The Express.
London, England, 1849-11-06 00:00:00

PARLIAMENTARY

AND FINANCIAL REFORM.

Sunder.
oAfTthSeUNinDhiEbititaLnfitaNDo;
land, called by advertisement, took place in the Ath
in that town, on Friday evening Wt. The • 'LI"'
A pnblMicEmßeelitNiuGg
unsung
highly respectable one, enthusiastic, and crowded, and
not be much under a thousand in number. The deoutau,...—
from the coancil were Sir Joshua Ws.Welty and for; Thompson. George
Mr. Councillor JOSHUA WILSON, merchant and do
owner, and a member of the Society of Friends, wasp
eiohd-r
to the chair, on taking which he addressed the me tin.'
the following effect ; My friends, we want • red
aatiao taxation. In order to attain that reduction we want a
t,-„.-
duction of expenditure— we want financial reform. In td;
to attain fluarcial reform we want government by 4: ay'
for the good of the people, instead of; overnment by iDu'r—r.
for the good of a party. (Cheers. In order to attain
government by the people, we want the ancient right (11
Eiislishmen restored, that they should tax themselves
through their representatives. (Hear.) Oar consthutitioa
profane originally to be based upon that right; we want it•
to be so in reality. I conceive that • representative of the
people, when called upon to vote for the expenses of the
government, ought to be as careful, nay more careful, of the
people's money than he would of his own, if called encore
pay money to promote the same end'. Because 1 curies,
that in voting the money of the people he not only 'ensue
money contributed by the rich, but also that contributed by
the widow and the fatherless. (Applause.) Now, 1 ozh„
rely, that we cannot get this financial relotm brought
about until we get Lois ancient principle restored--
that the people of England shall tax themselves through
their representatives. If there was no tax but an incest.
tax, it would be all right ; in that we, only those pereo
posseesed of 1501. per annum and upwards, who paid income
tax, should have votes ; hut so long as you have hadireos
taxes—so long as the poor man is taxed, he ought to have a
vote ; for if a man is too poor to have a vete, he is too poor
to be taxed. (" Hear, hear," and cheers.) I shall, teem
fore, read to you the first resolution. It is as follows;
"That, considering a reauction of expenditure to the
extent of several milieus per annum to be perfectly pm.
ticable and quite compatible with the efficient discherge el
the duties of government; that such reduction would tope],
the means of remitting taxes which operate in venous ways
to the injury of the community ; and that the principles of
the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Asiccim
tion are well calculated to effect these objects, thi. ots,liag,
therefore, resolves to support that auociation to the utmost
of its power."
Ia order to show we are not out of the way in consider-
ing that several millions might be taken off, I may refer to
the year 1835, when it was the interest of the two contend-
ing pieties bidding for the people's favour to reduce the
expenditure. The expenditure was then ten millions less
'hen it is now, end I recollect a curious fact conseeted
with that reduction. When we fit out chips here, we deal
find many ropeiends to make oakum of, but it is MLetwhe
with government 'hips. Up to 183.5 we used often to get
several tons, of that article from Chatham, but in that year
the waste was stopped—(laughter)--and, as you knew, the
naval e xpenditure was reduced a million; but since this
the Chatham oakum has begun again, and the naval ex-
penditure his increased. The Americans have an apt wort
to designate such wises material; they call it t. ehestage."
(Laughter.) The chairman then concluded by moving Ote
resolution, and introducing Sir Joshua Wslmsley, M.P.
Sir JOSHUA WALMSLEY, after the a; please
that greeted his rising had anhoited, thanked tee
chairman for saying that they wanted to return to
the old principle of the constitution, that I agatioa
and representation should go hand in hand, Imam,
it furnished him a text to comment up -in. Tmi object of
their mission was to promote the cause of pariisme nutty re.
form, with a view to the attainment of such ameriomems ia
our financial, fiscal, ecclesiastical—(" hear, hear," and greet
cbeeriug)—colonial, and other systems as should be in am
cording with the wishes of the great nujeroy of the
people. The extent to which they would libernin
the representatinn was this : to give each adult male,
the occupier of a tenement, or part of a ie. mutt,
who should be rated, or should claim to be rated, tie the re.
lief of the poor, a right to be registered so so elector—
(cheers)—the protection of the ballot; triennial parliaments;
abolition of the property qualification ' • and, what they
deemed even more essential than the other four, such • chugs
intbe electoral divisions as should give a more equal reproes-
tation in respect of population. They laid down two pie.
positions first, that the House of C 01.1110111., a, C pre-ant
constituted, did not represent the property, the population,
or the intelligence of this country ; and second, because it
did not so re present these, vital errors and abuse
had crept into every department of the 'tee, with
would never be extirpated without a brood and camereheesive
extension of the franchise, and something like an equalise-
lion of the population and representation. Thee, wi re old
doctrines. In 1797 the wings demanded such au exteniion
of the franchise as nearly amounted to what was i ow asked
for—household suffrage, triennial parliaments, and a more
equal apportior.ment of members to population. We had
gone hack since. In 1792 a minority of 92 voted fur them
reforms; now, something like 80 or 82 voted for them. The
revenue of that day was 36 millions: now it was 60.
(.' Shame.") In the observation of a political write- of some
weight, that " the sting of taxation is wastefulni ne," they
had the key to most of that discontent now prevailing among
the middle-class a of the country, and which w prevail
among the productive-el of the country, if only et ey knew
the real state of the case. Unfortunately, the burthen till upon
tilt latter, in the shape of indirect taxation. Whin the
middle classes were finding fault with an income-! x of 7d.
in the pound, the poor man was paying 8.,r lOor 12 eulliags
in the same, for many of the es, siazies and some of the
luxuries of life. They would willingly maintain the dignity
of the crown and government, but they grumbled to find
millions squandered on profitless armaments, en atubensdon
and employers, &e. He found fault, not with the men, but
the ej stem. (Hier ) Having these men to keep, ti i y were
sent out to the eeloties as governors, bids ipso Sc., and
what was the result ? Why they brought the coloni a into
insubordination, by taxing them more then they could
bear, and yet they made this country pay fouror five millions
more to sustain them. But they had more to ionu'ain of.
They we-re feeding a host of idlers in high place', with tithe
he lonaing to the old feudal system—masters (11 the horse,
Waiters of the buckhounds—(laughter)—Brooms of the stole,
wo idireng.ra, rold st,cks—(great laughter)—silver sticks,
trend falconers, and the Ike. Such idle offices as these it
was that made financial reformer,. (Applause.) They whiled
to see every office in the state filled, not by idle re, but by
men of business. They wished to see • guffaw nt uncen-
trolled by the oligarchy—one that would have the
moral courage to stand between the pi nple and
their oppressors. (Lend cheers.) They deoired also
to see the state funds applied to purely state purpoa s.
They desired further to see the trade, commerce, tied menu-
futures of the country improved. They bell' veal thot these
things were not to be attained hut by a broad extension of
the suffrage. Long experience had proved that e. ry miler
system was inefficient. A better illustration of this could
not be liven than what took place last session of moll meat.
Mr. Cobden's proposal to reduce the expenditure by ten
millions was negatived by 275 to 78 Mr. Hume's oroPtli'
tien to improve the representation was rejected by
268 to 82. That for the ballot was rejected by
136 to 8.5 ; that for the charter by 224 to 16;
and Mr. Osborne's motion respecting the Irish church—
(cheers) —by 170 to 103. DM they, then, looking at those
facts, suppose they would get financial reform by any roller
means than a wide extension of the suffrage ? (" No.")
Let them not be led away by being told that certain mem-
bers had not atterded divisions during last session so often
as they ought. He asked them to lock, instead, at the
questions upon which they did vote, and then to look how
their opponents voted upon them, Sir Joshua then pro-
ceeded to show, by figures, how the voices of the large
constituencies are neutralised by those of the smaller,
in the hands of the triton:racy. He contended
that whether they took the property, population, or in•elli-
genee of the country into consideration, none of these Wee
represented by the House of Common. as at present consti-
tuted. He then appealed to the middle and the working
claws to direct their united efforts to the bringing shout of
a better state of things. Surely the people well deserved at
the hands of the middle classes the right to elect their own
representatives. They were taxed tenfold more in propor-
tion to their means than those, and ought therefore to have
a voice in parliament. In conclusion he recommended hoe-
bold land societies, called upon the meeting to give their
personal aid in tarrying out their object by forming en asso-
ciation, and invited them to send representatives to the con-
fences to be held in London in January or February next
to consult as to the course that ought to be adopted in
working out their views. He then sat down amidst hearty
applause.
Mr. JAS. WILLIAMS then stated that the cards of
membership and subscription to the proposed roci ty might
be given to to Mr. 3. Hilts, who, he hoped, would act as
treasurer,. or to Mews. R. Vint and Carr.
Mr. GEO. THOMPSON, M.P., then rose. He was re-
ceived with a hearty welcome, and spoke nearly two hours.
He concluded with a long and glowing peroration ad-
deemed to all chasm interested in the muenster
citing confidence in each other, and renewed efforts
towards reaching their common goal. At the conclusion of
his address the entire audience rose to their fee*, and gave
vent to their enthusiasm by some lusty rounds of applause.
The CHAIRMAN then put the motion, which was carried
by • show of hands.
Mr. Councillor Tnomraow moved that MOMS. Joshua
Wilson, B. C. Robson, John Hills, Wm. Mendel, Wm.
Tbackeray, and las. Bills be a committee, with power to
add to them number, for tie purpose of taking such mea-
sures as they may deem requiem, to carry out the objects of
this meeting.
Seconded by Mr. Taos. Roison, end agreed to.
Mr. Councillor MOILDST moved a vote of thanks to Sir
J. Walnisley, Mr. O. Thompson, and the Council of the
Na•innal Reform A...onetime.

Seconded by Mr. JOIN HILLS, end mused to.
Sir JoewvA and Mr. THOMPSON arkitowb dr:4 the com-
pliment, and the latter sees d the opportunity to papa a
eulcutinsa on Mr. Wilkinson, who had twice offered himself
to the borough as its representative, and recommended him
to the ;holm of the eleemrs whenever a recency should
occur. The hint was acospted with much oppl .use.
Mr. THOMPSON, M.P., seconded b► Sir JOIIIII7A, pro-
posed a vote of thanks to Mr. Wilson for his conduct in the
chair, and rid a tribate of praise to his opening address.
Agreed to with three cheese.
Ms meeting broke up at near 11 o'clock.

The Solicitor-General for Ireland had an interview
yesterday vith Lord J Russell —Mr. Under sheriff
Wirt., Sir E. Cust, and Sir George Hayter, had also inter-
views yesterday with the noble lord.

To PROPOSED RIMBITION OF THE ARTS
♦ND INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS.

yoterda J. y a public meeting, oomvamad by the
araralerMaort. was bell the Tema- ,
Milliese,maet tb°4Booo riesivialt Hwy al. sad
Bsett the depilation ted to
▪ priseiped tows. of klageloss sod ea=illtiaa i .
a kip 'Loyal Blew= Prises Albert reepesdag tbe ;
read opoilloa of the arse and meaufsetures of
&81:84,0. le be in Loudon is 1161. There wee a large ,
k attesdance.
TM MAYOR is latrodadag the depatatiee, said be felt
—.Yost that Liverprall woad met be weather as the area- ;
sea teat the woad respond It tke most cordial
It', be saylkoat speraele midrib he telt sesurod that
„loam amid •
rip. COLE Inet addressed the nesting. After advertieg
re 'mildest of the proposed t :bit/Ilion, he explained
drink is reference to it (the remarks, of mane,
iseleMeitar tx them made la etker tows% cad amply
tais paper), and ref. reed to the putt Irma which
rtgimpue of hie Royal Highness bad universally met
widy tit tt the exhibition should sot be igenlasid to
se productions of this country, but be opts
..gus world. He thought that the gadem. a 'truest,
;yaws who teefficked is all parts of tke ;lobe, maid
ova to the propriety of that sentiment. Mr. Coin COS-
iisda with retnarkiag : 3,000 years ego, a Ellin state in
sopa established certain games, which booms
opus, celebrated, and marked in the woild's history,
*puss actually became dated from them. The little state
sirs established pass is the Pei grottoes, for the
reps in test state of daveleping the greatest p >sable ea-
u"' a physical streeg:h high and low rich and poor, all
seesbl.d at Miss game, to &bow what tic y could do. Times
pole (laid the eralter) took place, as we propose that oar
sedation shall, every five yeses; but instead of look*
goggle to tumble each other is to the ground, and *bow bow
,Irons they are, we wish to found an sibibition to display
as nasterlieces of iotellectual industry; and I may ix•
gals a b.:pe that amongst the victors about to be crowned
with laurels at this ellubitlea we shall find • eonsiderable
gusher of the gentlemen of Liverpool.
Yr. J. SCOTT RUSSELL told effectively the hearty
auperatio• premised by Germany and the whole con-
tinent.
Kr. FULLER (seethed the oesietanee whisk Ireland
&ay to give. the deputatim had bona medially re-
layed then; the exhibition was looked upon with
paim favour, as the impretsion appeared everywhere to
;awl that England did sot know what Ireland coal I
prelate. As regarded wheat, oatt, II ix, and roots, he b
see nothing in this country superior to tiros, prodoetioem
Tipperary, Munster, Tyra'', Antrim, Monaghan
Csausught would tub send specimens of cos), soiling:its
Ens the south, bituminous from the north. From Valencia
*ea would be elate, than which he had seen nothing better,
,d also varieties of granite. Toe exhibition of msnufac-
wee would be varied and extensive, the display of minerals
nek
EL cites. TURNER, in proposinthe Hest reeolatioe,
end that no one meld . oeibt that the exhibitloo would be a
WM nate. a, leg and vs. ibis at, tad of especial Mutest to
Liverpool. HID felt that he Iva speaking the eAstiments of
his bather aurelmate when he said that they would be di.•
iiabrat to farther the prejtet of his Royal Highness Prince
Albert by tray menu IA their power. (Applause.) He
mired :
Dot this meeting viers with great satisfaction the into-
pest which Prise. Albert takes is promotine tie arts sad
measketures of this tots ut, and express. its opinion ant-
giaouily that the proposed • xhibitioa mil be a Rational
boat, sad en ilv.ht of great importance to the • ivano,
Moat el the pass and prosperity of Europe."
Mr. GURUS briefly seeoaded the motion, which was
earned by arelamivion.
Kr. E. CROFI'ER moved the next resolution :
" Tam the twitting Ponders the national sanction to the
proposed eabibitio• to bi necessary, too, curs the cog flifienos
et Preto countries, sad it is de•frahle that government
*add appoint a royal commisii4n to mutilate the distribu•
yea of the prime, bat that it 'halloo! find the tends or inter-
fere with the zeouti,in of the pr.. peal."
Mr. 8. HOLM E, is a few eloquent remark', ppopad44 the
Reim, promisusg Ins so-operation of the tradssinen clad.
A :oral a waives as nonsloated, and the enacting, which
mated sonsidarable iatemet, soon afterwards broke up.