The Sun.
London, England, 1871-02-01 00:00:00

THE ROYAL MARRIAGE.

During the Birmingham meeting of electors on Monday
an exciting scene took place when the question of a dowry
for the Princess Louise was discussed. We extract the
following full report from the local papers :
The Mayor : I understand that it is the wish of the meet-
ing that Mr. Dixon, 11LP., should express his views on
the Princess Louise's dowry. (Loud cheers.)

Mr. Dixon, on rising, was received with great uproar.
He said : Mr. Mayor,—l have had an intimation that in .
the course of this weeic—(" Oh," and uproar)--that in
the course of this week a deputation will wait upon Mr.
Muntz and myself to ascertain our views on this question
—(" Oh," and cheers) ; and when that deputation comes
to us, I have no doubt that the subject will be entered
into at length, and a'report of what we say will probably
be printed in the newspapers—(cries of "Let's have it
now," and groans)—consequently it is not necessary that
we should say much to-night. (Cries of " Yes " and
" No.") It is not my intention—(great uproar, Which
lasted for several minutes). At length, comparative order
was restored, and in reply to loud demands that
he should speak up plainly, the hon.. member said :
Then it is not my intention to oppose the dowry to the
Princess Louise. (Terrific groans, hisses, and a few
cheers, during which the majority of the persons on the
platform cheered, and the people in the body of the hall
gave vent to groans and hisses. Mr. Dixon resumed his
seat amid a Babel of sounds and general disorder.)
Mr. Muntz, on rising, was received with groans and
hisses. He said : I can tell you—(groans)—with regard
to the dowry of the Princess Louise—(groans)—except
that I have seen it mentioned in the newspapers, I have
scarcely thought on the subject—(cries of "Oh 1"). But
there is no question in my mind, and in the minds of
others, that at the end of the last century a compact was
entered into with the Crown—(groans, and cries of
" That won't do ") with regard to the Civil List—
(uproar, and a voice : " Away with the whole of the Ger-
man princes ;" (cheers). At that time the Crown gave up
the koyal domains to the nation on certain conditions—
(uproar, and cries of " Who gave it them?") Whether
in those conditions—(uproar, and cries of " Answer the
question ; yes or no.") I can't say yes or no to a thing
that I don't know myself. (Hear, hear.) If in those
Conditions—if it is in that contract between the Crown
and the people that the Crown should give up its pro-
perty for a certain civil list—(cries of " No.)—if in that
contract there is an implied understanding and agreement
for a dowry for the Royal children, then I should cer-

tainly vote for the dowry.
(The greatest uproar ensued, the great majority of the
meeting groaning and hissing the hon. member with great
vi;,-ou,:. Some persons held up a paper under the Great
Gallery, bearing the words, "Read Reynolds's Weekly
Paper." The paper was thrown up to some persons in
front of the Great Gallery, where it was torn to pieces
and thrown upon the floor. The tearing of the paper was
followed by cries of " Chuck him over," and for some time
the uproar was incessant. The tumult, however, did not
eventuate in a fight, although at one time a scene of a
very lively character took place for the possession of the

paper.)
The Chairman, after the lapse of some time, obtained
a hearing. .He said : When your game of play is over,
we are ready to proceed with the business. Now, Mr,
Muntz. (Groans).
A Voice : We shall turn both out. (Great uproar).
Mr. Muntz again rose and tried to speak, but it was of
no avail.

•
A. Voice : They are Royal paupers, (Great uproar).

A Working Man stood up on his seat near the
reporters' gallery, and, producing a copy of Reynolds's
NovSpaper, cried out, Read that, Muiatz." The paper
was taken from the man's hand, and passed up to the
Chairman, who received it and placed it before him.

- ,
Mr. Muntz : I have not answered the question, You
stopped me in the middy of a sentence. (Hisses.)
I wish you would listen to what I have to
say. I will tell you what I was going to tell
you—(uproar----making a noise is not argument,
mind that. (Cheers). I was going to tell you this, that
if a compact was made, that contract must be held, for
every honest man would wish that if there is a contract,
implied or otherwise, it should be fulfilled. (Uproar.)
I don't hesitate to say that my feelings are against the
dowry ; but I can't answer yes or no to the question
till I know the fact. (Groans and hisses, which lasted
some time).