The Express.
London, England, 1866-04-12 00:00:00

WITTING AT BT. NARTINT-HAIL.

Last night the Reform League held another
public demonstration at St. Martin's-hall in favour of the
government bill; Mr. E. BULLS, the president, occupying
the chair. The hall was densely crowded, and the greatest
enthusiasm prevailed throughout the whole of the pro-
ceedings. The attendance was so overwhelming that a
supplemental meeting had to be held in the lower hall.
The CHAIRMAN, in his introductory address, justified
the policy of the league in supporting the bill. Lord Eleho
was present, and his lordship was desirous of saying a few
words in reply to a resolution which had been published
at the request of Mr. Howell, the secretary of the league.
Lord Eicnothenpresentedhimself, and was receivedwith
a perfect storm of indignation. This tumult called up
I Mr. THO& McGinn, M.P., who said he had attended to
take part in the proceedings, but if they would not hear
a man who wished to make his own defence they should
not hear him, for he would not speak.
This declaration had the desired result.

Lord Swim was allowed to proceed. He said they
were no doubt surprised at seeing him there. They
were not more surprised than he was himself, for
three hours ago he had not the remotest intention
of being present. He had been in the country,
and on his returning to town that evening he found an in-
vitation asking him to come. Had it been an ordinary
invitation he might have excused himself for not accepting
it, but it challenged him to come and say anything he
might have to urge in answer to the charge made
against him. (Hear, hear.) Well, then, he said he had
confidence in the working men of &gland. (" Oh, oh,"
and uproar.) He asked them to hear kim, and not allow
him to go away with the impression that his confidence
was ill-foandecL (Hear, hear.) A Mend had offered to
come with him and act as his second on the occasion, but
he said, "No, I will co alone," as he had entire confidence
in the fair play of his country to know that they would
force a ring, and that if he required it they would give him
a knee. (Cheers and laughter.) Let him now go to the
subject which bad brought him there. Along with the
invitation there was sent • letter written to the
Morning Star by Mr. Howell, the secretary of the Reform
League, in which that gentleman enclosed • copy of a re-
solution passed by the delegates of the Trades Union of
London, to this effect :—" That in consequence of Lord
Rkho having in • speech in the House of Commons on
Mr. Baines'bill for the extension of the borough franchise,
vilified the people in a most shameful manner, this meet-
ing of trades delegates, representing 70,000 working men,
declares that they have no confidence in him whatever,
and objects to his becoming the chairman of any
committee, whether in the House of Commons
or out of it, affecting the interest of labour."
(Cheers.) That was the charge against him, and
having listened in silence to the accusation they could
hardly now refuse to hear the defence. (Hear, hear.)
Now Wore receiving the invitation to come there, having
had his attention called to this letter yesterday (Them-
day), he wrote a reply, a copy of which he then held in his
hand, and with the permission of the meeting he
would proceed to read it. Be it remembered that
this letter was written not ,as a preparation for
that meeting, because it was posted to Mr. Howell before
he had any thought of coming there. (Hear, hear.) The
noble lord, in continuation, said the reply that he
might receive would enable him to judge whether
he had been guilty of the charge imputed ; but he could
confidently state that he had never made any speech,
either in or out of the House of Commons, that
could bear such an interpretation as was now sought
to be put upon some of his words. (Hear, hear.)
Nay, more, since he had been in parliament, to the best of
his ability he had supported every measure that could
tend to promote the well being of the great mass of his
fellow-countrymen. Why, what was the first great act of
his political life! It was this: is 1846 he reszned his
seat in parliament rather than vote against the repeal of
the corn laws, and legislate for his own class ; and from
that time to this he had promoted every measure that
tended to benefit the mass of the people or to raise their
social condition. (Oh, oh.) Take the case of volun-
teering. Who was the advocate for getting the work-
ing man into the volunteer movement! Why, he was.
This very letter showed that he was asked by the represen-
tative of working men to take up in the House of Ccm -
mons • question affecting the whole of their interests, and
he at once heartily responded to the appeal, and moved for
the committee. (Hear, hear.) He could never for one
moment have been justly accused of being the enemy
of the working men of this country ? (A Voter—
" But what do you say about reform ? Come to that,
my lord.") He was asked to speak upon the Reform
Bill ; but he had not come there to discuss that question,
but simply to give an explanation—(Oh, oh)—and he in-
tended to reserve for the House of Commons what he had
to say about reform. (Oh, oh.) And when they heard or
read what he should have to say upon it he was sure they
would allow that he was not the enemy of reform.
(Cheers.) Nor yet the enemy of the working man. (Re-
newed applause.) What he wished to see was
that every class, every ,interest in the country—
land, trade, commerce, and industry—should be
fairly represented. (Cheers.) His motto was, Justice
to all, preponderance to none. (Continued cheer-
leg.) And now, in conclusion, could he give them a better
proof of the high estimation in which he held that assembly
than was contained in the fact that he had come there
single-handed to make this explanation!
The noble lord then retired amidst applause, mingled
with slight manfestations of disapprobation from a portion
iof the meeting. When the excitement had subsided,

Mr. HOWELL, the Secretary of the League, announced
that Lord Elcho's letter, together with his own reply to it,
would, no doubt, in due course, appear in the newspapers,
as it was intended to publish the correspondence.
Mr. HOLTOARE, in a few words, readily bore his testi-
mony to the interest and good feeling which his lordship
bad, according to his personal experience, always displayed
for the welfare of the working class. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. CRAMER, the representative of the amalgamated car-
penters, then proposed the first resolution, approving the
government measure, which in its terms was precisely the
mine as that passed at the former meeting of the lmive,
and was adopted by the working men's meeting held list
week.
The resolution was seconded by Professor REMIT,
who found fault with the advanced liberals of the House
of Commons for not having, on the occasion that they
I were made, rejected the attacks of Mr. Lowe upon the cha-
racter of the working man.
Mr. T. HUGHES, M.P., in response to a general Call,
addressed the meeting at this stage, and explained to the
meeting that there would be ample opportunities yet for
dealing with Mr. Lowe's statements. He speed with his
hon. friend Mr. Lewd that the effect of this bill would
be to lead to the direct representation of the workman in
the House of Commons by men of his own class. Earl
Russell and the government were determined to carry the
bill or resign ; but there were not wanting signs that the
liberal opponents of the measure were now convinced of the
error they bad committed, and in all probability the bill
would be carried by such a thumpng majority se must in-
evitably ensure its passage through the Lords. If, how-
ever, it should fail to obtain the sanction of parliament in
the present session, he agreed with the chairman that there
would be an immediate agitation throughout the length
and breadth of the land for a much larger measure of re-
form, which would be quite beyond the power of any oppo-
sition to resist. (Cheers.) He was, however, for reforming
our institutions, not re-meting them, and it was in that
spirit that he accepted the measure of the government as
a representative in the House of Commons of the work-
man.ing (Hear, hear.)
The resolution was also spoken to by Mr. J. IMADLanan,
and carried by acclamation.
• sand resolutiom was also voted, disapproving of the

EXPRESS, 711URS1)AY 'EVENING,

opposition offered by members professing liberal viewl
aaa a petition to the House of Commons in favour of the
bill having been adopted, cheers were given for Hari
Russell, Mr. Gladstone, and Mr. Bright, and after passing
a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting separated at
a late hour.

A meeting of the parishioners was held last night
in the Vestry-hall, Kr. Churchwarden ROBOON in the
chair, for the purpose of taking into consideration the bill
now before parliament for amending the representation of
the people.
Mr. J. R. Coumvs, having read letters of apology from
Mr. Lewis Mr. Chambers, Mr. Hanbury, Viscount Enfield,
and Mr. J. S. Mill, moved the first resolution, as follows :
`That this meeting approves of the government Reform
Bill, and is of opinion that it deserves the united and
hearty support of the liberal party, being an honest,
practical, and practicable effort to amend the laws re-
lating to the representation of the people." (Cheers.)
Mr. CONINGTON seconded the motion, expressing a hope
that the ballot would farm a portion of the government
reform programme. (Cheers.)
A working men named DODD denied that the people of
this country were as indifferent as they were represented
by Punch. He did not know whether there was a postal
communication acmes the Styx, but if there was he was
afraid that Douglas Jerrold would be greatly disgusted
with the recent proceedings of his colleagues. (Laughter.)
He did not think the bill went as far as they had a right to
demand, but it went as far as could be expected of the
government, considering that they bed to contend not only
with the tones, but with the renegade liberals, without
whale aid the opposition would probably not have given
much trouble. (Hear, hear.)
Another working man named RANDALL supported the
bill,reminding the meeting that it was by ' in the
thin end of the wedge that Cawley got e e open.
(laughter.)
The resolution was carried almost unanimously, only
three or four hands being held up against it.
Mr. Ross moved, and Mr. Srocsros seconded, the
adoption of a petition to parliament in favour of the bill ;
which was agreed to.
Mr. Rumor then moved and Mr. WATSON seconded the
following resolution, which was unanimously carried :
" That this meeting has heard with satisfaction of the in-
tention of the government to bring in a bill to effect a
redistribution of seats in parliament, and is of opinion
that no reform in the constitution of the House of Com-
mons would be complete that did not remedy the present
gran irregularities in the representation." (Cheers.)
A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the
business.

Ann 12,

aparttittg 3Enttrittgenct.

CIIRLMSFORD SPRING MEETING.—WaDvamar.
But a meagre card was provided for the second day, and though
a numerous company were again present, those who journeyed
from town bad little to to themselves on le
place. to
either the quality or quant of the sport which took
it will be observed that two races fell through. The Medi:
Stakes, for which only three were entered, entirely failed to pro-
duce a race, since the added money was not forthcoming in con-
sequence of the trio entered not being prepared to start, and the
Fairlande Handicap ended in a walk over. With the exception
of the Stand Plate, neither of the other neon brought out more
than three and one of the tamest day's racing ever wit-
mewed at Chelma ord terminated shortly before 4 o'clock. Very
little wee doing in connexion with the .'om Spring Meeting
this day, but S to 1 was freely offered on the field for the City and
Suburban. Brahma was backed at 100 to 4 and both Vandervelde
and Mephistopheles met with support, as will be seen by the
quotations below.
THE BORE:RAM PLATE of 60 son. for 2-yr-old colts, Batt 101 b ;
Mies, Bst 71b, with penalties and allowances. Fin furlong
Mr. W. M. Lambourn's Court Card, by Irendam
Trick's dam Sat lib (K. Sharp 1
Mr. Dunbar's La fiarrentina, list 2.1 b (J. Mann) 2
Mr. Maund's Maesgwatha, Sat 21b (Payne) 3
Betting to lon Court Card ; bed third.
The BO= STALES HANDICAP Of 10 l/OTA. each 6 it, and
only if declared, with Co added. About 7 furlongs. (13 meth,
two of whom paid 6 son, end eleven 2 *ova forfeit )
Mr. Hodgmen'eConfederate, by Marske—Gloom, 5 yrs, Sat
(HeartileM 1
Lord Vivian's Sharper, S yrs, 54 1211:0 'Kenyon) 2
Mr. C. M. Bond's Musketeer, 4 yrs, 7st 41b .... (H. Covey) S
Betting: 6 to 4 an Confederate, 7 to 4 emit Sharper, and 100 to
8 eget Musketeer.
THE BPOINGFIILD BOLLING SPAM of 5 sore. each, with 30
added, for 2-yr-olds and upwards ; weight for age ; the winner
to be sold for 200 ion. Three-quarters of a mile. (9 robs)
Mr. T. Stevens's Laura, 2 yrs, let 71b (501.) (Kenyon) 1
Mr. H. Wright's Usher, 5 yrs, Bs4Blb (501.) (Jas. Nightingall) 2
Mr. Hodgman's g by Plewminster—Vmper's dam, 2 yrs,
bat 71b (601.) (Quince)
Betting opened at 6 to 4on Laura, but closed at 6 to 6 on
Usher and 6 to 4 agst Lure.
THE FAIILLANDO HANDICAP of 10 eon. each, S ft, for all ages;
the winner to be sold for MO son. Three-quarters of a min.
(9 subs.)
Mr. John Dawson's Rappel de Mina% 3 yrs, Est) lilt
(Kenyon) w.o.
TIE STAID PUTS HANDICAP of 60 son, for all ages. Half
a mile.
Mr. Hodgman's o Vonturtanno, by Promised Land—Co-
lolohine. S nit Set 41b (Parry) 1
Captain Grays Warwick, S yrs, 74 Mb (H. Covey) 2
Mr. Fteming's Gold Pen, 3 yrs, at LIM ToPPI
The following also rats :--Mp of the Odd Block, Maid of Usk,
Lydia, and Adamantine.
Betting : 5 to 2 each eget Adamanthea and Venturesome, 7 to 1
each agat Lydia and Warwick, and 8 to 1 eget Chip of the Old

The Rodlog Stakes did not produce a race.
BNITING ON THE COURSE.
CITY AND SUBURBAN.
to 1 eget Delight (of
6to 1 Yandervelda (t)
7to 1 Mephistopheles (t)
100 to 6 Brahma (t)
300 to 100 on Delight agat Vandervelde, let, Ind, Srd (t)

THIRSK SPRING MEETlNG.—Wauxzepey.

TRH FALCON PLATS (Handicap) of 50 on. Three-quarters
of a mile.
Mr. Calder's The Count, by Btockwell—Countes of Albe-
marle, 6 yrs, 7st 131 b (Inc fib extra) (Carroll) 1
Mr. itobert's Vagrant, 3 yrs, 7st 81b (Inc 1011) extra',
(Bates) 2
Mr. Jackson's Miss Williams, 3 yrs, 7st fib ....(Cameron) 5
Archery and Belmont also ran.
Betting: 7 to 4 *gat Vagrant, 5 to 2 each agst Miss Williams
and The Count. Won 'by two lengths; a head between second
and third ; a bad fourth.
MATCH : £5O. Two miles.
.

Mr. H. T. C. Ify;;;;;Iiiim Taft by Teddington—
Mrs. Taft, aged, nut 71b (Mr. O. 8. Thompson) 1
Mon. W. H. Dunoombe's Canada, hit 7lb .... (J. Osborne) 2
Betting: 6 to 4 on Miss Taft, who washy 121engtha.
THc sties CUP of 60 son. weight for age ; gentlemen riders.
One mile and Owes-quarters. _ - .

Mr. Heiois Mlr kenken, 5 yrs, list 101 b (Mr. T. Spence) I
Mr. V. Burk's' Craggraan, aged, 13st 511) .... (Major Bell S
Mr. Thompson's Bandana, 5 yrs, list 101 b (Owner) 3
The following also ran :—Prince, Extra Number, Full Sall,
Bounty, Jenny .atlands, gby Eclipse, Governor, Highflyer,
My Friend, Volunteer, and Diana.
Betting : 4 to 1 agst Bandana, 5 to 1 eget Inghllyer, 6 to 1 each
agat Extra Number and Full flail, 7 to 1 apt My Friend, 8 to 1
agst Cr an, and 10 to 1 eget Mir If enken. Won by half •
length lengths between second and third ; a lad fourth.
Txs SCUSaIr KDIC.LP of 3 sou. each, With ID added ; for all
ages. Four furlongs 130 yards.
Mr. Peck, junior's, Bonaparte, by Ni
Bat 41b
Mr. Arthur's Rating 6

o-13axon7, 4 yrs,
(Carroll) 1
(Mr. Thompson 2

Bst 10lb:

, Yra
Be: Muterman's Honest Tom. aged. Tat 121 b (Duilbar)
The following also ran :—Balsam and Nelly Grey.
Betting : sto 4on Bonaparte, 3 to 1 eget Balsam, 5 to 1 sgst
any other. The winner was bought In for 48 guineas.
The THiose HANDICAP of 5 sors. each,with 100 added ; cer-
tain winners extra, About one mile and six furlongs.
Mr. Osborne, Miss Haworth by The Cure—Countess of
Westmoreland, S yrs, gat Mb (Inc bib ex) (Challoner) 1
Mr. Jackson's Harry Brallsford, 4 yn, 7st 71b (Mor:lasj 2
to Mr. Singletons Fitzroy, S yrs, Oat 2lb (Wostby
The following also ran :—Honesty, Iconoclast, Sad , Em-
press of India, Savernake, Bachelor, and MANDL
}kiting: 2 to 1 egg Harry Bralisford, 5 to 2 egg Miss
Haworth, 6to 1 each agst Empress of India and Honesty, 7 to 1
ages Fitzroy, 10 to 1 age kw,
irthialartdaatwNo Wabetbwy a headcl
and
between second an

GRAND NATIONAL HUNT AND WEST SOMERSET
STEEPLECHASES, CREWKERNE.—WEDNEBDAY.
It would be impossible to imagine two more striking con-
treats than the scones on Hue'bury Hill on Tuesday and
Wednesday. The first day was delightfully fine, the company
very large, and nothing but galty and Jollity was observable.
To-day everything was the reverse ; rain fell heavily from • very
early hour in the morning, and continued, accompanied by
a boisterous wind, till the sport was nearly concluded.
Those who braved the elements from the love of
sport or gain looked miserable, their countenances
plainly expressing that they would much rather be away ;
and as a fitting accompaniment to such ill-omened weather, the
great, and by many considered to be Invincible, Salamander
came down when victory was apparently within his reach, and
ruptured himself so severely that he was destroyed. The other
races were so very unimportant that we dismiss them without
any comment, and at once proceed to the principal race of the
day, which, however, was shorn of much of its attractiveness by
the scratching of Hall Court and Cortolvin, the former having the
pen putthrough his name at 11.30 and the latter at 1.30 this day :
and the absence of Alcibtade was also to he regretted. However,
the race was very interesting, and will ever be memorable
among the annals of cross-country contests. There were seven
runners announced, but speculation may be said to have been
confined to Salamander and Old Oswestry, the Liverpool Grand
National winner, however, having such a decided call that odds
of 7 to 4 were freely laid on him ; but at 100 to 30 Old Oswestry
received substantial support. It is unnecessary to trace the
competitors through this arduous race, owing to the fearful
state of the course ; suffice it to say that three-quarters of a mile
from home, Old Oswestry, Salamander, and Daisy were close
together, and each apparently had a chance of winning: hut
shortly afterwards the first-named, evidently the freshest of the
trio, took a lead of two or three lengths, which he held into the
straight. Mr. Goodman was compelled to rouse the favourite,
and answering with wonderful gameness, he gradually dintinished
the gap between him and Old Oswestry, and If able to maintain
the fearful effort, it was evident the finish would lie close and
exciting ; but this gallant effort was the last the poor
animal could make, and faltering he sank to the ground
about two hundred yards from home, thus leavlog Old Oswestry
to win as he pleased. Mr. Blake, a veterinarian of Crewkerne, ex-
amined the horse, and stated that he had ruptured the palms
muscles of his back, and advised Mr. Btudd to have the horse
destroyed, which was eventually done. The accident to this
splendid steeplechaser was a source of great regret to all ; and
Mr. Studd's bad luck with Lord George at Warwick, where
it will be remembered the horse broke his leg and
was destroyed, and now with Salamander, Is indeed a
misfortune. There were loud complaints from every one at the
enormous charges of the hotel-keepers, both at Crewkerne and
Yeovil, and the rapacity with which the visitors were fleeced in
every conceivable way is worthy of the consideration Of the
National Hunt Committee to hold their meeting in the vicinity
of a town where gentlemen can get accommodation without
being charged 10s. for asking a question and • sovereign for
looMng out of the window, as one gentleman remarked he must
hare been charged for theme privileges at that rate, to swell the
bill to its enormous total. The return Journey to town was very
tedious, the train being nearly two hours behind time. The fol-
lowing is • return of the rturning_:
TUE WEST SOMERSET OPEN HANDICAP of £2OO, added to a
Sweepstakes of £lO each ; 5 ft; winners extra. The second horse
to save his stake. About 4 mile.. 128 Puha )
Mr. Halford's Old Oswestry, by Bucolic, 6 yrs, list 7Th
Land) 1
Mr. Powell's Daisy, aged, lOst 11Th (J. Pope, 2
Mr. A. Yates's Bristles, 5 yrs, 10st 111 b (Owner, 3
The following also ran :—Salamander, Hornet, Pixie, and King
of Hearts.

Betting : 7to 4 on Salamander, 100 to 30 aget Old Oswestry,
to 1 each eget King of Hearts and Dairy, and 10 to 1 bar 4 offered.
TRI W 01,1,031 STAKES of 3 soya each, with 30 added ; weight
for age, with selling allowances ; the second to save his stake.
About three miles (5 subs.)
Captain Bunt's Boumaza, aged, list 131 b.... 'Mr. Thomas) 1
Mr. Daniel's Beverley, aged, list 131 E (Mr. Druz) 2
The Abbott also ran.

Betting : 2 to I on Bererley. ---
Till CZWIIKERNIS STAII49, value £l5O ;isibserflied In Crew-
kerne., for madden hunters, &e. weight for age ; gentlemen
riders. About b miles. The winner to receive £lOO ; the second,
LSO ; and the third, tr.. _

Mr. Barnes's Nimrod, mod, 13t 101 b (Mr. Thomas) 1
Mr. W. Hole's Kronberg, 4 yrs, lOst 101 b (Owner) I!
Mr. Bartlett's Lady Dawson, 6 yrs, list (Mr. W. liar-
roway) 3
The following also nut :—South Stoneham, Lady Walters,
Honest Bob, Peter, Skirmisher, and Langholm.
Betting: 3 to 1 eget Shared, and 0 to 1 each eget Skirmisher
and South Stoneham.
Tel TROTH. STAKES (Selling Handicap Plate) of 60 sore.
About two-and-a-ball miles. The winner to be sold for 450.
(7 subs.)
Mr. Yearsley's Atalanta, aged, lOst llib (I. Knott) 1
Mr. Gibbon's Lottery, aged, list 71b
. (A. Sadler) 2