The Sun.
London, England, 1846-07-30 00:00:00

COBDEN TESTIMONIAL.

(BY EXPRESS,)

BRISTOL, WEDNESDAY MORNING.

Yesterday evening, pursuant to advertiseme..it, a meeting
of the members of the Bristol Auxiliary to the League was
held at the public rooms, Broadmead, to carry out the reso-
lution of the general body with reference to the dissolution.
or rather suspension of the operations of the League, and to
promote the subscription towards the " Cobden testi-
monial."

GEORGE THOMAS, Esq., chairman of the Bristol Corn.
mittee, presided, and expressed his regret at the absence of
Dr. Bowring, M.l'., occasioned by his necessary attendance
at his post in the House of Commons upon the
cotftemplated division upon the Sugar Duties question. The
Chairman, during his address, took a general view of
the operations of the League, and in appropriate terms
alluded to the part which Bristol had taken in the matter.
He particularly impressed upon the members of the League
present that their labours were not yet fully accomplished,
and that, therefore, the LeagaThvas not finally dissolved.
Occasions might arise, circumstances might transpire,
which would require that the energies of fthe League
,
should be put forth in all their power. Their
work, hitherto so gloriously carried out, would not .he con-
summated till 1849, by which time, if not properly watched
and checked, the Protectionist party might introduce some
measure which would completely subvert the object which
the League had in view ; therefore the League was not yet
completely defunct ; it slept awhile, awaiting the period, if
such should arise, when its energies may be legitimately
called forth.

Tualms DAVIS, Esq., merchant, of Bristol, read a
'very elaborate report, drawn up with extreme care,
and, we may add, consummate judgment. Topics
of general interest were adverted to, were commented
upon, were disposed of with a masterly hand. Those
of a more local character were dilated upon just as mat-
ters required that they should be, and no more ; no elaborate
display—no over-weening compliments, but honour to whom
honour was due was liberally yet eloquently paid. The
Committee's allusion to the efforts of Richard Cobden was
that which might be expected. His unwearied efforts—
his great personal sacrifices—his untiring energy—his
zeal, his ability, his devotion, called forth almost universal
commendation, whilst, at the same time, the forcible yet
simple way in which he propounded his arguments fascinated
his bitterest opponents. [From want of space, it iS impos-
sible to follow the report through all the topics embraced
therein.]
RICHARD COOTES, Esq., moved the adoption of the report,
which was seconded by ELIJAH BARING, Esq., merchant, of
Bristol.

IlarotAN VISGER, a merchant of Bristol, in seconding the
motion, recommended the meeting to att end to the registration
courts. Sir Robert Peel once said that the battle of the Con-
stitution was to be fought in the registration courts. He
hoped that the free-traders would take a lesson from that,
and not neglect their battle were alone it could be fought.
Mr. JostAtt HUNT, a farmer of Gloucestershire to a very
great extent, next addressed the meeting. He had advo-
cated the repeal of the corn-laws, from a belief that they
were inimical to his own interests, but more particularly
because he considered they were essentially unjust. It had
been supposed that the landed interest would be materially
affected by the repeal of those obnoxious laws—the impost
upon labour—the tax upon commercial industry : that
interest might be affected, but it would not be injured ; and,
in his opinion, no better proof than that existed in the cir-
cumstance that the landowners, so far at any rate as had
come to his knowledge, had abated one jot of their rents ; on
the contrary, he believed that rents were rising.—(Hear.)
He believed that the repeal of the corn-laws was the best step
that could be taken to advance and promote even the interests
of agriculture. In his opinion hitherto the agriculturists had
been trusting to a broken reed. The farmer had been trust-
ing to the corn-laws, but to show the fallacy of reliances
upon principles so utterly untenable as those by which the
corn-laws were attempted to be upheld, he would inform the
meeting that no landowner would take a tenant for his farms
unless he could have his full amount of rent, nor would he let
a mill unless he could do it upon what he considered equitable
terms. The question as to the remuneration of farm-labourers
had occupied a considerable portion of public, and he might
saypractical, attention. The Hon. Member for East Somerset,
who stood high in esteem for his judgment and business-like
habits, was mistaken in his ideas upon this subject. lie had
maintained that if the price of wheat were reduced, a pro-
portionate reduction in wages must follow. He (Mr.
Hunt) as a member of the agricultural ..world,
would say, in reply, "No such thing." In the face
of the repeal of the corn-laws wages had risen con-
siderably—(Cheers)—and they were at that time higher
in the agricultural districts than they had been for the last
thirty years.—( Loud cheering.) The great demand for
labour in the agricultural districts had caused the scarcity.
That demand, great as it was at present, would go on increas-
ing, and the result he hoped, would be that the industrialclasses
would reap a great advantage. As to the League, he must say
that from some of its lending members, and more particularly
from Richard Cobden, he had received more instruction than
from any other quarter iu the world; and he was sure that
the instruction emanating therefrom, whether from the
general body, or from Richard Cobden in particular,
had been productive of much good to the
labourer, the tenant•farmer, and the landlord—witness
James Adam Gordon.—(Cries of " Hear, hear.") It would
always be found that the supply and demand would
regulate the scale of wages as they did everything else.
The independent tenant-farmers would survive the shock—
those who were not under the thumb of their landlords
would be able to succeed, and those who were shackled
must endeavour to free themselves.—(Cheers.) Under such
landlords as Earl Ducie, Mr. Bergough, and others,—
innumerable he could mention—tenants were happy and con-
tented. Why should not such a state of things be extended
over the whole of the agricultural territory of Britain?—
(Cheers.) Reverting once more to the corn question, he
must say that, so far as his experience went,
there was to be found amongst the farmers the
utmost indifference as to whether the present or the
amended system of corn-laws existed. On the Exchange in
they (the corn growers) were now ilre-p-alea-tob ich..w...a21, that
food for the people, and not drive the natives to have re-
course to either Russia or the Polanders for subsistence.

EDWARD SMITH, Esq.. of Sheffield, next addressed the
meeting. In general, though very pleasing and attractive
terms, he advocated the claims of the Anti. Corn-law
League, and defended its policy. He particularly referred to
the registration, adverting to the calamity which befel the
Wort Riding of Yorkshire in particular, and the
country generally, when Lord Morpeth was re-
jected at the election in 1841, and contrasting it with
the present aspect of affairs, liberal and enlightened prin-
ciples being in the ascendant, triumphing over those of in-
tolerance, bigotry, and consummate self-interest. The
speech, which was one of considerable length and marked
ability, was listened to with general attention, and received
with hearty applause.
The Rev. G. Arms'molter attracted the attention of the
meeting with one of his characteristic addresses—forcible in
argument, eloquent in language, powerful in declama-
tion, yet merciful towards a fallen foe % exposing the
errors of the past, pourtraying, in glowing colours, the
advantages which will result from effective well-timed
measures for the future, the Reverend Gentleman car-
ried with him the feelings, the sympathies, the affections of
his audience. But when, in his own peculiar way, he brought
his extraordinary mind to bear upon the efforts, the ser-
vices, the labours, the anxieties, the responsibilities of
Richard Cobden, the effect was electrical, the
company rose en masse, and did honour to the
heart and eloquence of the speaker, whilst they
manifested their adoration of the distinguished
individual who was the subject of so much eloquence. We
cannot follow the Rev. Gentleman through his most inte-
resting address; all we can add is, that it was listened to with
breathless attention, excepting when some brilliant allusion
to past victory compelled the company to respond
to it with loud cheering.
After one or two more speeches a subscription was set
on foot, and, I believe, is very liberal; but, at the time of
closing my parcel, I cannot give you the exact amount.
The usual vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman, and
the meeting separated.
I am credibly informed that, in a few weeks, there will be
a grand banquet in: Bristol to celebrate the triumph of the
League. Earl Fitzhardinge, Earl Dude, the Hon. Grautley
Berkeley, Mr. C. Berkeley (the Member for thecity), and Mr.
F. 11. Berkeley, with a brilliant company, are expected to
attend.
A subscription was opened, headed by George Thomas,
Esq., for 100/., Wm. Tothill, 1001., Ed. 'Thomas. 50/. Se-
veral other sums were mentioned • and it is expected the
contribution from Bristol will exceed 1,000/.

UNITED MEXIC
lATI AN
ON. MINING AS
SOC

A meeting of this Association was held yesterday, at the
London Tavern, but reporters were refused admission.

DIRECT MANCHESTER AND LON-
DON RAILWAY COMPANY (RASTRICK'S
LINE).
A meeting of the shareholders of this Company took place
yesterday in the London Tavern, under the provisions of
an Act of Parliament entitled the Railways Dissolution Bill.
Mr. J. Dillon took the chair.
The CHAIRMAN said tbat their efforts to obtain a Bill had
failed, in consequence of the mere formal difficulties placed
in their way by the standing orders of the House of Com-
mons. It was said that an amalgamation existed between
them and the Remington line, but such was not the
case. They held 400,0001., and they were attempted to be
forced into an implied Jrnalgamation with a company which
did not possess more than 7,000/. they had returned 3/. 10s.
a share, and they reserved a sum varying from
70,000/. to 80,0001. to preserve themselves against the risks to
which they were exposed by threats held out against them
oflaw proceedings—and they were now prepared to pay back
the remainder of the money as soon as they were relieved
from i'he danger of these proceedings. The Company was,
therefore; dissolved before the Act under which they met that
day came into operation, and they accordingly were not af-
fected by it. He considered that the whole meeting was
illegal ; they h sd not even sufficient to constitute it, as the
had received the return on their shares
shareholders who'
bad retired from tL'e Company, and no longer possessed any
right to vote or be 1 wesent at their meeting.
Mr. Pocock said ti \at he repeatedly applied for informa-
tion whether an a. italgamation existed or not with
Remington's line, but his applications. either by letter
or personally, were equal 'ly disregarded; he was refused all
information, and he consic, ered that the conduct of the direc-
tors was most discreditabi e and disgraceful in withholding
that information, and he sh %dd. move the appointment of
scrutineers.
Mr. RICHARDSON said that if the expenses amounted to
twenty-five shillings a share, at lel' receiving 42,000/. from
Remington's line, he did not bell, sys that the directors had
acted as they ought to have clone by t he directors.
An amendment was then put that; tile question be not now
put, which was declared to be carrit 3d, and the original reso-
lution was then declared to have b ten lost.
The meeting was then adjourned

EVENING CONCERT. —A feN v evenings ago Mrs.
Stephen Chambers gave another d 'elightful concert at her
house in Soho-square. She certa inly deserves to a large
extent the admiration with which he r cenius filled her select
and fastidious hearers. Selberbergm rav even better than on
the preceding occasion : his violin seer a ed an animated being.
Miss Ellen Lyon sang very sweetly ; but the chief attraction
of the evening consisted in the admit -s ,ble compositions, ad-
mirably performed, of Mrs. Stephen (A iambere herself.
REPRESENTATION or TYRONE.—Th a re are already symp-
toms of opposition to Lord Claude hirer re are
by the Orange
party. It is said that they will sta',..t as a candidate Mr.
Verner, son of Sir William Verner, one ,'f the present Mem-
Dere Or ApplaU coulit7.
.