The Express.
London, England, 1866-04-02 00:00:00

THE REFORM BILL.

--0--
PRENTON.—On Saturday afternoon an open air
meeting was held in The Orchard, Preston, to consider the
propriety of sapperting the government Reform Bill and
adopting a petition to that effort. Mr. Councillor Sower-
butts occupied the chair. Thee chairman, in opening the
meeting, expremed his •• royal of the biU which had
been introduced by Mr. Gladstone • said that it would
enfranchise • large number of working men; that if it was
not all earnest reformers could wish for, it was at any rate
a practical instalment towards the full measure which, es
the nature and intelligence of the working dames pro-
gressed, must ultimately be granted. Mr. Osbaldeston
moved, " That in the opinion of this meeting of the inha-
bitants of the beroagh of 'Preston the government fran-
chise bill recently Introduced by
gachea the Chancellor of the
uer is a just and wise measure of reform ; that it
will admit to the right of voting • considerable number
el the loyal, industrious, and intelligent working men ;
that this meeting hereby declare that the bill ought to
pus both houses of parliament and become the electoral
law of the country. Should the bill not be pared, this
meeting respectfully urges on government the propriety of
immediately dissolving parliament." Mr. WDowall se-
conded the motion, which was supported by Mr. Heywood,
and canted. A petition, inted for presentation to the
House of Commons, and embodying the sentiments of the
resolution, was adopted.
DZWBBURY END Reurnf.—Large and enthn-
elastic meetings were held at Dewsbury and Batley, in
Yorkshire, on Saturday, for the purpose of ascertain-
ing the opinions of the inhabitants as to the reform
measure now before parliament. There was a general
feeeling in favour of the government scheme, and although
the wish runs uppermost that a rediaribution of seats
will soon take plaoe and that Dewsbury will by such a
change be enfranchised, it was thought that the course
marked out by government was, perhaps, the most expe-
dient under all the circumstances. Mr. R. H. Rills, mayor,
presided at the meeting in Dewsbury, which was
convened at the request of 400 influential burgesses.
Mr. John Mitchell moved, " That her Majesty's
ment are entitled to the thanks of this meeting for the
honourable manner in which they have brought forward
their measure of parliamentary reform, and asked the ex-
istence of the ministry apoh its success." Mr. William
Moore, a working man, seconded the motion. The resolu-
tion was carried acclamation, and a petition approving
of the objects of bill was unanimously adopted The
principal resolutions passed at Batley expressed a hope that
the government would resist all attempts to alter any of
the present clauses which would render them less compre-
bensrve and liberal than they are at present. Other meet-
ings are about to be held for the support of the bill, in
various portions of this populous district.
Lean.—A large mass meeting of working men
was held in Vicar's Croft, Leeds, on Friday afternoon, to
consider the government Reform Alderman Tatham
in the chair. The first resolution declared that the go-
vernment (bill was an honest measure, and though re-
gretting that it was not calculated to give such a share of
political power to the working classes as was anticipated,
it was one that met with the approval of the meeting.
The second resolution urged the worms men throughout
the country to petition in favour of the bill ; and it also
called upon the middle classes to redeem the pledge they
made to the working claws in 1832, and *mist the latter
to obtain their political enfranchisement. Both resolu-
tions were unanimously adopted, after excellent speeches
from Alderman Carter, Councillor Linsley, Councillor
Gaunt, and other persons. A petition to parliament, em-
bodying the above resolutions, was also adopted.
SOUTH Sarum —The mayor, in compliance with
a numerously signed requisition, has appointed. Wednesday
night for the holding of a reform meeting an South Shields.
Kr. Ingham, M.P., is expected to be present
DukRAK.—A requisition to the Mayor is in
course of signature requesting his worship to call a meeting
at an early day, to petition parliament in favour of the bill
now before the House of Commons for the amendment of
the representation of the people. The requisition, there is
every reason to believe, will be influentially and numerously
signed. The meeting, in all probability, will be held on
Friday evening next. —Diatom Chronicle.
Sr. IVZB' CoRNWELL.—A largely attended meet-
ing has been held at St. Ives—s prelude to other meetings
to be held shortly at Plymouth and elsewhere--at which
resolutions were passed unanimously approving of the
new Reform Bill as the best, probably, that could be car-
ried through the house, and much better than the alterna-
tive—none at all. There was a peculiar. appropriateness
in such a voice being raised at Bt. Ives, inasmuch as from
special local circumstances which we have often ems,
ttated upon, the name of the town is identified with a
conservative M.P., whereas three-fourths of the electors,
and nine-tenths of the non-electors of the town, are heart
and soul thorough liberals.— Western Mornisse Neon
DBNTOR.—A numerously attended meeting in
favour of the government measure of reform was held on
Thursday evening, in the Hope Chapel School-room, under
the auspices of the Denton and Haughton branch of the
National Reform Union. Mr. Mark Taylor presided. A
resolution in support of the government bill was moved by
Mr. Wm. Hopwood, president of the Denton and Haughton
branch, seconded by Mr. Thome Irwin, supported by Mr.
Mark Prioe, who attended as a deputation from Man-
chester, and passed. A petition to the House of Commons
was adopted, signed by the chairman, and forwarded to Mr.
Gladstone for presentation to the House of Commons.
NEWPORT, MONMOUTHSHIRE.— The liberals of
this boroughare morannited in favour of the Government Re-
form Bill, and • requisition from the merchants, shipowners,
traders, artisans, and others, is about to be presented to
the mayor, requesting him to all a public meeting, and
that he be pleased to invite the attendance of Mr. Craw-
shay Bsilej, M.P. The requisition has already received a
large number of signatures, and it is purposed to hold the
meeting on Monday, the 9th inst.
WORCIESTER.—On Saturday the mayor of thin
city, Mr. T. Southall, issued a notice, stating that, in com-
pliance with a requisition presented to him, calling upon
Lim to convene a common hall to discuss the provolone of
the government measure of reform, he will hold a meeting
for that purpose an Friday evening next, at 8 o'clock. The
two city members are expected to attend. A petition to
Laparliament is in course of signature, pitying the House of
rniiiiin:ns not to peas the measure until the whole govern-
ment abeam of reform is before the country.
harneforun. —A numerously signed requisi-
tion has been presented to Mr. Durrent, the mayor of the
town, to convene a public meeting of the inhabitants on
the subject of the Reform Bill, and his worship has
accordingly called • meeting for the purpose, which will
be held at the Town-hall on Wednesday evening.
NlWBURV.—Arrangements are being made in
this borough to hold a public meeting in support of the
Reform BILL
READINO.—Sir Francis Goldamid and Mr. Geo.
Shaw Lefevre, the members for this borough, have signified
their willingness to attend a public meeting, which will be
held at the Town-hall shortly in favour of the Reform
Bill. A petition to parliament in favour of the measure
will be submitted for adoption at this gathering of the

liberal part - _ _
BURNLE Y.—The Local Reform Association have
already adopted a petition to the House of Commons in
favour of the government bilL On Thursday last a requi-
sition to the mayor, signed by 1,551 of the inhabitants,
asking his worship to call a town meeting, was presented,
and he hu arranged the meeting for tomorrow.

PADIRAM.—The reformers of this rapidly im-
proving town have already held a publics meeting, when
resolutions were passed in favour of the ballot, the right of
all persons who pay taxes being placed in possession of the
franchise, and an equitable re-distribution of seats accord-
ing to population and taxation. They have now called a
second meeting, which will be held on Wednesday next,
at which resolutions will be submitted in favour of the
government bill.
MARSDEN NEAR BURNLEY.—A large and influen-
tial meeting in the open air was held on the 31st ult. in
support of the reform bill of her Majesty's government.

SCOTLAND.
GLASGOW.

On Friday a reform conference, convened under
the auspices of the Glasgow Reform Union, was held in the
Religious Institution Rooms, Gnolvcr.; There were re-
sent delegates from the following :—Kelso, Selkirk,
Dumbarton, Aberdeen, Gree , Lanark, Johnston,,
Hamilton, Risley, Pollokshaws, Blantyre, Dundee, Blair-
gowrie, Haddington, Stewarton, Renfrew, Wilbarchan,
Girvan, Darrel, Oriel% Vale of Leven, Cove, Port Ghia-
gow, and Glasgow. Baas Hay, of Dundee, was called on
tolpreeide. Councillor Burt, Glasgow, moved—" That this
meeting, composed of delegates from the various
towns and districts of Scotland, while regarding the
Franchise Bill now before the House of Commons as falling
ahort of the just claims of the people, yet aocept it ea an
honestly intended measure of reform." The resolution
was seconded by Mr. Saunders, Illeirpwrie, sad carried by
acclamation. Councillor Denniston, Caemock, next moved
—" That this conference, believing the motion of Lord
Grosvenor to be insincere, resolve to use their best endea-
vours by petitions, public meetings, and otherwise, in their
respective localities, to secure the adoption by parlia-
ment of the government Franchise Bill." This
was seconded by Mr. James Moir, Glasgow ; and
agreed to. It was further resolved on the motion of Mr.
Bennett, Dumbarton, seconded by Mr. M. Caen, GUl-
gow—" That the delegates present pledge thanselves to
eommunicate with their respective rspresentatime, urging
them to support the government in carrying the Franchise
Bill through parliament, and call on them to resist any
proposal to limit the mops of the bill, and to exert all
their influence to induce the House of Commons to put
the most liberal interpretation on all its alauses."
The meeting afterwards adopted a memorial to
Bail Russell and Mr. Gladstone expressing satis-
faction at the introduction of the Franchise Bill;
end with reference to future measures, submitting —" L
That inasmuch m the dwellings of the people of Scotland
are generally less in dimensions, and coawkiesetly lower
in rental than those of the people of Ragland the bill at
pelmet before the House of Commons would not omfer
the elective franehise cu the same number et persona
eosaperatively in Scotland as it world do in Rnglead. 2.
That, memared by the increase of population in Scotland,
and the revenue men* to the set towel limitequer, the
Iceboat number of Neil in Scotland ea empanel
auk other parts el the United Magda= is sot •

LE'

just and fair proportion." There wsealeoadoptedit
petition to the lioustpl Compton' craving that the re-
form tabled by the government may be passed inso a
law without delay. In the course of the proceedings
several other delegates besides those mentioned addressed
the meeting, all agreeing in expresting it as the feeling of
their constituents that reformers should unite in support-
ing the ministerial bill. Mr. H. E. C. Ewing, ,P.
offered a few remarks to the effect that, though the bill
did not go so far as he and others could wish, they should
unite in its support.

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STIRLING.
On Friday night a meeting was held in the Union
Hall, Stirling, for the purpose of petitioning in favour of
the Reform Bill lately introduced by the government.
Bailie Rankin occupied the chair, and among tliose='
t
were Bailie Yellowlees, Rev. Mr. Ross, Rev. Mr.
ex-Bailie Steel, Councillor Christie, Mr. Thinner! Muir, Ito.
The Chairman explained the object of the meeting, and read
the following letter from Mr. Oliphant, M.P. for the Stirling
district of burghs :—" I am happy to hear that a meeting
is about to be held at Stirling for the purpose of supporting
the measure of the government in favour of parliamentary
reform. Although it is doubtless to be regretted that the
time at the disposal of the givernment will not permit of
the Scotch and Irish Acts, sffld the bill for the redistribu-
tion of seats, being introduced this amnion, the govern-
ment, in my opinion, deserves the support of every sincere
liberal, as, by promising to lay those bills upon the
table of the house immediately after the passing of
the second reeding of the English Franchise Act,
it has given evidence of a sincere desire to enter
honestly upon the whole question of parliamentary
reform, and has established a claim upon the great
liberal party of the country which cannot possibly be
ignored. I trust, therefore, that the result of your meet-
ing will be to strengthen the hands of the government at
this critical juncture, so that whatever may happen here-
after, the electors of Stirling, at all events, shall have no
cause to reproach themselves with having neglected their
I duties as conscientious reformers." A letter was also read
from the Rev. Dr. Beith, of the North Free church, Stir-
in which he said—" I heartily rejoice that a movement
is to be made in Stirling in support of the new Reform
Bill. I sincerely wish the promoters of the movement
success." The following resolutions were moved and alp-
ported :—Mr. Thomas Muir moved as follows :—" This
meeting is of opinion that the government bill—reducing
the county franchise in England to 141. • in boroughs to
Tl ; and containing saving, bank, lodgers: and ratepaying
dames—is a moderate and equitable measure of reform ;
and that a petition, approving of the bill, and praying that
its provisions be extended to Scotland, be signed by the
electors and non-electors of the burgh, and presented to
parliament" Bailie Yellowtails seconded the motion ;
and the Rev. Mr. Ross supported it in a speech of some
length. Rev. Mr. Culross moved—" That, as her Ma-
jesty's government have given a distinct pledge that a
measure for the redistribution of seats will be introduced
as soon as possible, the member for the burgh be asked to
support the Franchise Bill at every stage through parlia-
ment." Councillor Christie seconded, and Mr. Scott sup-
ported, the motion. Treasurer Ferguson moved—" That
a liberal oommitee be appointed to draw up the petition ;
to watch over the progress of the bill ; and should it
become advisable to elicit a further expression of public
opinion in its favour to call another meeting of the
electors " Mr. Thomas Leslie seconded the motion ; and
• committee was appointed. The resolutions were unani-
mously carried. . -