The Express.
London, England, 1866-04-10 00:00:00

THE GOVERNMENT REFORM BILL.

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NESTING IN SOITHWARIE..
A public meeting of the inhabitants of South-
walk, n support of the government Reform Bill, was held
last evening in the Bridge-house Hotel, London-bridge.
The room was crowded to overflowing, and a large number
of persona were unable to obtain admission. Mr. Layard,
M.P., and Mr. Locke, M.P., the members for the Borough,
occupied seats on the platform. Mr. JOHN VICKERS filled
the chair.
The CHAIRMAN, after some prefatory remarks, said the
present government were willing to do everything in their
power in the way of reform, and he thought that the mea-
sure introduced by Earl Russell would receive the support
to which it was entitled. The energy and heartiness
evinced by Earl Russell in his effort to please the people
called for appreciation, and it was to be hoped the country
would not quibble about any little crotchets in the present
juncture. The measure was an honest one, and that
rooommemdation alone entitled it to acceptance.
Mr. DRINSSR ROOESS proposed the following resolution :
—" That this meeting of the inhabitants of Southwark
is of opinion that the present government are honest in
their desire to forward the cause of reform by the intro-
duction of the present Reform Bill, and although it does
not contain such provisions for the enfranchisement of the
people as the advancement of education and of political
knowledge demands, this meeting deem it their duty to
support the government, and to use their influence for the
passing of the measure." He (Mr. Rogers) was not altogether
satisfied with the present Reform Bill, but he gave it his
hearty support, because it proposed amongst other things
the abolition or the ratepaying clauses.
Mr. M. SHARPS seconded the resolution, and it was

carried amid cheers.
Dr. Josgs proposed that a petition be prepared, and
signed by the chairman on behalf of the meeting, for pre-
sentation to the House of enmi,lolll, and that the members
for the borough be requested to support the bill in its
passing the House of Commons.
The resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Scorn, was

carried with acclimation.
Mr. LOCK', who was very warmly received, then addressed
the meeting. He said the demonstration of that evening,
as well as others equally enthusiastic that had taken place
in the country within the pest fortnight, augured well for
the Wooer of the Reform Bill. (Applause.) His opinion
of the Reform Bill after he had heard the speech of Mr.
Gladstone on the occasion of its introduction into parlia-
ment was, that it was an honest and excellent measure,
and he had not sine discovered any reason for altering
that opinion. With respect to the part of the bill relating
to the rating clauses, the meetingwaa aware that the noxious
character of these clauses had been denounced on former
occasions, but the endeavour made to effect their abolition
had not been attended with success. Earl Russell's Re-
form Bill entirely got rid of the rating clauses, and that
fact alone should ensure its passing. (Cheers.) They
were aware that Mr. Gladstone had fixed the borough
franchise at 71. He (Mr. Locke) was not in a position to
say that 71. was precisely the correct sum, but Mr. Glad-
stone displayed wisdom in naming that sum with a great
prospect of success, and not lowering the franchise to 61.,
when such a measure would be attended with
much risk to the cause of reform. The fran-
chise in the counties had been reduced to 14L,
and arguments were made use of that owing to the large
importations of gold 101. now did not represent anything
like what it did before. Lord Derby's bill in 1869 reduced
the franchise to 101. in counties, but it fell through, as it
included no provision for the boroughs. By the present
bill it was immaterial whether the compound householder
was rated or not—it was sufficient for hum to know that he
was the tenant. Then they came to the lodger franchise.
(A voice: "It is too high.") Well, the sum might be
reduced in committee, and he would be most
happy to support the measure. (Cheers.) The
Reform Bill extended the franchise to 400,000
persons, and when that wan the case he would
adrift them to take, as they say in the classics " The
goods the gods provide." (Cheers.) Mr. Gladstone had
pledged himself that upon the passing of the Reform Bill
he would introduce a measure for the redistri-
bution of sesta, and he (Mr. Locke) looked upon that as a
necessary adjunct to the other. (Cheers.) On the whole,
the present Reform Bill was worthy their support, and
he bad no doubt that it would successfully pass through
the House of Commons. (Loud cheers, amidst which
the hon. gentleman sat down.)
A WORKING MAN, from the body of the hall, asked Mr.
Locke if he approved of that portion of the measure for
disfranchising the dockyard employes 1
Mr. LOCKE replied that he was indisposed to support
that part of the bill.
Mr. LAYARD then rose, and was received with loud
cheers. He said he was delighted that so large and in-
fluential a meeting should take place in Southwark in sup-
port of the government Reform Bill. He was anxious
that such a meeting should take place, but being a mem-
ber of the government he hesitated to offer any sugges-
tions in the matter. His hon. colleague had dealt with
the Reform Bill so lucidly that it was unnecessary for
him to go into any lengthened detail respecting its merits.
Mr. Gladstone had pointed out to the House of Commons,
as well as in his great speech in the country, that the go-
vernment were under obligations to the people in respect
to the introduction of a measure of reform, and he thought
the fact of there having been no clamour, no great public
meetings threatening the government, no such demon-
strations as occurred thirty-four years ago, proved that
the people were ready to have a large measure of reform,
and that the government, if they refused it, would be
wanting in its duty to the country, by endangering the
well-being of the state and that happy union of classes
which now existed. The government bill was really an
honest measure. (Cheers.) The meeting knew that he
(Mr. Layard) had always been a thorough reformer ; and
when he received office from Lord Palmerston, it was upon
the understanding that there should be no modification
in he opinions respecting reform. It had been long felt
that a reform measure was necessary ; and such men
as Cobden, Bright, Milner Gibson, and Charles
Villiers were anxious for such a measure ; but
they agreed that while Lord Palmerston lived
no Refonu Bill could be carried. The consequence was
that the question of reform was put aside. Lord Palmer-
ston, 4lied and Earl Russell was his natural successor,
because ho represented refortn—{loud cheers)—and the
first measure he had brought forward before parliament
was the present Reform Bill. (Renewed cheering.) Earl
Russell would have been a recreant to the principles which
he professed during a long and glorious career if he had
not, on the first meeting of parliament, produced a Reform
Bill. However, if he had not been thoroughly honest in
his intentions he might have foisted on the house a sham
measure which would have been sure to meet with rejection,
and he might then have turned round and said to the
country that he had kept his promise in introducing the
bill, but that the House of Commons did not support it.
(Hear, hear.) But Earl Russell was too honest for such
an act. His whole career was for the advancement of the
people, and for the accordance to them of their just rights;
and he war not the man to resort to shams as a suffi-
cient excuse fur him to shelve the question altogether.
(Hear, hear.) It was urged that the reduction of
the franchise and the redistribution of seats should
be comprised in one measure, but he thought it
would be impossible to pass any such bill this ses-
sion. On the other hand, if they had introduced the'r re-
distribution measure first, the opposition would have
turned round, and said, You bring in the cart, but you
leave out the horse." (Laughter.) The present mode of
treating the reform question was the most logical one ; but
it would be unworthy of the support of the country unless
it was supplemented by a measure for the redistribution of
seats. kle had been lately reading the reports of some of
the speeches delivered on the question of reform in former
times, and a man whom the majority of them knew by
repute—he meant Orator Hunt—said in one of his
speeches, " Calne-Aloud laughter)—is one of the most de-
graded and rotten boroughs"—(renewed laughter)—and he
went on to say, "I wonder by what chance the ministers
have overlooked that rotten and stinking hole of corrup-
tion." (Cheers and laughter.) The right hon. member for
the borough thus described told them that the working
people of this country were not worthy of the franchise.
(Hisses.) Mr. Lowe was a man of great power, and one of
the moat accomplished men of this country. In his speech
in the House of Commons Mr. Lowe was cheered to the
echo by the conservatives, with the exception of three or
four who were wise enough to see that the proceeding
strengthened the liber.d cause, Inasmuch as it showed the
insincerity of their former efforts at reform legislation.
(Haar, heal ) Any watchful observer in the House of
Commons could have seen Mr. Disraeli, and three or
four others of his party, knitting their brows, and no doubt
inwardly cursing the day that Lowe was born. (Laughter,
and cheers.) The insults cast upon the working classes on
that occasion by Mr. Lowe were indignantly repelled by
Mr. Gladstone, with the insinuation that they might go to
the working man for a lesson in courtesy. (Three cheers
were asked for Mr. Gladstone, and heartily given. Cheers
were also given for Mr. Bright.) He (Mr. Layard) was
deep in the conviction that if the bill passed it would be
the inauguration of a new era for the people of this
country. The hon. gentleman concluded by expressing his
belief in the ultimate success of the measure.
A vote of thanks was proposed to Mr. Layard and Mr.
Locke, and carried with enthusiasm, fur their attendance,
and for the full and candid statement of their views.
The meeting separated after awarding the usual compli-
ment to the chairman.

absenee of the mayor, Hr. H. W. Sadler was called in the
chair, and stated that he had resided in the borough for
more than thirty years ;" but, although he occupied.
a. large hews, and hail done so for upwards of ten
years, he had never yet had the pleasure of recording his
vote, in consequence of being an undertenant—therefore
only a lodger. He was strongly in favour of the govern-
ment measure, and trusted it might have a quick and safe
=through both houses of parliament. He then read
lowing letter from Mr. John Bright, who had
been requested by a working man to attend the
meeting :—" Rochdale, April 3, 1886. —Dear Sir,—
I cannot be present at your meeting, but the
subject for your consideration is so interesting that
you cannot fail to have a good meeting. You should
agree to a short petition in favour of the bill, and get it
signed by as manyof your inhabitants as possible, and send
it up to one of your members for presentation to the House
of Commons. There is good reason to believe that the bill
will pass its second reading, and I hope it may become law
without any injury to its provisions as it makes its way
through the two houses of parliament. Thanking you
for your friendly note, I am, respectfully yours, JOHN
BRIGHT. Mr. S. Baraclough."

,Ing _stay
public meeting, called in compliance with a requisition
signed by a number of the inhabitants of the burgh by Pro-
vost Williamson, to consider the ministerial bill now before
parliament, was held in the Town-hall, which was crowded
to excess on the occasion. The Provost ded, and re-
solutions approving of the bill, ex confidence in
the fulfilment of the promises e by t e government
as to future reforms, and agreeing to forward to Mr.
Evart, M.P., for presentation, a petition founded on the
sentiments of the meeting, were proposed, seconded, and
enthusiastically adopted.

Pans.—oil Friday evening a meeting of the in-
habitants of Perth, called by the Lord Provost in terms of
a requisition presented to him to " consider, and, if so re-
solved, petition in favour of the Reform Bill now before
parliament," was held in the City Hall. There was a very
large attendance,the hall being filled to its utmost capacity.
There was a large muster on the platform of gentlemen be-
longing to the city. On the motion of en-Dean of Guild
Richardson, the Lord Provost was called to the chair.
After a few preliminary remarks from the chairman, ex-
Bailie Pullar moved the first resolution :—" That this
meeting, considering the government Reform Bill to be
an honest effort towards settling the question, pledges
itself to use its beat endeavours to support the ministry
in carrying it through parliament." Mr. John M'Neill,
plumber, seconded the resolution, which was carried
with the greatest enthusiasm. Mr. Alex. Gregg moved the
second resolution, which was, " That this meeting ap-
proves of the intention of her Majesty's government to fol-
low up the suffrage bill with a measure for the redistribu•
tion of seats." The resolution being seconded by Mr.
John Sprout, and supported by Mr. A. M'Ewan, was
carried unanimously. On the motion of the Rev. Mr.
Adamson, seconded by Mr. J. M. Honey, solicitor, it was
agreed " That a petition to this effect be signed by thechairman in name of the meeting, and transmitted to the
burgh member for presentation."
KIRKCALDY.—A large and influential meeting of
the inhabitants of Kirkcaldy and neighbourhood was held
in the Corn Exchange on Friday night ; Provost Swan in
the chair. The Provost stated that he had called the
meeting in accordance with a numerously subscribed re-
quisition which had been presented to him, show-
ing the great interest the inhabitants generally
were taking in this important matter. He was
quite friendly to this measure of reform, and had
the greatest confidence in the present government,
and he firmly believed that such men as Earl Russell and
Mr. Gladstone would do the very best for the country.
Mr. Robert Harriet, merchant, moved, " That this bill
brought in by government to extend the franchise in Eng-
land and Wales is a substantial and honest measure of
reform, and worthy the support of all true reformers."
The resolution was seconded by Mr. Daniel Thompson,
and carried by acclamation. Mr. David Stenhouse, dyer,
Abbotshall, proposed the second resolution in the fol-
lowing terms : • That this meeting agrees to pe-
tition both houses of parliament in favour of this
bill, and to memorialise the government to in-
troduce an equally liberal measure for Scotland ; the
petition to be signed by the Provost in name of the meet-
, mg." Mr. James Wishart, Linktown, seconded the resolu-
tion, which was also carried ; and it was resolved that a
copy of the resolution be put into the hands of the member
for the burghs, with a request that he give his support to
the bill in the Howe of Commons.

GALASHIELS. —A petition to the House of Com-
mons in favour of the government Reform Bill, and to be
presented by Sir William Scott, M.P. for Roxburghshire,
is at present being got up in Gsdashiels. It is headed by
the chief mwisMate, and bas been signed by the inhabi-
tante generally.

*porting Intelltiontr.

TATTERSALL'S. -MONDAY.

Certain movements this morning in connection with two of the
Woodyeates representatives for the City and Suburban caused
no small amount of disquietude among the early backers of one
of them—Out and Outer—when they saw hlindrifting helplessly
to the outside price of 25 to 1, while 20 to 1 was accepted about
his stable companion, Effervescence. This little pop-gun demon-
stration took place to the City, but during the afternoon, at the
Victoria, (het and Outer bad recovered a deal of his lost ground,
and at Albert Gate was almost re-instated into favour, 10 to 1
having been once accepted, although those odds were
obtainable throughout. Delight, however, maintains his po-
sition and prestige In a manner that is perfectly astound-
Mg, and if the clever division who have taken him In
hand, and have nailed their colours to the mast on the faith of
the " Newmarket trial," should be bowled out next Thursday,
they consider that there Is an end of all handicapping, and that
they may as well fling the " trial" to the winds, as worse than
useless. Anything over 2to 1 was taken about this flyer to-day,
his many adherents feeling quite confident as to the issue.
Vandervelde was iu great request, and was supported at lessen-
ing prices until he was firmly landed ate to 1, between which
and his opening price, a to 1, about £350 or £4OO was
laid out. The next In demand for money was Ostreger,
2,000 to 100 having been taken in one hand, besides
several bets to minuni amounts, at the same odds. 1,000
to 10 was backed about Skirmisher on the quiet, the taker
of odds being under the belief probably that if Delight Is such
a "real certainty," the Squire's horse cannot be altogether
"out of It." Speculation on the Metropolitan was confined to
the three mentioned below, but at 5 to 1 Treasure Trove
would have received substantial support. The Chester Cup
calls for no special remarks beyond the patronage bestowed upon
Delight again, the unsteady position of liarry Braliaford,
and the end knocking out of Sandal to offers of 1,000
to 15. Judging by market operations, the adherents of Mr.
Sutton's horse may be said to be fanning the Two Thousand for
their own especial interest and gain, as they seem determined to
stick to Lord Lyon at any price, Early in the afternoon they
Lald 600 to 500 on their champion, and before the close of bud-
nese 500 to 400, while ialthough 10 to 1 bad been taken to money
a short time previously about Janitor) 1,000 to 100 was offered
" bar one." Lord Glasgow's Young Melbourne colt made another
slight advance, 11 " fifties" having been hooked, while 25 to 1
went begging about Knight of the Crescent. For the Derby
the first Inquiries were made about Rustic, and after 1,700
to 300 had been laid, and some smaller transactions at
11 to 2, sto 1 was only obtainable at the finish. But Lord Lynn
was equally steady at the latter price, and left off with the call
of the Danbury crack. Atter 1,000 to 35 had been laid against
Stabber we saw 1.000 to 40 taken, this dark horse again closing
with an upward tendency. Strathennan was very shaky In the
morning, but the strong party who came to the rescue at Knights-
bridge and took 1,000 to 20 as often as they had the chance, gave
the supporters of " the grey" some hopes that they may have at
least a run for their money. After Less) to 15 had been laid two
or three times against Laneret he mended a bit, and left off at
50 to 1 taken to A:5O. Closing prices :
CITY AND SUBURBAN.
2 to 1 agst Mr. C. It. Carew's Delight, 3 yrs, bat Cilb ;off, t 9
to 4.
6to 1 Count Batthyany's Vandervelde, 5 yr.), est 91b
it freely •
8 to 1 Mr. R. Dick's Mephistopheles, 3 yrs, Set 1111, 'off)
10 to 1 Sir. W. Day's Out-and-outer, 4 yes, 7st slb bitorf
100 to 6 Mr. ('openhagen, 5 yrs, rat 21b t;
20 to 1 Mr. W. Bevlll's Ostreger, 4 yrs, Sat lib t freely)
1000 to 10 Mr. Ileathoote's Skirmish, 4 yrs, ist t,
METROPOLITAN.
2to 1 agst Mr. Savile's Eakring, 3 yrs, Sst 12th ;with bib
extra
9 to 2 Mr. It Kirby's Treasure Trove, 3 yrs, bet 9th ,off,
t 5 to
7 to 1 Lord St. Vincent's Lucifer, 3 yrs, est llb t:
CHESTER CUP.

11 to 1 agat Mr. C. H. Carew a Delight, 3 yrs, Ist 121 b
and off
20 to 1 Mr. Jackson's Harry Brallsford, 4 ha, 7at lib t:
30 to 1 Mr. T. S. Daimon's Rococo, 3 yra, sst 111 b ;of
1000 to 30 Duke of Beaufort's Mr. Pitt. :1 yrs, fist 1311)
06 to 1 Lord Wiltou's Sandal, 5 yrs, 7st 511)
TWO THOUSAND.
5 to 4 agst Mr. R. Sutton's lord Lyon It,
10 to 1 Baron Rothschild's Janitor, t and off;
10 to 1 Mr. Merry's Student off
11 to 1 L,rd Glasgow's Young Melbourne colt 1)
Li to 1 Lord Exeter's Knight of the crescent ;off)
500 to 71 Mr. R. Dick's Mephistopheles ,t;
10 to 1 Lord Glasgow's lot t;
DERBY.
5 to 1 agat Mr. R. Satin's Lord Lyon t and off`
11 to S Duke of Beaufort's Rustic 1f,5 to 1 off finally)
20 to 1 Lord Bt. Vincent's Rollin ,1)
20 to 1 Mr. Merry's Student oil
100) to 40 Mr. S. Dawson 's St&bber t'
' 1000 to 30 Duke of Beaufort's Ceylon t;
1000 to 20 Mr. O. Bryan's Leveret t
1000 to 20 Mr. Watts's Strathc,,nan t)

BETTING AT MANCHESTER.—MONDAT.
CITY AND SUBURBAN.
2to 1 agst Delight off. 100 to 6 agst Copenhagen (t
7 to 1 Mephistopheles and off;
25 to 1 Morris Dancer
8 to I Vandervelde t and off
100 to d Out and Outer ,t. 40 to I Effervescence (off)
40 to 1 agst Nukuheva ,oft,
METROPOLITAN.
3 to'l agst Eakring 't and wanted'.
6to 1 Treasure Trove ,t freely;
CHESTER CUP.
10 to I agst Delight off, 20 to 1 agst Helen :t'
14 to 1 Daily 'off I3oto 1 Sandal .of)
100 to 6 TressureTrove t 1 33 to 1 Rococo Mt)
DERBY.
500 to 15 agst Ceylon AI

THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH ON THE LONDON,
CHATHAM, AND Doves RAlLWAY.—Yestenlay evening, Mr.
St. Clair Bedford, coroner for Westminster, resumed, at
St. George's Hospital, the inquiry relative to the death of
Henry Wells, who was found dying from fearful injuries
on the London, Chatham, and Dover line, near Stewart's-
lane Station, on the morning of the 11th March, under the
circumstances already reported. James West, a labourer
in the employ of Messrs. Peto and Betts, contractors to
the London, Chatham, and Dover Company, said, on the
, looming of Sunday, the 11th March, he found the great
coat produced in an archway sixty-eight yards from
the Stewart's-lane Station. It was then half-past five
o'clock in the morning. He had seen the body of the de-
ceased, found at about twenty minutes to one o'clock the
same morning, some 20 yards further op from the station.
He did not think that the finding of the coat had anything
to do with the finding of the man, so he only hung it up
in a shed. The police called on him on the 24th March,
and he gave it to them. The jury returned a verdict—
" That deceased died from injuries, but how such injuries
were caused there is no evidence to show." Mr. Church
said that it could only be surmised that the deceased had
jumped out of a train. Mr. Hutchinson said that if he
had done so his coat and hat would have been found with
him. The proceedings then terminated.
PATENT-OFFICE MUSEUM, SOUTH KENSINGTON.
—Number of visitors for the week ending April 7, 6,6/1.
Total number since the opening of the Museum free daily
(12th May, 1b68), 1,023,505.

THE CABE OF HR. FEJIGLEON.

The grand jury, in the course of the day, ignored the
bill that was preferred against Mr. Ferguson for wounding
the policeman at Sydenham, and they at the same time
expressed their opinion that in all cases where policemen
in plain clothes were employed, some unmistakeable means
should be adopted, either by • staff or a warrant card, to
show who they were, with a view to prevent the recurrence
of a similar proceeding to the present.
The Deputy Recorder said he would take care that the
recommendation of the grand jury was forwarded to the
proper quarter.
William Henry Lawrence Trien, 28, who pleaded guilty
at the last session to a charge of forging the signature of
Dr. Temple, the head master of Rugby school, to a
cheque, was brought up for judgment.
Mr. Cooper, who appeared for the prisoner, urged upon
the court that from inquiries that bad been made there
was no doubt that the ••
er had been made a dupe by
another and a more • person ; and Mr. Sleigh, the
counsel for the prosecution, stated that he had reason to
believe that this was the case.
The Deputy Recorder said that under these circum-
stances he felt himself justified in paining a lenient sen-
tence upon the prisoner, which was, that he be impri-
soned for three months, to commence from the date of his
conviction.

4•
THE EXPRESS '-TITESDAY TVENING APRIL 10, 1866;
111.111.111.111111.11111111.1111111.1.111.111111.1111111.111.11111111111111111111111.111.1111111.111.111.1MIMMIMIIIIMMIMMIMIMM•
the eveni!ig of Thursday last, •
• •7. ~‘rcly, w's/E,IVT 73 WWI ID T .1. Bbirnll6Cl of the IMVo Mr. H. W. Sadler wan called to the I SANQURAR. --On a I CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.