prosperous and more
powerful to do its duty.
Mr. ALDLAW moved, " That this meeting believes that the
feasting of • thorough measure of reform by the noble
Premier, who has devoted much attention to the subject,
and has often conic before parliament in support of reform,
will be specially fitting, and will not fail to receive from the
country a warm support ; but the farther postponement of
reform by the present ministry will be received with the
greatest disappointment and dissatisfaction."
Mr. Councillor Warrtuenn seconded, and
Mr. Mucous supported the motion, which was carried.
A memorial to Earl Russell, embodying the substance of
the resolutions, was also adopted, and • deputation appointed
to present it to his lordship.