Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-04-27 00:00:00

THE NORTHERN TIMES, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 1859

owns Lord Derby's sway. (Hear, bear, and cheers.)
That party, upon the recent division, numbered upwards ( f
300 members, and the coalition of discordant factions only
brought a majority of some 30—I believe 39—against them.
(Hear, hear.). Let us take a glance at the state of Europe
at the present. Does it not give one of the most conclusive
reasons for Englishmen supporting the strongest government
which the country can produce. (Hear, hear) We know
that Europe is on the brink of war. I trust that England
may be at peace for many years to come. We know that
two powerful empires have, in all probability, already drawn
the sword against each other, and we cannot foresee any
termination of what will probably prove a most san-
guinary struggle. Gentlemen, it is the interest—it is- the
strongest: interest—of England to preserve peace, but in
order to preserve peace England must be armed. (Hear,
hear.) Her neutrality, as Lord Derby said, must be an
armed neutrality. (Hear, hear.) Her. position, I think,
should be that of impregnability at home, and
that if it should ever become necessary; which
I trust it never may, that England should
strike a blow anywhere in her own defence, she should
be able to do 'so with effect. (Hear, hear, and cheers.)
Now, gentlemen, I will say a few words upon the great
domestic question which will 'probably come before the
house during the next session—l mean the question of
Reform. With regard to the only bill—and I give Lord
Derby's government great credit for being the only govern-
ment which redeemed its pledge in that respect (hear)
with regard to the only bill which has yet been before the
country, I cannot say. that I myself approved wholly of
that bill. I think there are many parts_ of that measure
which ought not to be carried, and yet I repeat that I give
Lord Derby's Government credit for being the first govern-
ment, for the lastaten years, which has redeemed its promises
with regard to Reform. (Hear, hear.) All have promised,
but none have performed, except Lord Derby. (Choirs.)
I may say that there were some provisions in that bill to
which I should object. I think there are many reasons
against what is called, although that is not the true name,
the disfranchisement of the 40s freeholders. (Hear, hear.)
But there were other parts of the bill which I believe to be
very good; and I think we must all entirely disapprove of
the coalition which denied that bill a fair hearing, and
would not consider it in committee. (Hear, hear.) I
believe that bill' might have been made the 'foundation of a
measure which would have satisfied the country. (Hear,
hear.) Let us look at the other bills which have been before
the country---or rather the only bill which has regularly
been printed and submitted to the country---I mean the
bill 'of Mr. John Bright. Now, I have the strongest possi-
ble objection to the bill of Mr. John Bright. (Hear, hear.)
I think that part of it which re-distributed and took away a '
vast. number of seats from the smaller boroughs---I believe
more than 120---and re-distributed them in a most unfair
manner, was a most objectionable measure. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. Bright proposed to take all those seats, and give them,
with a very few exceptions, entirely to the large towns of
Lancashire and Yorkshire, or nearly entirely to those towns.
My opinion; with regard to the re-distribution of seats, is,
that it is inevitable certain seats must, on the passing of any
reform bill, be taken away, which ought to be divided with
equality between the large towns in the manufacturing
interests, and the counties which are now inadequately re-
presented. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) ..Then I see no reason
for the proviso introducing triennial parliaments. I am quite
satisfied with the septennial act. I think we have elections
enough at present. And now, with regard to the ballot.
My main objection to this measure—l will not go into all the
arguments against it for these are innumerable,' but I think
the strongest' and the main objection to it is that, it is
contrary 'to that publicity, which is the very essence of the
British Constitution ; and that public opinion, if we had the
ballot, would be deprived of its force. (Hear, hear.) Ido
not believe that it would prevent coercion and intimidation,
more especially the most dangerous coercion and intimida-
tion—that by trades' unions, but I think it would prevent
the wholesome ,pressure of public opinion. If I were to
point to the measure which I think would give the best
chance of a settlement of the reform question—although I
decline to pledge myself to any particular rating,
or any particular diminution of the franchise—
I think Mr. Walpole's measure was one of the
nearest to hit off the necessities of the country. (Hear,
hear.) lam for a considerable diminution of both the
borough and the county franchise ; but if Igo to parlia-
ment, I will go as your representative. I will go there to
give a fair consideration to the scheme which will, no doubt,
be brought before parliament for reform; and when I have
made up my opinion I will give my vote, and if I am the
representative of this county, I will then come back and
ask you to endorse. it. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Gentle-
men, I should wish to say a few words with regard to our
national defences. I think that a most important subject.
The country must be armed, and I would grudge, there-
fore, no government money which is expended upon
our fleets and upon our armies. (Cheers.) We are
approaching a phase of the world's history which will, be-
yond all doubt, be marked by great convulsions, and it is
absolutely necessary that England should retain that high
position to which her greatness, her honour, and her dignity
entitle her. lam for the strictest economy, and the most
rigid supervision over all the expences in which the govern- I
ment is concerned, but lam not for either a ' penny
wise or a pound foolish" policy. (Hear, hear.) There
may be often conjunctures at which it is the best economy
to spend money rather than to save it. With regard to
education, I would support any grant almost of
public money upon the extension of education. (Hear, hear.)
I believe that education is the cheapest thing on which
money can be 'spent. (Hear, hear.) Ido not know that
there are any more subjects upon which you may wish for
information with regard to my political opinions. If there
should be any points upon which any one desires to be
farther satisfied, I shall be happy to answer any questions.
I shall now conclude, simply by saying, that if you choose
to send me to parliament, you may be assured that I will use
all my energy, and put forth every' exertion in my power.
Mr. Legh came forward, and was received with cheers,.
and one cheer proposed and given for the Crimean hero.
He said, Gentlemen, in consenting to come forward
to contest the representation of the Southern Divi-
sion of Lancashire, I did so not on any personal
grounds. There is a strong feeling in favour of
Conservative principies in the county, and feeling very
strongly on that subject myself, I have allowed myself to
be put forward, in default of a better man—(hear,
hear)---so you must take me as I am. (Laughter )
There are but four subjects which you might like me to
express my opinions upon. These four subjects constitute
the political creed of every man that is engaged in canvass-
ing Great Britain at this moment. The first subject I will
take is one that is the first and principal one in all our
minds at this time. It is the question of peace or war.
There can be no doubt that it is peace and not war that has
a favourable impression on all. It is my firm belief, that if
England was made safe, it will be by an efficient army and
navy, especially the latter—to show to the world that she is
prepared to hold her own. It is my firm belief that, by i
the condition of her navy, she will be enabled to carry
out any measure that may be brought forward
for the preservation of the peace. (Hear, hear.)
France has five or six times as large an
army as we have, and her navy is very little inferior to ours.
Let us show her, and all the world, that we are not willing
to let slip that supremacy of the sea that has been from
time immemorial, what may be termed her right. And it is
to our navy that we must trust, if we should be attacked by
any of these strong nations. I would say that we
should have an efficient navy, and I hope
that the Government will look to the state of the navy.
The next subject that I shall mention is Reform, and I
think you may be able to draw from my address what are
my opinions on that subject. I have hoard of candidates
who are in favouraof the disfranchisement of boroughs,
and extending the franchise to those that are rated
at anything.- Though I am in favonr of a considerable
reduction, I would not go so far, but I would not deny it
to intelligent men. I never can consent to property qualifi-
cation being swept away altogether. I would not like to
trust everything to the men who have nothing to lose but
a great deal to gain. (Hear, hear.) I will nat.
pledge myself to any particular rating or reform, but
when a bill is brought forward I will give
it my serious consideration. I have a few words to say. on
the ballot, and I think it is unnecessary and contemptible.
It will never stop intimidation, depend upon it ; nor is it
likely to return a better class of legislators to the House of
Commons. I might say a great deal against it, but Ido not
think that it is necessary, as we have heard a great deal
about it already. but I hope in a short time to hear no more
about it. (Laughter.) The last subject which I will men-
tion is one on which there are very different opinions
held, and about' which there is a good deal of ill-
feeling. 1 mean that of church rates. (Hear, hear.) I
hope to see, in the next parliament, a measure brought in
that will put an end to that feeling. I would extend liberty
to all who hold different opinions from myself, but at the
same time I think the established church of this country
should be maintained---(cheers)---and for that reason I will
not vote for the abolition of church rates. I have finished
now all I have to say, only I suppose I ought
to say something about myself---(laughter)---but
I don't know what it is I ought to say (renewed
laughter), except that if you' do me the honour to send me
to parliament as one of your representatives, I am ready to
devote all my energy to do my duty. I will conclude by
again reminding you of my firm resolution to devote all my
time and energy to your welfare, and the welfare of this
county. (Cheers.)
The Chairman then called upon Mr. Horsfall to move the
first resolution,
Mr. Horsfall came forward amid loud cheers, and said :
Mr. Chairman and gentlemen : The resolution which has
been put into my hands, and which I have great pleasure
in moving, is, " That in the opinion of this meeting, the
Hons. Egerton and Legh are fit and proper persons to repre-
sent the Southern Division of Lancashire in Parliament."
(Cheers.) It is yery cheering to see the eatimeiwsnt with which

- .
I you receive the resolution in reference to my honow ablel (Cheers.) I might refer also to India, to prove the manner
friends. It is an enthusiasm which arises not only from in which the present Administration has conducted our
I personal feelings to themselves, but, I trust, to respond to foreign affairs. I believe the policy which they
those principles which they are to represent to the house. adopted in India was a far wiser policy than that they
i (Hear, hear.) Mr. Chairman, as an elector of South rejeeted. It was a policy, not of wholesale confiscation, not
Lancashire, I beg to thank the hon. candidates pre- ef tmdiscriminating vengeance, but a policy of justice
sent for affording us the opportunity of contradicting tempered with mercy. (Hear, hear.) It was a policy of
the words of the Manchester diction. justice crying aloud for the punishment of those who had
1 A Voice :None of your humbug. imbrued their hands in the blood of the helpless and the
! Mr. Horsfall continued---Manchester, you will remem- innocent, in the blood of the females and the
ber, at the last election, did its duty, and upon this, lam children in the massacre of Cawnpore. (Loud checrs.)
sure, you will nobly do your duty. Now, I always dislike It was.also a policy of mercy, granting pardon
any personal reference to our opponents, and I will say that to those who had been seduced and led away to join the
I respect and esteem Messrs. Heywood and Cheetham ; but rebellion. (Hear, hear.) We have seen the fruits of that
this is not a personal contest that we are contesting for. I policy in the pacification of India ; and if it were necessary
do not hesitate fora moment as to whom I feel bound to give to prove the manner in which the present Government
my vote. Now, gentlemen, reference has been made to the intend to administer the affairs of India, it may be seen in
youth of Mr. Egerton and Mr. Legh, but allow me to say, the appointment of Sir Charles Trevelyan, who,
from my experience of parliamentary matters as your although a Whig and a political opponent, was
representative---(cries of no, no)---I can truly say that I selected as Governor General of Madras. (Hear, hear.)
conscientiously believe that I would have served you better Now, gentlemen, with reference to reform, I believe, that
had I gone to parliament at the age of our friends. it was to obtain power that induced the Opposition chiefs to
(Cheer's.) Tell me that 30, or 33 are too young to enter reject the bill of reform - the bill of Lord Derby's govern-
parliament. went, on the second reading---I believe that that was the
A Voice : Ridiculous. moving power. It has been said, by a preceeding speaker,
Mr. Horsfall : 'I can tell you this, my honourable
that this government has been the first that has redeemed
friend Mr. Legh was not too young to fight your battles its Pledge with reference to reform. From 1846 to the
lat Inkerman (cheers), and I hope you will show that present time, the Liberals have been in power
, never et carried a reform bill, and why have they not ?
he is not too . young to fight your battles in the House of till last June, eleven out of the thirteen years, and they have
Commons. (Cheers.) Now, it would be the height of pre-
y
sumption in me to stand here, as an elector of South Lanca- They have always had a large working majority in the
shire to state my own opinions on any of the questions which House of .Commons, but they always put it off on some
my friends have mentioned ; but having had the privilege frivolous pretext. No party could have brought it forward
and duty of watching the course of affairs in the House of without recalling a most hostile resistance. One of the
Commons, I may be permitted to say a few words to you clauses in that bill, and which has been so much reviled,
on these matters. It is well- known that Lord Derby's was that proposing
.to give the elective franchise to those
government was defeated by a combination of 331 members, who had deposits in the savings bank. (Hear, hear.)
[who voted against his measure. The people of this country Only a few days ago, Mr. Cheetham, in this place, made a
could never believe that there is any bond of union among speech against this very clause. Now, bear this in mind,
them. We have Palmerston, Russell, and Bright, that in 1844, when Lord John Russell introduced a Reform
'
in succession, as diametrically opposed to one another Bill, here was this clause giving the elective franchise to
as they are to Lord Derby. I will illustrate what I mean.
When I was in Stafford, some time ago, four seamen came every man who had a deposit in the savings' bank of £5O.
And in the debate which followed—Mr. Cheetham
to the door of the house in which I stopped and said they
were shipwrecked off Hull. I went to speak to them, as was in the, House of Commons at that time---there was not
the slightest objection to that clause. Lord John
my affections are, and I hope ever will be, with the seaman Russell stated, and I think with great propriety, that those
(hear, hear), and I saw one was a seaman, but that the men who had the bona fide sum of £5O in the savings'' bank
others were men that he had picked up by the way. I spoke were the men who showed such prudence and forethought
to them, and they told me they were wrecked in a ship that they were fairly entitled to the elective franchise.
called the Elizabeth. I told one of them to go about 15 yards You have it therefore proved that the present Go-
to the right, and another to go about fifteen yards to the vernment are desirous of giving that franchise to the
left, and the third to go about the same distance straight working and intelligent classes, and under that class
on, and the other to stand where he was. I then went to one, a very large number might have been introduced
and I said I was very' sorry to hear that he had been wrecked to the franchise. It may not be uninteresting to you to
in the Elizabeth, but, says I, what was the captain's name. know that there are upwards of 10,000 men who have
He said it was Jones, sir. I went to another, and .told him deposits with an aggregate amount of £6,000, and upwards.
I was sorry that he had. been wrecked in the Elizabeth, but Some may say that these are not the working men. It is
pray, said I, what was the captain's name. " Brown," sir, not so. There are no less than 13,000 hard worrking men,
said he. . I told the. same thing to the third, and I said who have deposits in the savings banks,more or less I
what was the captain's name, and he said Smith, ' sir. say this, that when I see a man, ho, from his hard
(Laughter.) Now, I said come here, you arc a pretty set earned wages, lays up a small sum weekly for a rainy day,
fellows to go to sail in the ship Elizabeth with three cap- and to make provision for his wife and family in the case
tains ; you may well be lost. (Loud cheers.) I see I need of sickness or death, I say that man has given proof that
not apply it ; you have applied it already ; will you trust he is worthy of the elective franchise, and with such I
the vessel of the state to threes captains ? (" No, no.") would entrust him. (Applause.) Now, gentlemen, one
She will be wrecked if you do, and she will deserve it.
word with reference to the ballot. I think we may rest
We are told that Lord Derby brought forward a Reform our case upon the arguments of our opponents. (Hear, hear.)
Bill, and that it did not satisfy. But there was Lord John One of the Liberal candidates, a gentleman of whom
Russell in power and out Of power continually, and he I would speak with the utmost respect, a man of warm
never brought anything forward but a shadow; and then, when and generous feelings, a gentleman esteemed, and deservedly
Lord Derby brings forward a substantial measure of Reform,
esteemed in this town, and what has he said. He has told
he dangles his little shadow before you in place of Lord you here that he would make the ballot compulsory, for if
Derby's substantial measure. I feel that I ought not to You do not make it so there was that feeling in the minds
occupy your time (" Go on"), and yet I cannot sit down of Englishmen that 99 out of every 100 would vote
without making reference to a remark that has already been openly. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) He went on
made, that there are three states. We have the Queen, to tell- you that he never saw the ballot have
God bless her (applause) ; we have the Lords, and we; the any good plan for carrying it out, and to tell you that it
people of Liverpool, owe a debt of gratitude to the, Lords had been tried in Australia and other places, and
(hear, hear) ; and we have the House of Commons. It is failed; are these arguments against the ballot, or for voting
there where our opponents make the mistake. It was well for it. (Applause.) If the
feeling of Englishmen is so
observed by one of Liverpool's best representatives—Mr. strong, that 99 out of every 100 are prepared to vote openly,
Canning—the great error of the Radicals is this, they think then why force that law upon men who are opposed
that the constitution of this .country is one wide field of
democracy, inlaid with a peerage, and adorned with stars, to it, and especially that in no country has
it been productive ~f good. Is this boasted reform ? You
and the whole covered with a crown. Now I trust that our
hon. friends will, when you send them forward to the House (
may call it reform if you like, but I would call it tyranny.
Applause.) Mr. Cheetham, the other liberal candidate,
of Commons, discharge the duties that you impose upon has stated that he admitted the ballot was an evil, but he
them. One word more; Ido believe that they would would adopt it in order to be free from intimidation. In-
be faithful in the discharge of their duties, timidation is diminishing, and if you leave it alone public
for the benefit of the mercantile, manufacturing, and agri- opinion wiil aeon put it down. (Hear, hear.) In-
cultural classes, and I would say to you, when the day for timidation ? I should like to know who dare try it
recording your Votes arrives, you will not only place them with those thousands around me. (Hear, hear.)
at the head of the poll, but with such a triumphant majority, Is there one here to-day that can say he dare not vote
that wherever it may be said that there were doubt in the openly. I believe you all glory in the privilege of openly
minds of the people, it can be said of you that there was no avowing yourselves. (Hear, hear.) I believe if you had
doubt on the men in Lancashire. (Loud cheers.) the choice this very day, whether you would vote openly or
Mr. Jas. A. Tobin then came forward, and was received secretly, there is not a man in this assembly bat would
record his vote openly, fearlessly, in the light of day, before
with loud cheering. He said : Gentlemen, we are met
here upon an occasion which is of the deepest interest to his fellow man—before those candidates he conscientiously
believed to be in the right. We have heard a great deal
everyone in the community, from the richest merchant on
'Change to every one of the hard-working artisans whom I about sympathy with the working classes from those very
see before me. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Her Majesty's men who, during their lives, endeavoured to disfranchise
gevernment have, with the approval of our most gracious the freemen of Liverpool. When the Hon. Erskine Perry
Queen, dissolved parliament. They have thought it right came here, he was asked whether he would disfranchise the
to appeal from the decision of the _House of Commons to Liverpool freemen. lie said, "Wait till to-morrow, until
the electors of the United Kingdom. It is for you, the I see how they vote." That is, if they vote for me, they
electors, to say, whether you will have a are intelligent and independent men, but if they voted
strong Conservative Government, or whether you will against him, as they gloried in doing, then they would be
any longer allow your interests to be trifled away by the corrupt and ignorant. (Laughter and applause.) In
factions which have been so graphically described by my 1854, Lord John Russell proposed the disfranchisement
friend Mr. Horsfall in the House of Commons. (Hear, of 45,000 artisans. (Hear, hear.) What sympathy has
hear.) And, gentlemen, if ever there were a time when it he with the working classes. (Hear, hear.) Lat us refer
was necessary to' have a strong and vigorous government, it to the ten hours factory bill. Who was it introduced this
is at the present moment, when you see the whole of Europe measure, but Conservatives ; who opposed it, but John
bristling with the bayonets of advancing troops, and the mighty Bright and his party. What was the object of this
armies of France and Austria preparing for the. battle. measure, but to grant some little time each day to the
operatives for instruction and recreation. lam not going
At this very moment the eyes of the whole world are turned
to say whether that bill might not be slightly improved, so
to that river which separates the plains of Lombardy from Sar-
as not to be the slightest inconvenience to the manufacturers.
dinia; and when you see a small constitutional state made the
But as to its general bearings, I may appeal to Mr.
battle field, were two of the greatest but most despotic
Cheetham himself, for he stated here the other night that
military powers in Europe are about to contend, how can
you hope that liberty will take its birth from so ill-amended that bill worked well for the employers and employed, and
it was related in the House of Commons that, shortly after
a conflict? Would you not rather fear that the
its passing parliament, there was no less than fifty night
spirit of freedom which has struck deeply into
schools established. The number of deaths was diminished,
the soil of Piedmont, and which was spreading
and also disease. I would tell these men that I would like to
rapidly to surrounding states---would you not rather fear
see them advocating measures of this kind, that would
that it will be trampled down under the iron heel of military
increase the happiness and comfort of the people, and would
despotism. (Hear, hear.) Gentlemen, the sympathies of
carry peace and contentment into every cottage. I will not
England go with Sardinia. (Hear, hear.)
trespass longer on your time. I have the greatest pleasure
A Voice : Against Austria. (Cheers.)
in supporting Mr. Egerton and Mr. Legh, because I sup-
Mr. Tobin : They go with Sardinia, notmerely because of
the gallant manner in which she fought by our side in the Pose they will support those principles that are for the
Crimea---because in former wars Austria had also been a Prosperity of the country, and that they will be found in
the ranks of progress, but not of democratic invasion. For
faithful ally of this country---but our sympathies
go with her because she has a free and a constitutional this I give them all the support I can, and if you agrea
with me, then with one voice proclaim it ; say, in unmis-
government. (Hear, hear, and loud cheers.) It has been
takable terms, whether you will have them or not.
well said, that the mission of Sardinia was one of example
and not of conquest ; and we may well consider that, when The Chairman then put the motion, and it was carried
she made that challenge to Austria a short time since, it with a show of hands.
was somewhat inconsistent with that mission, but now, if Mr. Horsfall called for three cheers which were
Austria should be the first to strike the blow and to begin enthusiastically responded to.
war, and that too in defiance of the protest of England, of Mr. James Hohne was then called upon to move the next 1
Russia, and of Prussia, I say, she will find herself isolated
resolution, which was "That this meeting pledges itself to
from the rest of Europe. But, gentlemen, come peace or come constitutional
use every means to secure the return
war, this country will at least have the satisfaction.of feel-
of the hon. Algernon Egerton, and Mr. Legh." An
ing that she has done her utmost to maintain peace, (hear, opportunity was now afforded them of returning. to parlia-
hear) ; and if war should be proclaimed, let the disastrous menu two gentlemen well known in-this division of the
consequences of it fall upon those who have too rashly
invoked the God of battles. (Loud cheers.) For this county, and who w2uld &e their aid and assistance to
continue inDerby and. the present ministry.
country, it is our policy to maintain strict • neutrality, sopower Lordt
long as it is possible to do so. (Hear, hear.) Now, sir, I He, heard much about this momfytthiseh philanthropy expressed
country. If he believed
believe that the people of England have confidence in Lord towards the t working-classesuttered.
by these menw were the sentiments
Derby's administration. (Hear, and loud cheers.) They have ot fetllenheun•etn h for would • •
one loin them. But he had
not forgotten that scarcely twelve months ago Englishmen--- lived long enough in the world to know that certain parties
our fellow-countrymen—were, during the reign of a Whig used otherparties for the sake of obtainingpower, and
lived longatenou,% inthe World to know that certain parties
Administration, allowed to waste away their time in the
when that Power was obtained, the ladder was very
dungeons of Naples—Englishmen, part of the crew of the sharply knocked down. He had employed a great
many men, and it was alwayshis care, not for their political
Cagliari—and that daring that Administration no ray of
hope dawned upon those unfortunate men; and the rights, •
engineer, (Watts) and his companions might never again but to provide them with plenty of work, and see
have tasted the sweets of freedom; but no sooner had Lord that they were paid every Friday night; and he left' to
others who had more time and ability, to take care of their
Derby's Government come into power, than they
took the most energetic, but the most reason interests of the working classes. He concluded by calling
`lP°ll them to exert themselves individually to return the
able, measures to obtain redress, and in the
two members just e
course of a few weeks they did obtain it. (Hear, hear, and
Mr. S. B. Lloyd was called upon to second the motion.
cheers.) Not only were our fellow-countrymen set at
liberty, but the Neapolitan Government gave £3,000 as , In allusion to Mr. Brown, he said, that honourable gentleman,
who had done so much for the town of Liverpool, would
compensation to them. (Cheers.) The people of this
country have not forgotten, also, that scarcely twelve
pendence he had hitherto shown, if he had retired from the
months ago, the despatch, the famous despatch, of Count have conducted himself more consistently with the inde-
Walewski, was allowed to remain unanswered (cheers), a
despatch which branded England, as a nation, as the accom- of Newall-buildings, and come and bolster up,
hid t t
Southern
Division, without lending himself to the cliqhuies
pliers of conspiracy and assassination. The present i P
•
Emperor Napoleon complained of the press of England— I return a nominee of the same e cliql---Icrair
aof
entle-
he complained that we gave a refuge and an asylum to those Ino ")---a clique who sent forhe Mr. y
onion of the county, the electors of South L.ancas ur,r,Nao
highest respect,g and
who conspired against his life and his government, and he would take him upon one
demanded that they should be sent away from this country. I told him that they
Would for the ballot bill. Mr.
man for whom he had t
He supported that demand by the threats uttered by the condition, that he won o
French colonels, who offered to lead their troops to thein for the ballot." (Laughter.)
shores of England. Would it be believed that an English ' "`Nell, I sdpptehsee am
highest terms of Mr. Brown, and said
statesman, the Prime Minister, would allow a despatch of He spoke in
a • for the representation, he would
that kind to remain unanswered---and why ? Forsooth, be- if he had stood again
_.
h.
' Hewood said, in answerl to Messrs. George Wilson and Co.,
cause it was said there was no use in answering it in the
had been said of the youth of their candidates,
then angry temper of the French monarch. (Oh, oh.)
but he would remind them that Mr. Pitt was prime minis..
But, sirs, I ask you, were we as a nation to remain quiet not have gone. a yard to vote against
their.
Somet mg
'
ter at 24 years of age. Let them reject Mr. Cheetham,under such a calumny.? (No, no.) Were we to wait
patiently under such an insult until, forsooth, it had pleased who had voted for Robert Lowe s spoliation bill. He hoped
ngthe
froersothluetimona.nner
in
which
two entlemen before them triumphantly, with
cheers.) In 1803, after the peace of Amiens, the first g. .
ty into the House of Commons. He Ii a very
in large majori , s. e had great
a neighbouring monarch to be soothed ? (No, no, and the Southern Division would do their duty, and return. the
Napoleon made the very same demand, couched
The motion was put, and carried.
British press, and of the fact, that the refugees
in this coup- ,
precisely the same language. He cboemspeluatintuedctahneandaof;
bthuet
and Georges Cadoudal were allowed a refuge Mr. Egerton proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman,
they had
T he Chairman replied to the vote of thanks in a few
try, and demanded that they should
h to b 1 recmeived_hina.. (Applause.)
Mr. Legh seconded the motion, andalso returned
cowed; ; they were not to be forced by
.a p
andlea sure
thankedin s seconding
meetingdi
th
time stated that he auks.
even although the first Napoleon at the
the British Government of that day were not
such threats,
The Ministry of the day gave a clear and decided answer. words, Pater TfiliCh the meeting separated, shouting
would lead army after army for th uest of Great Britain.

1 " Tobin for the borough," and making other demands,
which were as little responded to.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN TIMES.
Sir)—As a County Elector, I attended the Conservative
meeting,
at the Amphitheatre, to-day, and wished to avail
myself of my undoubted privilege, as an elector, to ask one
or two questions of the candidates. In this country, thank
nothing Heaven, we know of Austrian despotism, and have
been accustomed to imagine that every man was free to
express his sentiments. Certainly, , it has ever been con-
sidered that, at a public meeting of Englishmen, any elector
was free to ask questions of the candidates for his votes,
provided he conducted himself in an orderly manner.
Now, sir, at the meeting to-day, se, at the proper
time, to put two questions to Messrs. Egerton and Legh-
One related to Maynooth, and the other to the rating of
the Liverpool docks. The moment I had uttered the words
"Mr. Chairman," I was collared by some ruffian, who
was near me, and ejected from the meeting. I
t in
again, and the same thing occurred a econd gotim
Sir, I am an Irish Catholic, and probably my accent may
have betrayed me. This may account for the rough treat_
-
went which I received from the hands of these 2niscalled
gentlemen. I cannot but contrast with their conduct the
courteous manner in which the Liberal candidates have
always replied to any questions put to. them by an elector,
notwithstanding the invariable disturbance made at Liberal
meetings by the Tories. It is only the old story, Mr.
Editor, over again, Toryism fears free discussion, and so it
will ever be, but their conduct deserves to be held in repro-
bation, and I trust you will find me a corner in your paper
to-morrow for this letter. PATRICE: CAVANAGH,
On the County List of Voters for the
Parish of Liverpool.

SELECT VESTRY.
Yesterday morning, at half-past nine o'clock, the usual
fortnightly meeting of the select vestry was held in the
board-room of the workhouse, Brownlow-hill Mr. Church-
warden Jones occupied the chair. The other members
present were --- Messrs. Smith, Scott, Denton, Owen,
Williams, Turner, Chesney, Hand, Jones, Peck, Whitty,
Critchley, Cooke, Cropper, Jackson, Syred, Cafferata,
Hughes, Luff, Melly, and Gair..

WOUKKOUSE COMMITTEE.

The proceedings of this committee were read.
Mr. Churchwarden Cropper moved their confirmation,
and in doing so he called the attention of the vestry to the
notice that had been taket of the building accounts; and
Mr. Jones, who had been kind enouh to attend and
examine them, had drawn out the following series of reso-
lutions, to be adopted as standing orders for the committee,
in order that the system hithiTto in existence might not be
perpetuated :-Ist. That in all future work to be done in
the workhouse, no work be paid for unless a written order
of the committee be produced by the tradesman. 2nd. That
whenever it may be found Onavoidable to execute work
without tender, and when the work will amount to £5 and
upwards, that the surveyor furnish the materials, and obtain
journeymen to execute the work. 3rd. That on or before
the commencement of the work, arrangements be made for
having a proper check upon the materials used, and upon
the time. 4th. That all bills for work be placed before the
workhouse committee prior to the surveyor certifying the
same, and immediately upon the completion of the work
ordered.
After a few remarks, the proceedings were confirmed
unanimously.
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of this committee were read.
Mr. Jones, in moving their confirmation, said. they had
not been able to lay the usual yearly return of the schools
before that meeting ; but it was so far in progress that he
was able to state—and the figures, when presented to the
next meeting of the vestry, would bear him out —that there
was a gradual improvement in the results of the schools.
(Hear, hear.) lie thought the figures would be very
satisfactory to every gentleman who had taken an interest
in the schools; and if there should be, in future, the same
ratio of progress, they would have very little to complain
of with reference to their officers there.
The proceedings were confirmed.
Mr. Denton asked whether Mr. Weightman had fur-
nished the board with the measurements of the workhouse
yet?
The Chairman replied in the negative.
Mr. Denton said, the last thing he heard of it was in the
newspapers, in a speech made by their esteemed rector,
informing them that there was some good news in prospect
—that Mr. Weightman was about to furnish them with the
estimates. He was sorry Mr. Weightman had not
performed that promise. That was something like six
months ag?,
_

The subject then dropped.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of this committee were read.
The Chairman mentioned to the board that four of their
collectors had been dismissed, one for defalcation' and the
other three for irregularity. Arrangements hadbeen made
for the collection of the remainder of the rates. These
arrangements had been. in operation for a week, and they
were found to work satisfactory.
Mr. Tuff gave a notice of motion to the effect, that in
all future collections of rates, the finance committee be
instructed to provide for the distribution of the parish into
twelve districts, or such other number as may be advisable,
giving each collector an equal proportion of the large and
small assessments.
The proceedings of the finance committee were then con-
firmed.
A letter was read from the poor-law board asking the
expression of the vestry on the subject of keeping boys and
girls in the schools above 15 years of age, and if steps
were taken to fit them for work outside. The letter was
referred to the industrial schools committee.
The board then proceeded with the election of a chaplain
for the workhouse. It appeared that there were 36 candi-
dates, of whom 13 had been selected, and at a subsequent
meeting of the workhouse committee these were reduced to
three—the Rev. 111.r._ Scott, Folliott, and Patterson. The
election was put to the vote by ballot, and the result was
in favour of the Rev. Mr. Scott, who was accordingly
declared elected.
Mr. Jackson said they were now arrived at the end of
their parochial year, and before he rendered up his office he
wished to discharge a duty which he and all the members
of that board owed to their venerable chairman. That board
was constituted of men of different sentiments, religions
and political, and although many questions came
before them, which were calculated to excite their
feelings, he thought their proceedings as a whole had been
characterised by great decorum and great forbearance.
However much this might have been owinc, to individual
intelligence and self-respect as well as mutual respect, he
thought they held that character in a great measure by the
ability and the impartial conduct which had been at all
times exercised by their respected chairman, the rector. He,
therefore, begged leave to move a vote of thanks
to the Rev. Rector Campbell for the able and impartial
manner in which he had at all times exercised the office of
chairman at that board. He accompanied that vote of
thanks with a heartfelt gratitnde for the measure of health
which had been awarded to him by Providence, and which,
at one time, seemed most likely to give way, and hoped that
his health might be long spared to do much good amongst
them.
Mr. \Vhitty said he felt very happy in seconding that
vote of thanks. Parochial honours were so very unsatis-
factory and short-lived, that ho was anxious to avail himself
oHe had had for six years a seat at that
bofatrh lastan honour.
during
that time he had been no inattentive
observer of the uniform impartiality, as well as ability, of the
Rev. Rector. It was true that they had many shades of
opinion amongst them, and he also considered that a very
great deal of the decorum of that board was due to the
intelligence, the character, and the ability of their
respected chairman. He did not mean to detract
from .the merits of his colleagues, when he said that
a great deal of the absence of those rude personalities which
had distingnished that Board from other bodies must, of
necessity, be attributed to the clearness of the j ndgment and
perception of the chairman, and they should, therefore,
convey their thanks to him in the most cordial manner.
(Applause.)
The Rev. Rector Campbell said he was exceedingly
obliged for the kind manner in which they had received
the proposal of a vote of thanks to him; and, secondly, for
the complimentary terms in which that proposition had
been made. As they had been pleased to pay him a com-
pliment, he could not but in justice return that compli-
ment to them, because, although he had done his
very best to act impartially and courteously to all,
he was bound to say that
courtesy which he had e nde that impartiality and
endeavoured to exercise towards
them, they had more than reciprocated to him. It was very
peak contemptuously of vestries, and
he must confesesilarthgaets
ofvestries e-y frequently had exposed
themselves toirregularity- in using personalities,
they therefore must not wonder that public opinion was
sometimes against them, but he must say, with regard to
the select vestry of Liverpool, ever since he had the
management of it, and that was for a long course of years,
he bad never 'met with anything like discourteousness,
anything like irregularity of conduct, but what was very
easily reformed ; and he must confess that he thought they
had set an example to the Select Vestries in other parts of
the county, which it was well to imitate. (Hear,hear.) He did not think he was paying an un.tarle.u_
compliment to them, when he said that he had done his
best to treat them with conrtesy, and that tli)eiv
bheandadvoingne
their best to reciprocate that towardslfots,
and showing
to him with courtesy and respect on ailsleoic cane to which it was
themselves amenable to any leitttlieulduke
plid
their kindness, and so long as them sincerely for
his necessity to impose.
il
it pleased God to continue his
health, should be very
yto render to them, and to the
Parish of Liverpool, •
ehvearpyp-service that was iri his power.
(Great applause.) The meeting then Droke up,