The Sun.
London, England, 1846-07-13 00:00:00

. _
that so bind Myself. —(tielr, hear.) 'As 't.(l the
question of universal suffrage, I will observe
that I am not prepared to say that I will not sup-
port a gradual extension of the suffrage, the
subject goes hand in hand with education, and
I for one would be very glad to see the people fitted to

hold such a power by the blessings of education—(Hear,

hear)—and with reference to the other question put to

me, I can give no pledge whatever. I am a friend to
religious liberty in its fullest extent, but it would
be exceedingly improper in me to give a pledge upon the
subject, especially when I am aware that the greater
portion of my fellow-countrymen hold opinions adverse
to those of the last speaker.—(Cheers.)

Mr. Box did not wish to be troublesome.
Mr. CHILDS, the returning officer, then put the matter
:o the vote, and after the show of hands, declared Charles

Richard Fox, Esq., to be the representative of the Tower

Hamlets.

Colonel Fox, in presenting himself to the electors.
felt great diffidence in replying to the several ob•
servations which had been addressed to him

but in doing so he felt bound to _ acknowledge

he courtesy which had been shown to him on the pre-

sent occasion, and especially to his friend Mr. Offor.
He had for five years represented them in Parliament,
and during that time he was not aware that there
had been any cause for forfeiting the good
opinion which the people had expressed on

his last election. He could well echo the opinions oi
his friend Mr. Offor, and state that he had the oppor•

tunity of withdrawing any of his opinions on the corn
laws, but this he could not do, for he had uniform):
advocated the principles of free intercourse of the peoph
of different countries. During the last five years such
had been his policy, and such was the policy which he
determined to observe. Thus, then, with regard to tin.
important measure of the corn-laws, there were other
considerations to be taken into account. With regard to
the corn-laws, he was happy that any measure had been
propounded which was likely to bring bread cheaper to
the poor man's house. He rejoiced that the Ministers
lately in power had been sufficiently ready tip
carry their measures. With respect to the corn-
laws, he should observe that nothing more could possibly
have arisen to confirm the opinion which he had always
entertained towards the measures of those who were,
until now, her Majesty's Ministers. He believed them
to _be most important measures, and such as
should be received with all respect. He would
not talk much of the speech of his Hon.
Friend, but there was one point to which
he was bound to allude, and that was the effect likely to
be wrought on the commercial policy of the country by
the repeal of the corn-laws. On this subject he had
few observations to offer, but the bulk of them might be
comprised in the assertion that their repeal would be of
infinite benefit to the community at large. With respect
to the grant to Maynooth College, all he had
to say was, that on all subjects there ought to be a libe-
rality of feeling, and of course the greatest liberality
was to be expected on the question of religion ; and
certainly, in the assertion of their just rights,
the Roman Catholics would have his support.
Had his feelings, indeed, been consulted, this
relief would have been granted long ago.
But he did not doubt but that the House of Commons
would soon recognise their claims, and that the relief
sought would be effectually afforded. With respect to the
poor-laws, he was quite ready to give in his adhesion to
the assertion that they were necessary for the general wel•
fare. If they could be modified so as to meet the com-
mon objects of society all the better, but this he did not
anticipate. He only looked for a modification of the
system at present. With respect to the subject of edu-
cation, he was bound to say that it would obtain his
warmest support ; but yet he did hope that, in under-
taking it, the Government would have a special refe-
rence to the condition of the people. With respect to
universal suffrage, he must frankly declare that he was
not at present prepared to go its whole length. The
richer and more intelligent classes had already their
opportunities, and his impression was that at the present
-moment the extension of the suffrage would be of no
benefit whatever. There was another subject of very
great importance, to which he had not as yet alluded—
that was the health of Towns Commission, which is
proposed for limiting the erection of buildings which
shall have the effect of preventing the free action of
the air around the dwellings of the poor. Then there
was the question of the sewerage of that extensive dis-
trict. In considering the position of the several parties
thus engaged, they must not forget those for whom their
support had been solicited, and, in remembering this,
they would also remember that there was a reason
alleged for their support of a principle which is inherent
in the constitution, and for which no men had struggled
more strenuously than themselves. He trusted he had
answered every question which had been put to him; he
thought he had, but if not he should be glad to meet the
inquiries of any gentleman who might be dissatisfied
with his Parliamentary conduct.—(Loud cheers.)
Mr. HORTON thought the explanation of their
candidate was quite satisfactory, but yet he thought
that the constituency ought to be satisfied on
some points, especially those that had reference
to civil and religious liberty. There was nothing
comparable to this, and when he recollected that the
confines of this borough included the number of 68,000
souls, and that the parish had only 38,000, he considered
the evidence to be conclusive of the course
which ought to be pursued by all parties.
The sugar duties were now engaging the whole
world, and the sooner this question was settled the
better.—(Hear.) They might think they were getting
sugar for sd. a pound, but he was a grocer himself, and
could tell them a different tale.—(A laugh.) After
some further observations deprecating delay in the pass-
ing of other measures of a similar nature and of the
terms Whig and Tory, the speaker concluded by asking
the Hon. Member (Colonel Fox) whether he would ad-
vocate the abolition of church-rates.
Colonel Fox said, that though advised not to answer
the question, he would do so. He would give his as-
sistance, without pledging himself to any specific mea-
sure, to the removal of any unjust restrictions in this
particular.—(Cheers.)
Colonel Fox proposed a vote of thanks to the return.
ing officer, which was seconded by Mr. OFFOR, and
acknowledged by Mr. Child. The meeting then
separated.