The Sun.
London, England, 1853-10-13 00:00:00

character and the acts of the late Sir Robert Peel.
(Cheers.) It is not for the purpose of dwelling upon the
kind and flattering manner in which the mayor or Sir
John Patter were pleased to advert to myself that I pre-
sent myself, for 1 feel that I would be indeed altogether
unworthy to rank as your fellow-citizen if I were capable
of dwelling upon personal matters upon an occasion like
this, and in presence of that noble effigy, which recalls to
all our hearts so much that is ennobling and so much
that is affecting. (Cheers.) Mr. Mayor and gentlemen,
this is a great occasion—it is an occasion that tells of
touch besides that which it exhibits to the eye. (Cheers.)
In the first place, it is unfortunately impossible, not-
withstanding the general mitigation of laws and of govern-
ments not to recollect and reflect that there are still coun-
tries in Europe where, when we speak, on the one hand,
of governments, and kings, and statesmen, and on the other
hand of the people, we speak of two powers that are ads
verse and alienable to one another—(hear, hear)— without
sympathy and without consciousness of their community
of interests; but when we stand here we see the statue of
a man who was the chosen Minister of the Sovereign—
(cheers)—who enjoyed her unbounded confidence—who had
a place, I may say, not only in her councils, but in her
heart—(cheers)--who was the defender of the laws and in-
stitutions of the country— -(cheers)—but who was likewise
the chosen favourite of the people—(cheers)—whose name
has been engraven, as I firmly believe, upon the hearts of
the thousands and myriads that now surround me—(cheers)
because of the acts that he performed and the benefits that
he conferred upon England. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, as
one who has deeply profited, not by the example only, but
by the guidance, of that great statesman—(cheers)—as one
who has had, and I hope availed himself of them, many
opportunities of appreciating his character—(cheers)—let
me venture respectfully to bear testimony to you upon the
points which, so far as I am able to judge, beyond all
things distinguished him. (Cheers.) It is easy to enu-
merate many characteristics of the greatnesi of Sir Robert
Peel. We all know the immense breadth and comprehen,
siveness of his understanding. We all know that he, be.
yond all living men, and perhaps beyond all statesmen
that preceded him, thoroughly understood the working of
our noble constitution—(cheers) —and appreciated and
sounded to the very depths the feelings and the character
of that great, deliberate, and oldest popular assembly in
the world—the British House of Commons. (Cheers.) It
is easy, gentlemen, to speak of his ability, of his sagacity,
and of his indefatigable industry ; but, great as were the
intellectual powers of Sir Robert Peel, if you will allow me,
as one that may call myself his pupil—(cheers)—and fol-
lower in politics—if you will allow me to bear witness, let
me say there was something greater still in Sir Robert Peel
—there was something more admirable than the immense
intellectual endowments with which it had pleased the
Almighty to gift him, and that was his sense of public
virtue —it was his purity of conscience—it was his deter-
mination to follow the public good—it was that disposition
in him which, when he had the choice between personal
ease and enjoyment ; or, again, on the other hand, between
political power and distinction, when he had the choice
between either of those blessings and advantages, and
what he knew to be the welfare of the nation, his choice
was made at once, and when his choice was once made no
man ever knew him to hesitate or hold back from that
which was necessary to give it effect. (Cheers.) And,
gentlemen, I heartily rejoice that, in erecting to his memory
this great and worthy monument, you have chosen for it
a site which is the most in harmony with the histories it is
intended to commemorate, and with the ideas which it is
calculated to awaken. (Cheers.) You have not placed it
in some gilded hall where it might have been the admira-
tion of some connoisseur in art, or might have been visited
by the wealthy or luxurious classes, but you have chosen
for him the place where he would have wished to be—
(cheers)—in the face of day, in the great thoroughfare of
this mighty city—(cheers)—in the heart of the centre of
the commerce of. England, where thousands and tens of
thousands will from day to day pass by the place where he
stands, and have presented to their eyes and to their minds
a spectacle which can awaken no sentiments except the
sentiments of public virtue and of grateful recollection.
(Cheers.) And, Mr. Mayor, it is the last words I will ad-
dress to you when I say this : may God grant that within
the breasts of many of those who shall traverse this
crowded thoroughfare, as they eye the work that has
been this day delivered over to your custody, it may
awaken the noble and honourable desire to tread, each
for himself in his sphere, be it wide or be it narrow,
the path of duty and of virtue—(cheers)—and in dis-
charging those functions which appertain to us as citizens,
to discharge them in the spirit of that great man—the
spirit and determination to allow no difficulty, no obstacle,
to stand between him and the performance of his duty—
(cheers)—relying upon it that duty in this country is the
road to fame—(cheers)—and that if public men do not reap
their reward, as in barbarous times they may have sought
it—from immense and extended possessions measured upon
the surface of the earth—yet they may reap it in a form
far more precious when, like Sir Robert Peel, they bequeath
a name that is the property, not only of their family, not
only of their own descendants, but of every man who calls
himself an Englishman—a part of the commonwealth—
something that helps to endear us to our common country
—something that makes us feel that England is indeed a
oountry that it is a blessing to belong to—(cheers) a coun-
try that has a great and beneficial part to play in the de-
signs of Providence for the improvement and advancement
of mankind. (Loud cheers.)
The proceedings closed with three cheers in succession for
the Queen, the artist, and Mr. Gladstone.
The mayor, corporation, and Chancellor of the Exche-
quer with his friends then left the grounds, but the crowd
lingered behind for a considerable time.
It may be proper to state here that the statue is a colossal
one of bronze, representing the great statesman in the atti-
tude of addressing the House of Commons. On either side,
and on lower pedestals—so low indeed as almost to destroy
the unity of the group—there are two female figures in a sit-
ting posture, intended to represent, one the Genius of Art,
the other the Genius of Commerce. With respect to the
principal figure, the sculptor has not been very happy in the
likeness ; as a representation of the features of Sir Robert
it will be considered by most of those who knew him as a
failure, but the attitude is very lifelike and natural, and was
one which Sir Robert often assumed when addressing the
house. His right leg is a little in advance, his right arm,
holding a scroll, points downwards, while the left rests on
the hip. The artist has had the good taste to preserve the
modern costume • the ample surtout is covered by a cloak,
the folds of which supply all the details of drapery that
any sculptor could wish to perpetuate. The only inscrip-
tion is on the front of the pedestal, and consists of the
single word, " Peel."

—a measure which, whilst its justice has been long ad- I trust true that they have united together from the most
mitted, no statesman of recent date has ventured to bring i honourable motives—it is unquestionably true that they
forward, and which the great financier who originated the stand associated together in carrying on the public service,
system of legacy duties failed in the attempt to carry out. disregarding former party distinctions. (Cheers.) Let me
"And therein was also included and, as the result of a say as Igo on, that I cannot but attach a peculiar value to
statement which for its excellence' is perhaps unparalleled the unanimous votes with which these addresses were
in the annals of Parliament, with little opposition sane- adopted. Free discussion pect • libert of exressin
tioned the renewal and extension of the income tax, which conscientiously formed opinionr,fis a distinguishingp mark,g all feel to be unequal and oppressive in its operation (but, and no small part of the glory and the happiness of this
under the circumstances, unavoidable), with, however, for country. But the consequence of free discussion is a free
the first time, a clear and distinct understanding that at the development of difference in opinion conscientiously en-
expiration of the reserved term such tax ought to disappear. tertained ; and the effect of that difference of opinion must
`As the representatives of a community which is pecu- surely be to enhance tenfold the value of that unanimous
liarly interested in the progress of commercial freedom, we concurrence, without a single exception, which you have
tender to you our acknowledgments for your important been kind enough to announce to me to-clay. (Cheers.)
and successful efforts to carry out fully the great principles With regard to the Government, it is, as I have said, un-
of free trade, and the expression of our earnest hope that questionably true that they have acted together in disre-
you may be long spared to devote your talents to the ser- Bard of party considerations. I do not believe that the
vice of your country, and to witness, as the result of that principles of party are about to be extinguished in this
policy which you have most ably advocated, the continued country. The machinery of government almost requires
and increasing prosperity of all classes in this country-- some kind of organisation. It is hardly possible we can
rewarded by the consciousness that towards the accom- hope that the nature of man is yet at least so far changed
plishruent of those vast and beneficent results your services that we can dispense with the associations of party ; and I
have largely contributed." (Loud cheers.)
The address having been read, am bound to say that the associations of party, though un-
doubtedly there are evils attending them, yet they have
The MAYOR stated that he concurred in every word of materially contributed, and especially of recent years, to
the address, and not least in the hope expressed that Mr. maintain a high standard of honour among public men,
Gladstone might be long spared to devote his brilliant and to subject their conduct to the operation of those mo-
talents to the service of his country. He had great plea- tives, which are the best security to you for the proper die-
sure in presenting him with the address. (Cheers.) charge of their public duties. Yet I feel it a true gratifi-
Mr. BAZLEY, President of the Chamber of Commerce, cation to be able to state that I believe there never was a
then addressed the meeting, and said that on learning the Government in the recent annals of this country that
Chancellor of the Exchequer was about to become the stood less upobehncitch I h
is ntosparty connections, or more upon the
guest of their friend and neighbour, Mr. Harter, the direc- general support and confidence oeofnuteshe p üblic than the Go-
tors of the Chamber of Commerce resolved to present him vernment
asmek
with an address, which he would now read:—
ar
t opteinifoonrms,maaypuartndouSbett--
"To the Right Hon. William Ewart Gladstone, M.P., edly be raised, I believe that credit has been given to the
Chancellor of her Majesty's Exchequer, &c. motives of such men as my Lord Aberdeen and Lord John
" Sir,—The directors of the Chamber of Commerce and Russell, in having joined hands in December last to carry
Manufactures at Manchester eagerly avail themselves of on the business of the country ; and I am sure I shall be
your visit to this city to tender to you their warm acknow- borne out by those who have observed most minutely the
ledgments for the eminent services which you have rendered course of public business in the House of Commons, when
to the country during the session of Parliament recently I state it as an unquestionable fact, that the bond of party
brought to a close, and to express a hope that a continu- connection has never been weaker than during the present
ante, unimpaired lsy external circumstances, of those sa- session ; and yet the confidence of Parliament and the ap-
tisfactory results which have not failed to attend upon probation of the country enabled the Government to carry
every successive development of a free-trade policy, may, into law important and vital propositions with greater
soon enable you to carry that system t 6 perfection, and to rapidity and effect than on ordinary occasions. (Cheers.)
erase from the British tariff blots which still deface it. I may say, and Ido not consider it a humiliating con-
" Bound by its rules to confine its consideration to mat- fessioneethat I. doubt whether any Government ever aus-
tere of commercial bearing alone, this Chamber never tained greater defeats in divisions on questions of secon-
ceased to protest against the corn law of 1815, and all sub- dary importance—(laughter)—l speak in the presence of
sequent modifications of it, as injurious to every interest the hon. member for Salford and the hon. member for
in the State, and it was the first to proclaim that the pro- South Lancashire, who will correct me if I am wrong—
tection which the Legislature professed to throw around defeats on secondary questions than the Government of
the manufactures of this country was alike illusory and Lord Aberdeen has done. Those defeats manifested the
mischievous to all. It marked, therefore, as it well might, free and unfettered judgments which prevail in the House
the tendency of the commercial policy foreshadowed in the of Commons. I deeply lamented some of them—sometimes
session of 1842 with hope •it received, as it had a right I was nettled by them. (Laughter.) Endeavouring to
to do, the enactments of 1846 with joy and gratitude ; and defend taxes which it was impossible to part with, I was
it remembers that at both these periods you were associ- not very well pleased, when I heard the announcement of
ated with that great and lamented statesman who had the the numbers from the chair, to find.. that the relative forces
patriotism to propose, the talent to defend, and the tour- were not exactly what I could wish them. But it is cer-
age to carry those initiative measures which he had become tainly a remarkable consideration that, along with this
convinced were necessary for his country's good. The manifestation of free individual sentiment, and in the ab-
Chamber was not slow, then, to express its thankfulness to sence of close party organisation, the present session of
Sir Robert Peel and his associates in power, and it is Parliament has been surpassed by few in the amount of
glad to renew it now to yourself in person, not only public work and business which it has seen transacted,
for your share in the commencement of, but for and in the measures of the greatest weight and importance
your continued adherence to that policy, which through which it has seen passed into law. (Loud cheers.) So
its whole course has been marked by unmixed benefit, and much on the subject of disregard of party connections, on
is at this moment of immeasurable value. which you have expressed opinions which are thoroughly
" Anxious for the full accomplishment of free trade prin- in accordance with my own. And may I take the liberty
ciples in this kingdom, irrespective of any policy which of saying one word more on the subject of political connec-
other countries may pursue, this Chamber would be un- tions? It is this. No man can have watched the parlia-
faithful to its long-cherished convictions did it not avow mentary history of this country within the walls of the
that it would gladly have seen in the improved tariff of the House of Commons during the last 20 years—since the
present year a total abolition of the very unimportant dif- time of the passing of the Reform Bill— and failed to see
ferential duties which still remain, and of the duties on silk that in the course of that period differences have been
manufactures, as also a great reduction in the duties on softened—opinions have approximated ; men of different
wine; but trusting that they are retained only until the na- political creeds have learned to think kindly and charit-
tional revenue shall withsafety permit the fullestapplication ably of one another; the space which divided this side
of sound principles to our tariff, the directors of the Cham- of the house from that side of the house has narrowed ;
ber of Commerce and Manufactures at Manchester repeat and if I were asked the cause I would say, it is due in
their deep sense of the obligations they owe to you and to great part to the eminent public virtues of Sir Robert Peel
your colleagues in office, and bid you a respectful but most —(cheers)—a man who, though the head and chief of a great
sincere welcome to this city." (Cheers). party, and who knew how to value their confidence, yet
Mr. Bazley continued :—Personally, he could not with- when public duty called him did not hesitate to lay upon
hold the expression of his feelings, that Mr. Gladstone and the altar of his country every advantage and satisfaction
his colleagues had, by their pacific and pendent policy, which party could possibly have conferred, and followed
contributed to the satisfaction which at present pervaded the strait path of duty, looking neither to the right hand
all her Majesty's subjects, and the state of the public nor to the left. And I think it is a cause of peculiar plea-
revenue, as last declared, was only a tribute peculiar to sure, a matter of great thankfulness to Providence, that
himself. (Cheers). Permit him to express a hope that at a period when we have seen Europe making certainly
the right hon. gentleman's valuable life might be long little progress—perhaps I should say actually receding in
spared to his family and to his country. (Loud cheers.) the work of political organisation, and in the harmony
Mr. ASPINALL TURNER then addressed the Chancellor of of classes—that in England we have seen a mitigation
the Exchequer, and read the following address from the of differences taking place and great progress made in
Commercial Association, of which he was president, and in works of useful legislation, and an increase among the
the sentiments of which, he said, he fully concurred : masses of a feeling of respect for the laws and attachment
"To the Right Hon. William Ewart Gladstone, M.P., to the Throne and institutions of the country. (Loud
Chancellor of her Majesty's Exchequer, &c. cheers.) You have been pleased—l speak now of the ad-
"Sir,--We, the directors of the Manchester Commercial dress of the corporation, which I know represents the sen-
Association, desire to offer you our cordial welcome on timents of the inhabitants of Manchester—you have been
your arrival in this city. pleased to express your confidence that the Government
" Most gladly do we avail ourselves of the opportunity to which is now charged with public affairs will give effect to
acknowledge how largely you contributed to the successful such measures as will conduce to the honour of the
issue of the struggle for commercial freedom under the Crown and the benefit of the community. I value pecu-
guidance of one to whose name the citizens of Manchester liarly and supremely—every member of the Administration
have this day reared an enduring memorial. must value as I do—this expression of your feelings. lam
"We `regard your presence at this time as well befitting sure Ido not misinterpret this reference to the honour of
the occasion, looking upon you as the able and consistent the Crown, when I interpret it with reference to the ques-
expoeitor of those principles of legislation bequeathed to tion in which, at the present moment, the honour of the
his country by the late Sir Robert Peel. Crown, as well as various other interests, are deeply in-
" Having already gratefully recognised the value of those volved—namely, the question of peace or war—(loud cries
principles, as carried out in the admirable commercial of " hear, hear")—which holds the mind of Europe in age-
measures submitted by you to Parliament during the last tation and suspense from one extremity to the other. If
session, we would now express our hope that, in your you are persuaded that the honour of the Crown is safe in
hands, they are destined to attain still further develop- the hands of her Majesty's present advisers, lam sure that
ment. no testimony can convey to them a more gratifying feeling
"We also feel called upon to return you our sincere —I am sure that no testimony which can reach them will
thanks for the ready and courteous attention you have at contribute more to strengthen their hands in the discharge
all times extended to our official representations ; and we of their public duty, and in bearing that conspicuous part
should add our earnest wish that you may long live to ex- which must belong to England in the consideration of every
ercise for the good of your country those talents which great European question. It was perhaps to be expected
have rendered you so distinguished an ornament of the Bri- that the delays and vexatious incident to these protracted
fish Senate." negotiations would lead to a sentiment of impatience
Mr. Turner continued, and, after referring to the inaugu- among a portion of the community. Undoubtedly it was
ration of the statue of Sir Robert Peel, said his fellow- to be expected in this free country that the measures and
citizens would reflect with pride that the father of the man motives of the Government—especially when covered in
whose memory they had recorded, and the father of him some degree with a portion of necessary reserve—would not
whose presence they now greeted, were, one an eminent receive from every one an absolutely favourable construe-
manufacturer, and the other an eminent merchant of tion. It was to be expected that the general sentiment
South Lancashire. Their sons had gained for themselves on the present relations between Russia and Turkey, where
names more imperishable than their fathers, and he would there has been an overbearing aggression on the part
say to the younger citizens of Manchester, that though of the former, would be that of eagerness and anxiety
their fathers had laboured for them, there was nothing in for some marked and positive demonstration on the part
their position to exclude them—more than it had excluded of England against the aggressor. But I venture to say
Sir Robert Peel and Mr. Gladstone—from attaining to the that her Majesty's Government do not feel in the least de-
highest offices of the State. (Loud cheers.) gree disposed to shrink from any portion, of the responsi-
Mr.e GLADSTONE then rose to address the meeting, and bility they have assumed in makinieieeveery effort—in p
p and beyondhope;
was received with enthusiastic cheers. When order was iwnteilf. that werelja necessary, against
to say it is et—in hoping to the utter-
restored, he said—Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen, I may trul
say—at least lam certain no man had more cause to say the frightful calamit of a general war.
zr
,i? NrihennudtVieyeerssEe)
y most that their would be successful in warding off
—that it is a matter of the most hopeless difficulty to No doubt, the blood of g
E °li
shomne. n 1.0, ou doubt, a contest
convey to your minds a sense of the mixed and strong emo-strongerparty and a weaker party
, tions which I feel to-day. I have come to Manchester,
appealse forcibly to those feelings_ew(lieillivet:ertacscsuostiotTmeds
oppressionaied en is).entdsvea aggression going
drawn hither by the strong interest which attaches to this to think eminently national.sse N
d without any apparent) result, is
most remarkable community—a community which has per- which has already l?
the measure of the real greatness of
manufacturing emporium, certainly more than any provin-
a people lies in their power of self-command and that self-
cialhaps accumulated greater wealth than any commercial or
tcrualcstittiteedgetnotltermyetnh:e patience of the community. But
restraint, whether exercised by a nation or by individuals,
emporium, that is known in the history of the world
—(cheers)—but with respect to which itsdavcacnueer
olfatiitognino!
asi ainlwdiaffyesrlienacbel,e
fteoebbleenmeissst,akaeund, aenedwiatrsdaiceter.onlvto
ebekcnhoardl
trust, the difference between them. We know that a dig-
wealth is still less remarkable than the a
eified patience, and a sense of the duty which we owe as
men and as Christians, will not be wanting in readiness,
telligehnasce,ensaubdledthemaprnocmhiensetenrt
gents twoarainnewnchei,chat tlheaatstinintelrlie:
when the time comes, to vindicate the honour of the coun-
anondumntoryre. try. (Cheers.) What do we mean when we speak of a
eer
pa
el r
awarti e
n? s
ofCertainly
war
which the there isp appeal
lhg
which
coahr
some
r ea nndd
render
arf gloryutsh too
noblesta
rbi
totul te
Nceontniyaenarscr,aithveisfi
tortthn
insesciatyndltitehdouesttibneiiensgofmtohires
gtheue
reminded of this by all that he sees and hears. Mr. As-
which are, and which
mindful, I fear, of its accompaniments. When we speak
elements of human nature, and
out local ties to this district—ties
pinall Turner has kindly reminded me that I am not with-and which give me a special in-
ever will be, dear to me,
of a general war, we do not speak of a real progress
terest and a special attachment to this part of the country. the road to freedom—of real progress in the advancement on
I have witnessed the wonders of your great industry, the of human intelligence. These may sometimes
ein.
marvels of your organisation—the mode in which you tentions—rarely, I fear, are they the results of war.
husband, and by husbanding multiply, all the resources When we speak of a general war, we mean the face of
that are applicable to commerce and art—and I have seen, nature stained with human gore—we mean the bread
taken out te ouhs of millions—we mean
moreover, in your town, the true representation of those
u!def?itelyof inchreasmed,t and trade and industry wofully
taxation
united figures which you have see t d
no-ay at the base of diminished—we mean heavy burdens entailed upon our
the statue of Sir Robert Peel. I have seen art, not go- latest posterity—we mean that demoralisation is let loose,
verning merely, but beautifying the productions of com- families are broken up, and lust stalks unbridled
coerce, and I trust that in this great in every country which is visited b the calamity of
queen, as it may well war. (Loud cheers.) If that be a true descriptiono
be called, of productive industry, you will more and more is it not also true that it is the absolute duty ofthfe wGtOr,-
cherish the union of these two great principles and powers, vernment to exercise for themselves that self-command
being aware, in the first place, that beauty is a principle which they recommend to others, and that they should
of commerce, and the greatest secret of its strength,labour to the uttermost for the adoption of any and every
honourable expedient which may be the means of averting
efficacy, and success ; and being aware also that, over that frightful scourge. (Cheers.) lam certain—l might
and above its commercial effects it has the power have anticipated it before, but at this moment I can have
to refine and elevate the mind of man the no doubt, after the expression of your feelings which you
mind not only of those whom we term the educated have just given—that these are the sentiments which ani-
mate the peaceful community of Great Britain, associated
classes, but the whole mind and the whole feeling of the
as they are in the works of industry and enterprise, and
community. To witness all this is reward enough for him who, as practical men, come into close contact with ques-
who visits Manchester. But I have come among you at a tions of public policy. They know the dangers we have
to encounter, the difficulties we have to meet, and by their
Moment of deep interest—at a time when you were proceed-
ing to complete thenoble tribute which you have paid this generous confidence lam sure we shall be supported. In
Parliament Ministers have repeatedly admitted, as you are
day to the memory of the illustrious dead. And you have aware, that it is their duty to maintain what is called—
been kind enough to use this occasion, and to employ it for and with some qualification truly called—the integrity and
the purpose of expressing the sentiments which you are independence of the Ottoman Empire. But we lorew when
pleased to entertain for one of the living. And if lam sen- we speak of tlata:nwteegcrkitelrieatnd inl
use hecfLndensceexaofeuhy
in the
Bible of any deduction—of any drawback from those feel- smaamne sent) inire which we would speak of the integrity and
ings of profound gratification with which you havefilledmy independence of England or of France, because the Otto-
breast, it would be in the recollection how poor are the man Empire describes a sovereignty which .f_
d idittincll
of
ulty a,
the
weakness an
merits and how limited the services of him who now stands
mates, the source of much
since we were
affairs of which from 5 years to 5 years, ever s 0
pean
before you—(No)—in comparison of the immortal services born, and long before, have been the subject
of
Eurress any
and of the merits, scarcely to be estimated, of him whose discussion and arrangement. Wedo nottneanto
name has to-day been placed in juxtaposition to opinion upon those deep questions which develop
of the them-
mine—pleasing,Otto-
indeed, and flattering to me, but selves out of the peculiar internal organisation
dominions of the
Empire. So far as the European.
this ex
less, far less than the memory of that great man man know that it presents extra-
ordinary are concerned, we
three millions of perilous
deserves. To you, Mr. Mayor, as representing the ordinary political solecism, that th . _
h, exercise—l will not call
corporation, and to M. Bazley and Mr. Turner, is professin the Mussulma faith,
it by
the mild name of
connected with those distinguished associations which it despotism, bntl will
twelve millions of our
I know in themselves represent no small portion of the fellow Christians. We dont intend to enter into the
mind and influence of Manchester with respect to public te9w-
iniestions which arise out of this state of things,
affairs, I tender my most sincere and profound thanks for But what we say is this, that it is necessary to have
the part which you personally have borne, and for the part
which those you represent have borne, in presenting me some regulation in the distribution of power in Europe,
and that the absorption of territory by one power
with these addresses ; and though I feel that you have in the government of Europe, which, would follow upon its
greatly overvalued the merits which are due, if any are due,
conquest of the Ottoman Empire, would be so dangerous
to my personal character and public acts, yet not on that
l d to the peace of Europe, that it is the duty of England, at
account most assuredly is the sense of gratitude enfeebled
whatever cost, to set herself against it. The principle has
with which you have impressed me, and which will neverlet._
been fully recognised in all discussions and all measures
be effaced. (Cheers.) But I have done with persona
taken in connection with the great Eastern question. But, servations, for I know that highly coloured as is the tone
having made that recognition, and having laid down. the of your feelings, yet I may take it at least as avnerexrtiaredsysione
t condition that the absorption 9f the Ottoman empire by of that indulgent judgment whichyou are
dat the same time as external force cannot be permitted—subject to that condi-
pass upon the efforts of public men, an .
adhering to cer- tion, and to any reasonable interpretation which that con-
an expression of the interest you take
which principles you feel dition involves—her Majesty's Government have adopted, tarn principles of public policr,e
the count (Loud cheers.) and have acted upon the principle, that it is their duty, if
to be vital to the welfare of
I nsider with whom lam asso- necessary, against or beyond hope, at all events as long as
1 And I must say that when c
leblush less than I otherwise a rational hope exists, to labour for the maintenance of elated in the public service
this tribute of public appro. peace. (Loud cheers.) Now, Mr. Mayor and gentlemen, would have done at receiving
bation and regard, which y
leagues in the Government,
I hope I may say are no
ou have paid to me and my col- that is what the Government has desired to do. (Hear,
and which with respect to them , hear-) There has grown up in Europe of late years a prac-
t altogether undeserved. It is I ; tice of comb' • the great Poore for the difficulties
combining pow

---
,---
arising in „'4"----4-'277diffelenttris ally beasvoien7persons have
been most desirous t a systemof international arbitration
should take the place of war, with all its frightfuLoonse-
quences. This is not the opportunity to discuss the theory
of those gentlemen, considered as a theory, but it is an op-
portunity on which we may observe, not without satisfac-
tion, that some degree of real progress has been made and
exemplified within the last twenty years in the history of
Europe towards the substitution of arbitration for war.
(Hear, hear.) The miseries of war between Belgium and
Holland were prevented by the intervention of some of
the great powers of Europe, not by a perfect machinery,
but by a machinery that was better than no machinery at
was
all- (Hear, hear.) That influenee of the great powers
used to bring to a termination the civil war that
afflicted Spain, and on other European questions a similar
influence was exercised with similar effect. (Hear,
hear, hear.) In the case of the Ottoman dominions
themselves, in the year 1840, a war between the Pacha
of Egypt and the Sultan was brought to a termination
by the agency of the European powers. (Hear, hear.) The
kingdom of Greece, which we may live to see, or at all
events our children may live to see, playing an honourable
part in the affairs of Europe—that kingdom was relieved
from the consequences of war by a similar action on the part
of the great powers of Europe. (Hear, hear.) It is well
that so much has been done ; and these are causes iu which
the effusion of blood was prevented, or its continuance was
stopped, by pacific intervention. (Hear, hear.) That in-
tervention is to be distinguished from a meddlesome inter-
vention, that would involve us in particular quarrels ;
because it is not an intervention of an officious State un-
dertaking to settle the affairs of its neighbours, but it is
an intervention or agency of States that represent the com-
bined force of Europe, and have a right to say to Europe,
with something like authority, that a particular corner or
portion of Europe shall not break the general peace, or
set us all by the ears on account of petty local arrange-
ments—(hear, hear)— and to recommend them to enter into
arrangements that will be for the interest of and satisfac-
tory to all parties. (Cheers.) Such an intervention is
devoid, I know, of the heroic and romantic appearance
that belongs to achievements in war ; it is clogged with
intrigue, vexation, and delay and chicane. That is true ;
but as the result contemplated is the saving of the effusion
of human blood, and the averting of a calamity that would
disturb the operation of industry, and deprive nations of
their subsistence, surely the sacrifice is small, and surely
the reward is great. (Cheers.) Now, Mr. Mayor and
gentlemen, I have detained you much longer than I
thought I should have done, but I have been led onward,
I must say, by your kindness and indulgence, to speak to
a greater extent in regard to matters of foreign policy
than I had intended. (Hear, hoar.) The Chancellor of
the Exchequer, you must know, gentlemen, in his official
capacity, is opposed pretty nearly to all wars—(laughter)—
but at the same time the present Chancellor of the Exche-
quer in his official capacity is also of opinion that good
financial arrangements are amongst the most importait
preparations for war—(hear, hear, and cheers)—when
a war is necessary • and so far as finance is concerned,
I do not think that England has ever been better
prepared for a war than at present. (Loud cheers.)
Matters have been reduced to a state of simplicity ;
and in advertieg to certain persons who have been more
anxious to resort to arms than I could wish, I must say I
really suppose those gentlemen are so satisfied with the
present legislative acceptance of the income tax by the
masses of the people, which has been embodied in an act
of Parliament for a term of seven years, that they think it
would be convenient to bring in a bill to double or treble
the income tax—a simple operation so far as the House of
Commons is concerned. (Laughter.) Twelvemonths ago
we heard much of a measure that would produce a good
deal of money, namely, the doubling of the house tax ;
there may be a portion, but surely not a large portion, of
the community with which that measure would become
popular. (Laughter.) But I can assure you that it is not
only as charged in my official capacity with the finances of
the
the country that I deprecate war—because we all, advisers
of Crown, and responsible in this great question of Eu-
ropean policy, entertain the same sentiments—whether as
a minister, a Christian, or • man, I cannot but entertain
from the bottom of my heart those principles - and, more-
over, those are the principles on which her Majesty's Mi-
nisters have endeavoured to secure the honour of the
Crown and the best interests of the country. (Loud
cheers.) With respect to questions of domestic policy, I
need not detain you long, for the subject of the greatest
interest in our domestic policy is the subject on which
Manchester has spoken out to-day more audibly and em-
phatically than any man or community could speak by
mere words. We have the happiness of having reached a
time when arguments and statements are absolutely need-
less with regard to the principles which ought to regulate
our financial and commercial legislation. In accepting,
with deep thankfulness, the expression of approbation
which you have accorded to the efforts of GovernmeSts,
of /public men, and of Parliaments in recent years, I am
well aware, and, indeed, your addresses wearld have
made me aware, that you look not to the past only but
I likewise to the future. Much, no doubt, has been
achieved, but in the vast and ever-extending concerns
of this mighty empire, as far as my experience goes, I
would say that the more active Parliament becomes in
the work of legislation, not less but more remains to do.
New social wants are daily developed—new improvements
suggested. It is a blessed career to which we are called—
& career of wise and vigorous improvement—and to that
career in public affairs I do not believe any termination
can be affixed. At present there is to me a real reason for
gratification in the state of the public revenue which has
just been declared. There is an apparent increase on the
quarter's revenue of 400,0001., when compared with the
corresponding quarter of 1852, which was likewisea period
of great prosperity. A strict analysis, lam bound to say,
would make a considerable diminution in that apparent
increase ; but still it is true that, on the revenue of the
quarter there is a real increase, and that under circum-
stances which render the increase peculiarly gratifying.
During last session of Parliament we repealed taxes with
no sparing hand. The address from the Chamber of Com-
merce says that they would have been pleased if the duties
on silks, wines, and some other articles had been abolished.
Gentlemen, my answer is, so should I. (Great laughter
and cheers). But they will 'freely admit, lam sure, that
it is our duty to conform our measures to the exigencies
of the State, and that, above all, it is wise, at whatever
apparent sactifice, to affix such limits to the reduction and
modification of taxation, as ensures to the public an im-
mense benefit and advantage, which is the great secret of
the strength of our commerzial undertakings—the limit,
I mean, of having always a surplus revenue. (Cheers.)
I think the repeal of taxes last session, which are all now
in operation, passed two millions. To provide for the
deficit thus created WO had to look to three sources—
the augmentation of the spirit duties in Scotland and
Ireland, the extension of the income-tax, and the
succession duties. At the present moment we have not
derived more than a mere drop in the water from the
extension of the income tax—the sum of about 10,0001.
We have not yet obtained one single farthing from the new
tax on successions. The spirit duties alone are in operation;
and on that account I think you will agree with me,
that when all our reductions have taken full effect—and
the principal sources of our increase have not yet come
into practical operation—an increase of revenue on the
quarter is a most gratifying indication of the strength of
our finances. (Cheers.) That is the case with respect to
the prosperity of the country, as indicated by the revenue
of the quarter. Reference was made in the proceedings of
the council to the subject of the paper duties. Well, now,
I must venture to tell you—though the confession works
against myself—that when public curiosity is excited in
reference to any measure, you cannot possibly have a more
inconvenient or a more impracticable guest than the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer. (Great laughter and cheering.)
Gentlemen holding other offices may enter with tolerable
freedom into discussion, and may announce their intention
to introduce this or that measure into Parliament. But,
though I confess I never felt more disposed to depart from
the old and salutary rule than at present, yet I must re-
member that the lips of the man who holds my unfortunate
situation are hermetically sealed till the day and the hour
or the moment arrives when it is his duty to rise in the
House of Commons and
antherbing forward the budget. There-
fore, on the subject
very little to say. I had the pleasure of aeeing, yesterday,
in the extensive warehouses of a gentleman whom I see
present, that beautiful manipulation—for beautiful it cer-
tainly is—of packing goods for exportation. It was im-
possible not to observe in the package the quantity of paper
that was used. I don't know that there was less than 10
pound or 15 pound weight of paper altogether, which is
liable to the Excise duty of lid. per pound. It is quite
obvious to me that the penny-halfpenny a pound laid upon
the paper—that is upon the package—might as well, so far
as the practical operation of the ditty is concerned, be laid
upon the commodities themselves; and, therefore, un-
doubtedly, the principle which has led Parliament to ex-
empt the great manufactures of this country from the ex-
tremely practical and onerous operation of the Excise duty
is perfectly capable of extension—(hear, hear)—when the
proper time arrives and circumstances permit it.
_(Laughter, which the right hon. gentleman himself heartily joined.)
That principle is perfectly capable of extension to the mate-
rial in which those manufactures are wrapped—that is,
gentlemen, really the whole I have to say upon the sub-
ject. (Renewed laughter.) It is here stated, in their
address by the town council, that they hope to witness, as
the result of the policy we have advocated, the continuing
and increasing prosperity of all classes in the country.
There is one reference in the address of the corporation
that I must briefly notice. It is stated here that we have
re-enacted the income taxand
Avith the clear distinct un-
derstanding that at the expiration of the
renewed term
for which it is imposed such taxation was to be rePrledi
Gentlemen, in a very few werde,ml
mwillysesltia not t 4
particularlyyon
aw
consider that matter stands. It
anxious respecting the income
.a ,ax
on this ground, that it
recionstruct it, and it being impossibleetclhuoauligtuy
is impossible to.
ander a; o inn,
a sense of idnjutsttaicee
to reconstruct it,
sfoundpwilling
on the part
ofof
Ethneglpaunbdhcmaayttenbe
the people to ac-
cept and submit to it, either to attain a great object of
("0 or to ward off a national danger ; but it is
npoutb
wlicellgsuited, I think, to form part of the ordinary
in regard to what
of taxation. (Hear, hear.) But,
1 , it would be in-
ld be ludic
system Parliament may have done respecting 't
effectual, it WOOludicrous on their part to bind the
) The present Perlis-
parliament of 1860. (Hear, hear.
inent have done no such thing, 'What they have done is
this—knowing that a promise at present for the removal
of the income tax would be delusive, and would form part
of that system of public imposture which, I hope, will
never be admitted into the government of this country—
(cheers)—namely, a System of conducting public affairs by
promises instead of by performances—knowing that we
never asked Parliament to bind a future Parliament to
the repeal or continuance of the income tax—(hear, hear)—
we asked Parliament to adopt positive measures for
the reduction of the income tax in the time that is to
elapse between 185:3 and 1860, and likewise by drawing
from another source—namely, the succession tax, money,
which might, in some considerable degree, replace the re-
duction of the income tax—(hear)—we asked them, by
adopting this measure, so to reduce the amount of the
income tax, and shape the other financial resources of the
ct.untry, that in all human probability, and barring the
calamity of a general war, that when the year 1860 shall
arrive, the Parliament of that period may be able to do
what no Parliament since 1840 has been able to do—that is,
to exercise freely an unbiassed judgment on the question,
whether there is to be an income tax or no income tax.
That is what we have done, no more and no less : we have
enabled the people of the country to say, by their represen-
tatives—to say, at a certain time, whether they will part
with the income tax, or whether, which, for my part, I
hope they will not, they will continue it as part of our
ordinary system of taxation. (Hear, hear.) Without
subterfuge and without evasion, I have endeavoured to
place before you what the Government intend to do, and I
leave you to exercise your free unbiassed discretion on the
subject. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the continuing and
I increasing prosperity of the country, I believe that is an
admitted truth. (Hear, hear.) We are living now in a
time when the prices of grain have become very high, but
so far as I am aware, no single voice has been raised in
to murmuring accents, from one end of the country . the
I other, on account of the high price. Those high prices are
paid with contentment,
because they are the result of the
which He wisdom of the Almighty, and of that inclemency
...
has seen should be permitted. .(Cheers.) The intelligence