The Sun.
London, England, 1864-01-08 00:00:00

Mr Angerstein, EP, and his Constituents.

List evening Mr. Angerstein, one of the members
for the borough of Greenwich, in accordance with
his usual custom, met a crowded meeting of his
constituents in the Lecture hall, Greenwich. Mr.
B. COOK occupied the chair.

The CHAIRMAN said it was with very great plea-
sure and satisfaction that he introduced their es-

teemed member, Mr. Angerstein, to his consti-
tuents. They all knew that he was a true friend of
progress, and he was quite sure that they would
listen with attention to the hon. gentleman's resume

of the past session:
Mr. ANGERSTEIN then came forward, and was
loudly cheered. After some preliminary observa-
tions, he said the practice of the metropolitan mem-
bers meeting their constituents was a very useful
one, and calculated to do a great deal of good at the
present moment. There were gloomy clouds abroad
which, if not properly watched, might involve this
couutry, the highest in civilisation, in a dangerous
stem. On looking back to the time when he last
addressed them he saw abundant matter for con-
gratulation. We had been blessed with a plentiful
harvest, a harvest the like of which was seldom
-known, and he was quite certain that there was not
se thinking man who had not owned to a far-seeing
and Almighty Providence his thanks for that plen-
tiful harvest, coming as it did when a portion of
the country (he alluded to Lancashire) was in great
distress. Another important fact was the arrival of
her Royal Highness the Princess Alexandra, and
her subsequent marriage to the Prince of Wales,
the heir apparent to the British throne—an event
which every
Englishman regarded with great satis-
faction. (Cheers.) Amongst the nations of Eu-
rope—he might say the world—England was
almost the only country enjoying the blessings
of peace; but on examining our situation, it was
almost impossible to say how long we should be at
peace. From east to west, and from north to south,
there were unfortunately indications of war, and
unless our ministers acted with prudence and judi-
ciousness the country might be involved in war. If
we looked to America, or whether we went so far
east as Japan and New Zealand, or so far north as
Denmark, the aspect was threatening. With re-
spect to their local affairs he was glad to see that
they were in a prosperous state. There was a pro-
spect of the Greenwich dock being carried out—a
matter of great importance to the town, as it was
intended to apply to Parliament for an extension of
time to complete the undertaking. With regard to
the Greenwich Railway it was very desirable that
there should be railway communication between
Greenwich and Woolwich, and they all felt that if
possible the railway should be carried out, and he
believed that there was an evident intention on the
part of the promoters, and of all persons interested,
to carry the matter to a successful issue. He now
came to the railway question. His colleague (Mr.
Alderman Salomons) had promised to bring the
question before the House of Commons, and he (the
speaker) would give it every support. (Hear.) He
was one of the first to bring fos ward the question,
and the action of the Government upon it had not
been satisfactory, as it was thought that the ques-
tion should be ccnsidered as a whole. He fully be-
lieved that they were entitled to rate government
property just as well as the property of private in-
dividuals. (Hear, hear.) During the past year
the strong hand of death, he regretted to say, had
done its work. Lord Lansdowne, Sir G. C. Lewis,
Mr. Ellice, Lord Elgin, and others illustrious for
their name, talent, ability, and services, were gone.
The hon. member having paid an eloquent tribute
to the memory of the noble dead, continued—
The last session of Perlianient might be called
a barren session ; but as they had expunged from
the statute-book many laws it left them compara-
tively speaking little to do. Although he called it
a comparatively barren session, yet laws which had
existed for 600 years had been erased, modified, and
made simple. They owed a great debt of gratitude
to the noble lord who held the woolseck, Lord
Westbury, who had been instrumental in providing
us a simple code of laws, which he was happy to
state had received the sanction of Parliament. With
respect to the bill for the augmentation of benefices
introduced by the Lord Chancellor, that noble lord
had given up the patronage of 320 livings solely in
the hope that the monies from the sale of the next
presentations would be placed to the credit of
smaller benefices, and thus enable the Church to look
respectable, as many of the clergy, as they were no
doubt aware, were passing rich upon £4O a year.
Another great bill, which was of great advantageto
the country, especially to the suffering people of
Lancashire, the Union Relief Aid Continuance Bill,
he was glad to tell, on the authority of Mr. Farnall,
her Majesty's commissioner—and no one better able
for the work in hand could possibly be found—that
the bill was entirely a success. The object of the
bill was to raise £120,000 oat of the public funds
upon the security of the rates. Mr. Farnall had
stated that the operatives of Lancashire had done
and were doing their best to earn the wages at the
work which had been provided for them. In fact,
the bill was a complete success. The conduct of the
operatives under their terrible calamity was deserv-
ing of the greatest credit. It showed that the
working classes were to be trusted, and he hoped to
see, as time progressed, that they were worthy to be
more trusted, (Cheers.) During the past year the
amount lost to the operatives of Lancashire in wages
alone was between £8,000,000 and £9,000,000,
while the napi:al of the millowners in round num-
bers was about £5,000,000. The enormous amount of
loss in wages pressed very hard upon the operatives,
and he regretted to observe that the superior class
did not show so much vitality as was evinced by
the lower class. There were several other bills in-
troduced into Parliament which were lost, intro-
duced, no doubt, with a good object, but without
success. He might mention Mr. Somes's bill for
closing public-houses on Sandays. (Hisses.) Ho
quite agreed with Mr. Somes that the public-house
was not the happiest place far a man to spend his
Sundays, but he did not see why he should be
deprived of the liberty of doing so if he was so
inclined. (Cheers.) He, therefore, voted against
the bill. Another bill proposed spa convert the
Exhibition building of 1862 into a permanent in-
stitution, and he was glad to think that the Ciuntry
was not saddled with an iuctileni which it would
never forget. He then referred to the budget of
the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whica, although
encumbered with certain proposals which did not
become Itw, received the general concurrence of the
house. It conferred two great boons on the
country
--the reduction of the duty on tea from is. 3d. to
ls. in the peuud, and the reduction of 2d. in the
pound on the income tax. Nor withstanding those
large deductions, the decrease in the revenue
amounted to less than two millions, while there was
an increase in other articles of consumption to the
extent of £1,300,000, so therefore there was only
an actual dtficit of some 1800,000. With regard
to the private business of the house, a feast had
been provided for the members which he thought
would be very difficult to digest. (Hear.) In our
foreign policy Lord Palmerston and Lord Russell
had been placed in a somewhat difficult position.
However, he approved of that policy, and every
right-thinking man would do the same. It
had received the sanction of both sides of the
house. With respect to America, a policy of
strict neutrality and non-intervention had been
observed under circumstances of a most peculiar
nature. Having lamented the present straggle in
America, he expressed his opinion that Lord Rus-
sell was able to deal with the American question ;
it was in safe hands. Our ministers had done very
well ; if they had been angels they could hardly
have done beter. However much we sympathised
for the Poles, still we could not but make matters
-worse by engaging in a war with Russia. For
Poland we sympathised, but could not go to war for
her. With regard to the Schleswig Holstein ques-
tion, it looked very dangerous, and he thought that
Denmark had been badly treated, as the treaty of
1852 placed her in a position from which we had no
right to remove her. The suggested Congress was
rightly objected to by Lord Russell. He should
like to know, supposing we had joined it, and con-
sidering the state of affairs at present, when it would
terminate its sittings. After some further observa-
tions the hon. gentleman concluded his address by

briefly referring to various measures about to be
brought in during the ensuing session.
'Living answered several questions in a sEltisfac-
tory manner, the following resolution was unani-
mously carried :—" That this meeting thank Mr.
Angerstein for giving them the opportunity of meet-
ing him, and desire to express their satisfaction at
his conduct as their representative in parliament."
A vote of thanks was passed to the chairman ; and
three hearty cheers having been given for the hon.
gentleman and the Queen, the proceedings termi-
nated.

The Romsey Labourers' Encouragement
Association,

ROMSEY, Thursday.
The annual meeting of this association was
held this afternoon, and in the unavoidable ab-
sence of Lord Palmerston the Right Hon. W.
Cowper, M.P., presided. Amongst the other
gentlemen present were Sir C. Rawlinson, the
Mayer, Mr. Lordan, the ex-_Mayor, the Vicar, Lieut.
Allsop, and many of the leading gentlemen of the
neighbourhood.

The dinner given to the successful candidates
took place in the Town Hall, after which the prizes
were distributed by the Right Hon, W. Cowper,
who pointed out to the successful candidates the ad-
vantages of cultivating habits of industry, honesty,
and, sobriety. Ha strongly recommended them to
attend a little more to the simple rules of health,
observing that there were many cottagers who had
not yet discovered that the air which they breathed
over and over again became as foul and as dirty as
the water i R which they washed their hands. Many
people were not aware that air became as dirty as
water would be to drink, Many were so afraid of
admitting the cold air that they excluded the fresh
air. They continued breathing the same air over
and over again, thus sowing the seeds of disease
which too frequently terminated fatally. The right
hon. gentleman concluded his remarks by recom-
mending those labourers who had a little more than
sufficed for their daily wants to resist the tempta-
tion of wasting their money in useless and wasteful
indulgences, and to guard themselves against those
fatal habits which too frequently deprived men of
all power of self•control, and led to their ultimate
ruin. _ _

At the close of the right hon. gentleman's address
three hearty cheers were given for Lord Palmerston,
and three more for Lady Palmerston.
Mr. COW PER said he was quite certain Lord and
Lady Palmerston would be very much delighted
to hear of the manner in which their names had
been received. Nothing could have kept his
lordship away bat illness, for he felt an espe-
cial interest in the success of the society, and
would be most gratified in finding that two of the
cottagers on his estates hadreceived prizes, and that
prizes had been awarded to persons employed on
his farm for good conduct.
A large party of the subscribers afterwards dined
together at the White Horse Hotel ; Mr. Cowper
presiding.
The usual loyal toasts were given and received
with the greatest cordiality.
The CHAIRMAN, in proposing " The Army, the
Navy, and the Volunteers," said—When we cast
our eyes over the Continent, and see in every direc-
tion perplexities and difficulties, wars and rumours
of wars, we naturally look at home to see whether
oar brave defenders are in a position to give us
security and peace. We see on the Continent, under
the name of a desire to deliver and promote
nationalities, most menacing designs; and there
seems to be no real ground for satisfactory security
except in the bravery and efficiency of our army,
our navy, and our volunteers. (Cheers.) Our army
have shown their prowess in recent as well as in
earlier times ; and the men who have never bee❑
beaten in a pitched battle are still fairly represented
in our existing army. (Cheers.) Our fleet, which
has gained a victory wherever it has appeared, has
reach an amount of efficiency which it never knew
before, by means of a combination of newly-dis-
covered mechanical skill and the energy of our
sailors. (Cheers.) Our volunteers, rising as they
do with enthusiasm over the length and breadth of
the country, are the most sure guarantee that Eng-
land need never fear the invasion of a foreign fee.
(Cheers.) I li:wvv of no spectacle more gratifying
to the English natio7l than the energy, the patience,
the perseverance with which the volunteers have
continued year after year to exercise themselves
for a coming day which may be, end I hope is,
far distant, and the sacrifice which they (lave made
of time and amusement in order to fit thei'l to
defend their country are worthy of all praise and
of our utmost gratitude. (Loud cheers.)
Lieutenant ALLSOP responded.
Sir C. RAWLINSON then proposed '‘ The Health
of Lori Palmerston," which was drunk with three
times three, and was followed by the same for
Lady Palmerston.
Tee CHAIRMAN, in proposing the toast of the
evening, " Success to the Romsey Labourers En-
couragement Association," said—Every one will
admit that the condition of the agricultural labourer
has greatly improved in recent years. Our free
trade policy and wise legislation have cheapened
the necessaries of life and have placed within the
re:ch of the labourer luxuries and enjoyments
which he could not before command. But still
there are many disadvantages and privations to
which that class is exposed, and which we all
earnestly desire to remedy. I do not allude to such
imaginary grievances as that of the tiller of the
soil not having any share in the ownership of the
land. Such a complaint as that rests on a fallacy
and a delusion. If it were possible to make the
labourers the owners of the land which they are
tiding, it would be a retrograde movement in agri-
culture. The great progress in agriculture
of late years has been due to the concentra-
tion and application of capital to an amount of land
which is suflieient tojustify the favourable em ploy-
ment of that capital ; and it would be going back
to times of less prosperity—it would be following
the example of countries less prosperous than Eng
land in agriculture, if we were to aim at such an
absurd and impossible object. (Haar, hrar.) But
ire a humbler way there are reany things which
Might be done to improve the condition of the
labourer. It is distressing to find men unable to ob•
tain cottages in wh:ch they can bring up their chil-
dren decently. It is not the fault of ;he labourer
that he is not in a condition to build his own
cottage or provide one for himself. Ha is
obliged to depend upon what may be within Lis
reach. It is also an object of great regret that so
very few of the labouring classes are able from their
earnings to lay by sufficient to keep them in old age,
if they should not have children or relations who
will undertake the care of them. But what I desire
for the agricultural labourer is that he should have
access to healthy and comfortable cottages—that he
should have allotments of garden ground of euffi
cient size.and at a moderate rent for his own culti-
vation—(hear, hear)—that he should be able to pro•
vide a good education for his children, and have
opportunities of mental reereation for himself—that
he should have fair wages for his work, and should
have within his reach the help which he needs in
times of sickness and old age. (Hear, hear.) No
doubt there is amongst the agricultural labourers a
great want of skill in their special business. It has
long been a cause of regret amongst those who are
riterested in the progress of the labouring man that
he has not that amount of skill and proficiency
which is so desirable. I think these associations
have taken up that point in a very wise and prue
tical manner, by applying to the agricultural
labourer that principle which is so much admired,
and which is so successful in the present day—the
principle of competitive examination—(hear, hear)
—for what we really do is to examine by corn peti
tion those agricultural labours in the hope of stimu-
lating them to acquire more skill, and to give more
attention to that which is their proper business in
life. (Hear, hear.) This is the way in which the
race.of horses is improved—by the competition which
takes place in our Derby and St. Leger, and country
races. When persons are really competing tor
an object which they value they will apply all their
energies to the work with an animation and zeal
which they would not exert for the object alone.
Competition stimulates exertion, end this society
has certainly been very useful in stimulating
the agricultural labourer to an improved exercise of

his tools in the business in which he is employed.

We shall have to require more skill in the agricul-
tural labourem We see thst, steam machinery is
about to make a considerable change in agriculture,

as it has already done in weaving and in other
branches of industrial manufacture, and we shall

require men who are able to manage and deal with
those steam engines which are beginning to wander
over the country. I look with satisfaction upon this
change under the aspect of its benefit to the labourer,
for the result must be that the labourer, becoming
more of a skilled artizan, will have higher wages,
and be saved from much of that drudgery which has
to be performed by manual labour. In every walk
of industry the application of steam machinery has
raised the condition of the workman, and so it must
be with the agriculturist; the labourer as well as the
farmer and the owner of land, will reap the benefit
arising from the application of science and skill to
the implements of husbandry. (Hear, hear.) In a
future year I think it will be well to bear this in
mind in regard to the subjects to be tested by this
competitive examination. (Hear, hear.) While skill
should be the main object to be rewarded, I should
be sorry to omit the offering of prizes for good moral
conduct; because there are a considerable number of
agricultural labourers whose excellence cannot be
tested by any single occupation, but whose merits
must be judged by the character they bear and the
satisfactory way in which they perform their duties.
By this combination we put forward both the merit
of the workman and his moral character. We com-
bine the skill and good behaviour of those persons
who are put forward as an example for others to
follow. (Hear, hear.) I think the association cer-
tainly has been of great value. Although not an
ambitious mode of benefitting the workman, it has
been practically useful, and a satisfactory mode
of attaining the object, and I think you
will all agree that in attending these meetings we
are helping on the good cause. (Hear, hear.) I
cannot sympathise with those who would apply the
rugged rules of political economy to the condition
of the labourer, and would lease him alone, let him
be independent, do not interfere with him, leave
him to the accidents of the labour market or you
will interfere with his independence. I cannot take
that view of the subject. I think that the labour-
ing men who join in reaping the harvest which
gives food and wealth to the country are deserving
of the utmost sympathy and assistance wherever it
can be given by the influential members of the
community. (Hear, hear.) Although our agricul-
tural labourers do not risk their lives for their coun.
try they employ them in a useful and beneficial
occupation, and the gratitude which the rest of the
community ought to feel towards them should be
shown by doing what lies in our power to remove
the difficulties, the inconvenienced, and the priva-
tions with which they are afflicted. lam sure that
every right-minded man will be anxious to do
everything in his power to improve the condition of
the labouring classes. There are cases in which
persons may do harm when they think they are
doing good, but this association shows a useful and
beneficial way of bringing public attention to bear
on the condition of the labouring classes, and assist-
ing in the development of their good qualities by
the force of public opinion. (The toast was drunk
with the usual honours.)
The MAYOR then proposed the health of the chair-
man, who briefly acknowledged the compliment,
and proposed the health of the committee, the secre-
tary, and the judges, to which toast Mr, Allsop,
Mr. Lordan, and Mr. Hunt responded.
Several other toasts of a local character ware after-
wards given and responded to.