The Express.
London, England, 1867-04-23 00:00:00

REFORM DEMONSTRATION IN

BIRMINGHAM.

BIRMINGHAM, MONDAY EVENING.

Another great reform demonstration has taken
place here to-day. As in August last, it was pro-
moted by the Reform League, with the counte-
nance and co-operation of the Liberal Association.
Every branch and every trade had its own brilliant
banner and appropriate motto, so that the processions,
as they moved in long lines through the streets, pre-
sented a brilliant appearance, and when united in a solid
mass stretched away as far as the eye could reach. In
other respects the effect was made exciting by
the various bands of music att►ched to each divi-
sion. The glassblowers made the best of the thew
amongst the trades, they exhibited a complete dessert
service, and many other specimens of that class of
manufacture.

As the procession moved along it was greeted
with cheers by the spectators who lined the way.
The first division of this procession arrived at
,lirookfield at half-past one o'clock; but it waa three-
quarters of an hour later before all had reached the
ground, and then as seen from an embankment overlook-
ing the valley it was undoubtedly • rut assembly. We
do not pretend to any special accuracy of estimate in saying
that there might be, as a maximum, 60,000 people on the
ground ; but it is also fair to state that some people
gauged the number at 100,000, and even beyond that.
Arrived at this spot the people took up their position
in front of the eight waggons from which the assigned
speakers were to address them ; and as many listened
and heard, and cheered, as could be expected under such
trying circumstances. The following resolutions were
carried by acclamation :
Ist. "That this meeting, reviewing the progress of
events, is more than ever convinced that the only true and
permanent basis for just and equal representation of the
people is registered residential manhood suffrage, protected
by the ballot." 2nd. " That this meeting believes that
the (so-called) Reform Bill of the present government
would but Intensify and increase the evils of dam legisla-
tion, and that its checks and recta-lotions are an injustice
and an insult to the people ; and this meeting, therefore,
protests against the bill becoming law, unless those
chocks and restrictions are removed." 3rd. " That
while this meeting desires to maintain peace,
law, and order in this country, it believes that the
continued obstructions to reform, and the treachery of the
House of Commons in reference to that great constitu-
tional question, will tend to exasperate a loyal and indus-
trious people, and, if persevered in, may ultimately lead
to anarchy and revolution. This meeting further resolves
that this and the foregoing resolutions be forwarded to
her Majesty's government." 4th. " That this meeting,
whilst regretting the reported resignation of Mr. Glad-
stone of the leadership of the reform party, more deeply
deplores the defection at the last moment of so large a
portion of the liberal members, that in his opinion ten.
dered necessary the course be has adopted ; and this meet-
ing hereby calls upon every liberal member of the house to''
give Mr. Gladstone such an assurance of future support as
will enable him to re-assume the position he has so ably
and faithfully held, and which it is most important he
should keep in order to secure without protracted agita-
tion a satisfactory measure of reform."
The proceedings at Brookfield' were brought to a close
before four o'clock, and the people dispersed very quietly ;
nothing even of the semblance of disorder prevailed
throughout. The police were in attendance to direct
order; beyond that they had nothing whatever to do.
Mr. Bright did not accompany the procesaion.

In the evening a meeting was held in the Town-
hall, which was densely crowded in every part ; the
Mayor, Mr. G. Dries, presided, and was supported by the
members for the borough, Mr. Scholefield and Mr. Bright,
Archdeacon Sandford, Professor Rogers, Mr. Beales, M.A.,
Mr. Baldwin, and the representatives of the Provincial
Reform leagues, with the leading liberals of the town and
neighbourhood. Messrs. Bright and Scholefield met with
a most enthusiastic welcome.