The Express.
London, England, 1861-04-05 00:00:00

REFORM MEETING AT ROCHDALE.

On Wednesday evening a public meeting, called
by his Worship the Mayor (J. H. Moore, Esq.), on the re-
quisition of 2711 inhabitants, Wes held in the Public Hell,
Rochdale; "To takd into consideration the most effectual
means to be adopted in order to secure a more equitable
representation of the people in the Commons House of Par.
liameet." The hall was crowded, and besides the Mayor
we observed on the platform Themes Chadwick, Esq.,
Samuel taylor Esq., Alderman Stewart, Alderman Limy,
Rev. H. W. Parkinson, Councillors Pagan, Scott, Ace.
The MAYOR mid be could have no hesitation in calling a
reeettog after receiving such a requisition, especially. AA he
thought the time had conic not only for the people of
Rochdale, but for the people of all towns, to declarwthem-
selves for reform. It was quits evident that government
would do nothing till they were called upon to grant it. If,
therefore, the people wasted. reform they must ask for it.
(Hear, hear.)
Alderman LTVSKY moved the first resolution :—" This
meeting views with deep regret the abandonment of the
question of reform by her Mejesty's present advisers, thus
failing to fulfil those pledgee under which they accepted
the reins of government, thereby forfeiting the confidence
and support of the great Metal party both in and out of
parliament ; this meeting, therefore, pledges itself to use
every constitutional means to compel either the present or
any other government to make the reform question a object
measure. ' He observed that one thing had caused him to
hesitate in signing the requisition, and that was the apathy
working men exhibited in the matter, and he might tell
them that unless working men took a more decided step
en the matter, if the apathy shown for some time con-
tinued, be should not so frequently appear on that plat-
form as in former years ; for he believed that reform was
within their reach, and it was their own faults if they
did not get it. Lord John Rummell had said he was not
able to push the vessel of reform over the sands of paste-
-1 meet ; and he hoped, therefore, that the people would show
that they were desirous to have a more extended franchise.
When tho reform agitation was going on, over a quarter of
a century. age, a promise was made by the middle chime to
the working men to reciprocate their assistance in obtaining
reform. That promise had Dot been fulfilled, sod the
people had a right to call upon these who accepted the sup-
port of working men thee to mein now in passing a better
measure. He concluded with en allusion to Lord Derby's
position in the matter of the paper duties, and hinting that
Lord Derby might advsneageodsly be reminded of the fate
ofof a previous Lord Derby for interferiog with constitutional
hts.
Mr. Joint Mircertt seconded the motion, which was
supported by the MOT. H. W. PARKINSON, whose speech
was stopped by the confusion consequent upon the ringioF
of the town's fire.bell, and a report that Alderman Healey ••
mill was on fire. The alarm tensed out to be unfoueded,
and the confusion having subsided, the rev. gentleman con-
chided hi brief speech, and the motion was unanimously
carried.
Mr. Isaac Home moved, " That while this meeting con-
siders so Reform Bill complete which does not include man-
hood suffrage, the ballot, triennial parliaments, and a more
equitable distribotion of sesta in proportion to population.
yet it will not withhold its support from the bill at present
before the House of Commons, for • reduction of the
borounh franchise, introduced by Edward Baines, Faq.,
M.P. for Leeds." He animadverted in strong terms on the
conduct of Lord Palmerston.
Mr. Josses JAGOrt seconded the motion, which was
supported by Alderman BEAM, and carried.
Councillor J. T. PAGAN moved the adoption of two peti-
Moss to the House of Commons—one from that meeting,
signed by the Mayor ; and one to be signed by the nibs-
bitanta.

Yr. THOMAS CIiffITHAII baring secondei the resolution,
ft was carried.

On the motion of Councillor Scarf, a vote of thanks was
pawed to the Mayor.
Four of the speakers were working men.

WEST RIDING UNITED REFORM REOISTRA-

TION BOCIBTY.

The annual meeting of this association was held
at Leeds, on Wednesday. There was • large attendance of
members from the different polling districts of the Riding.
Amongst the gentlemen present were Sir J. W. Ramaden,
Bart., M.P., Mr. Ed ward Reines, M.P., Mr. W. E. Forster,
M.P., Mr. J. D. Dent, M.P.: Mr. THOMAS DUNN, of Shef-
field. presided.
Mr. Childers, the &airmen of the association for some
years, sent • letter, tendering his resignation of the office, on
account of ill health. A hearty vote of thanks for his effi-
cient services in that position was passed. Mr. H. ft
Thompson, ILP., was appointed to the vacant post. Re-
ference was made to the diaaatisfactioff which bad been felt
at the apparently inconsistent conduct of Sir J. W. Rams-
den, and the boa. baronet entered into • defence of his con-
du:t. He said that ministers had undertaken office with a
distinct pledge to a Reform Bill, and he for one would
hold them to thatpledge. It was, he thought, trifling with
• great national question for the government to allow pi-
rate members to deal with it in the bit.bv-bit fashion con-
template(' by Mr. Baines and Mr. Locke King. He was for
a comprehensive measure that would settle the question for
some years, and consequently opposed to the minor schemes
which bad been proposed. Sir John's explanation, it is
said, was given hi • frank manly tone, and appeared to
give satisfaction. The probability of a third member for
the riding also formed • topic for conversation, and • gene-
ral opinion was expressed that if the contingency occur
the liberal party is bound to contest the seat.