The Express.
London, England, 1849-08-21 00:00:00

MEETING AT SYDIINHAM.

Yesterday evening a preliminary minting, for the
the purpose of forming a branch society of the National
Msoriation in the parish of Lewisham, was held at the
Beehive Tavern, Sydertham. The Rev. Wu. LINWOOD in
the chair.
The CHAIRMAN, in the enure of his remarks, said—
Wes it right in a time of profound peace, that our naval and
military establishments should be kept up on a war basis?
Was it not better to trust to the safeguard of national content-
ment, union and prosperity, than to the bravest of remiss ?
Were not the people sufficiently enlightened to make law
which they were compelled to obey, and punished for dis-
obeying ? They might not be polished, but still they were
enlightened. (Cheers.) There were men at our univenitles
full of classic lore, of ancient poetry, and heathen mytho-
logy. They *perhaps would be thought fit to vote; but
what, after all, was the use of all knowledge
of antiquity In comparison with a thorough com-
prehension of the springs of human action, and
of the wants and requirements of the present
age, as exhibited around them ? (Cheers.) Tile working
classes, then were in a condition which justified a de-
sire for cluing*. The chairman then entered into an
explanation of the principles and projects of the London
a'sociation, end exhorted all classes of reformers to lend it
their aid, u those who went beyond it would still find it
wise to go as far es possible with it, remembering that while
the, lost nnthinz in principle they gained much in practice.
Mr. ELLIOTT moved the following resolution :
" That it is desirable that the members of the National
Reform Association resident in Sydenhem form themselves
into a local association for the purr,* of extending the in-
fluence sod promoting the objects of the council ; that the
association meet weekly, v;z., every Monday evening at the
Beehive Tavern, Sydsnham, to enrol members, hear lac
IIITCS, and generally advance the C. 4260 of parliamentary and
financial reform."
The reselutinn was carried unanimously; after tab:hill
was moved by Mr. Was; and seconded by Mr. Siang :
" That the following gentlemen act as the sammittins M
carry out these objects—viz., Mr. West (chairman), Messrs.
Elliott, Smith, Butes, Wright, Adams, and Brows."
A short discussion followed, after which the thanks of
the meeting were voted to the chairman. who briefly replied.
The meeting separated about ten oclock.

BERKS.—We have bzen requested to give publicity
to the following correspondenea:—
Wokiegbam, June 13.
See,—l have been instructed by the members of the com-
mittee which usually superintends the popular petitions sent
:ram th:s place to parliament, to express their thanks for
your persevering eff.,rts to keep the attention of the House
of Commons directed to the demands the whole country is
making for parliamentary reform. Sines the mass of pea-
tiqns presented last year bad no effect, and Lord John
Russell thinks he can afford to encourage the House of
Commons to set public opinion at defiance, the committee
have not thought it desirable to petition the house any fur-
ther in support of that measure, hut have determined to
take those steps which must eventually be effective. They
will, therefore. avail themselves of the 40e. freehold, and
give every possible support to that movement ; and by that
means take what they have first respectfully asked, but what
the Hover of Commcns have so ungraciously denied them.
The committee, therefore, beg to hope you will net cease re-
newing your motim till it become the law of the land,
&goring you the country will give you their determined

svl
remain, Sir, your obedient servant (on behalf of the
committee.),
A REFORMER, for Geo. GarratL
To Joseph flume, Esq., M.P.
13ryanstone -square, August 1.
Bir,—l have now to answer your letter of the 13th of
June. lam pleased to learn the spirit of parliamentary re-
form is abroad at Wokinghans, and that the reforms» are
determined to persevere in thoes demands, and to be united
in their efforts to obtain those eights under the constitution,
which, as freemen, they are entitled to.
If the friends of financial and parliamentary ;reform have
attended to the proceedings in parliament in the session this
day closed, they will find overwhelming reasons for a change
in the constitution of the house of Commons : aed 1 trust
that all clams. of reformers will now be convinced of the
neceesLy of union amongst themselves to give them a chance
of suttees in their rightful demands.
Until class legislation be put down, and the mass of the
people represented in their Commons' house of parliament,
there will be little chance of economical and good govern-
ment; and therefore I enclees you a copy of the motion I
have placed on the books of the House of Commons for the
next session—a motion which! shall mate yearly as long as
I have the honour of a seat in that ammildy, with confident
, hope that ere long the electors who new have the suffrage
will exert it to effect those reforms HO my bill would tarry
out if I were stowed to pass It. Bet that will require a
; close union end continued exordia of all reformers to over-
' come the monopoly that now exists In the aristocracy of the
country to rule the I
naßouse et Cummet.
da, yaw eisedhat servant,
JOSEPH alibi&