The Sun.
London, England, 1856-03-27 00:00:00

LONDO/kZ, THURSDAY EVENING, MARCH 27, 1856.

FREE TRADE WITH FRANC.S.

GREAT OPEN-AIR MEETING AT HANLEY.
One of the monster meetings that seem peculiar to the
manufacturing districts was held on Tuesday at the Mar-
ket-place, Hanley, for tho purpose of taking into considera-
tion the best mode of carrying out Vie free-trade principle
with France, in regard to the exportation of the pottery
manufacture. For some time past a desire to accomplish
this object has been in existence, and peace seeming about
to be established it was doomed a fitting opportunity to
bring the matter prominently before the country. A corn-
ea ttec, under the name of the Angte-French Free Trade
Associath n, has been in existence for a period of 3 or 4
months, who have been engaged in obtaining materials
upon which to found the case they have to submit to the
Government of this country, as well as that of France;
and this meeting was convened under their auspices.
The meeting was convened for 2 o'clock in the afternoon,
but as early as 10 o'clock in the morning the various local
committees that have been formed in the places immedi-
ately adjacent to Hanley wore in motion, and processions
of potters were formed at Tunstall, Cobridge, Longton,
Shelton, Etruria, and Burslern, to proceed to the appointed
place of rendezvous at Hanley.; and previous to the meet-
ing the several processions paraded the town, banners flys
iug, bands playing, and all the concomitant excitements of
such a state of things. In addition, there was the fact that
the day of meeting was Easter Tuesday, and that it was
market-day at Hanley. Shortly before 2 o'clock the several
processions moved up to the Market-place and took their
respective positions assigned them. The number of people
exceeded 10,000. As far as the eye could reach there was
one swaying sea of upturned faces. Every avenue lead-
ing to the Market-place was filled by anxious potters wish-
ing to hear what was to be said upon this question vitally
affecting their financial position, and
_every wiesePeresseset;
halennes beeereeteOre yr one mounter reaetiog, et platform
was erected for theesccommodation—of the spectators, and
the proceedings commenced, ab. ut half past two
o'clock, by Mr. Edwin Albut, the chief bailiff of Hanley,
being called upon to preside over the ineetiug.
Mr. ALBUT, in rising, said ho wished he had a voice
that would reach them all, to impress upon them the im-
portance of the movement to which they were then giving
their attendance.• Happily they would be addressed by
those who knew more, who had better voices, and were
more accustomed to public speaking, and who would
therefore put the matter in a better light. (Hear, hear.)
He should, therefore, satisfy himself by stating that he held
iu his hand letters from several gentlemen who were fa-
vourable to them. He had ono letter from Mr. Otway,
one of the members for Stafford. That gentleman in i-
mated that ho exceedingly regretted not being present on
thoccasion, but he sympathised with their management
Anoeer letter was from Mr. Alderman Copeland, and an-
other from Mr. Wedgewood, both of whom regretted their
compulsory absence. The next letter of apology was from
Mr. C. B. Adderley. He had also another letter to which
ho was somewhat sorry to refer, beceuse he felt that they
would all have liked to have seen their good friend, Mr.
Ricardo. (Hear, hear.) They knew, however, that they
could not have sunshine without clouds,• as they had seen
that day. These gentlemen to whose letters he had first
referred had all written in good health. (The crowd,
which was very dense, here began to away to and fro, and
a slight interruption took place. On the restoration of
order Mr. Albut resumed.) He, was speaking, he said, of
their good friend, Mr. Ricardo. They would all be sorry
to hear that he was confined to his bed by illness. He
held in his hand a letter from Mr. Ricardo, in which he
stated that he (Mr. Ricardo) was quite sorry that he
could not attend ; that he allows this matter to prey
upon his mind, and nothing had crossed him more
than his not being there. (Hear.) He (tho chairman)
was sure that when they again met Mr. Ricardo, it
would be a warmer welcome, if possible, than it had
hitherto been. (Cheers.) He would not detain them
longer, except simply to say that he felt rejoiced that they
had the opportunity of meeting upon that occasion ; and
he concluded by saying that he knew the gentlemen upon
whom he should call would be received with a good " Pot-
tery" cheer—that they would show them that they had
got d " Pottery pluck," and then no doubt they would
make good speeches. (Loud cheers.) He called upon Mr.
Bodley to move the first resolution.
Mr. BOD LEY, on rising, said that, very unfortunately
for him, he had been called upon to move the first resolu-
tion. He felt that it was a very responsible position to
strike the key-note on such an occasion as that which had
called them together. It was to him a source of unex-
pected ple tsur e that he found himself in their midst that
day—as theirs was an object which he did not hesitate to
say was one of the grandest that could have brought them
together. He hesitated not to say that never were there
seen so many intelligent men and women, congregated in
that place as on the present occasion, and with this one
peculise ity connected with it, that they wore all on one
side. He would road to them his resolution, and would
make very few observations, for he felt that he should best
consult the interests of the meeting and the objects they
have iu view, by giving way to the strangers whom t' el
were delighted to sec amongst theta, who were willing and
were lending them a helping hand in carrying out the ob-
jects they have in view. The resolution was as follows
—" That this meeting, considering the introduction of an
abundant supply of wholesome beverages into this country
well calculated to draw an inereesing revenue, and tend to
the advancement of our international relations as well as
the improvement of the moral and social condition of the
people, i- of opinion that an immediate and considerable
reduction of the duty on foreign and ether wines is indis-
reusable, and pledges itself to press the importance of such
a reduction on her Majesty's Government." He wished
every ono of them had a glass of French wine then. He
would leave the subject of the resolution to others who were
more acquainted with the matter, and content himself
with making one or two other remarks that bore upon the
general question. He did not hesitate to say that the de-
monstration of that day would confer lasting honour upon
the men with whom it had originated. (Cheers.) They had
set an example in that district, and he referred more espe-
cially to the working men—the potters of the district—an
example which, if followed throughout the length and
breadth of our land, would reflect honour upon all con-
cerned. The object they had in view —and when the reso-
lution spoke of the reduction in French and continental
wines, that was not the only object they had in view—that
was not all—they did not mean to have free trade only on
one side ; but what they aimed at was this--they asked
France to take their pots, and they in exchange would
take French wine, and in order to honour the wine would
drink it out of their own pots. It might seem egotistical in
him to refer to his visit to Paris (most of them were aware
of it) as he had already borne testimony to the interest ex-
cited in the minds of the French people upon the pottery
question—far it use to be remembered that at the Paris
Exhibition wherever you wont said the speaker, you might
pass stall after stall and see the persons looking, asking no
questions; but when you went into the Staffordshire pot-
eerier department—gentlemen were there who could testify
to the truth of his assertion—when you went into the Staf-
fordshire pottery department, what did you find ? Why,
you found that every Frenchman wanted to bay every-
thing. (Laughter.) There was a friend of his there—he
thought his grandmother must have been Irish—(laughter)
—labelled all his pottery " sold," and when he asked
him why he did so, he said the reason why he ticketed
" sold" was that he could not answer all the questions that
were put to him. Such was the fact, and he believed in
his heart the Emperor of the French intended that the
French people should themselves be gratified by having
their products whether there was free trade with France or
no. He road extracts from three or four letters received
by the firm he was proud to represent, Francis Morley and
Co., actually, however, one person who sympathised en-
tirely with this movement, and who would, he was sure, be
glad to contribute as every other manufacturer would.
The extracts he read were to the following effect. He did
not wish the press to note any remarks he made except
these—that the Emperor of France intends taking off the
prohibition this session, and in a few months we shall see a
new and fairer system inaction. He believed that such was
the intention of the Emperor, and the more he regarded the
dernonstranon they were then making he could not help
looking at it as representing to the minds of the Emperor
and the people another motive why they should get, what
they so much need, earthenware from the Staffordshire
Potteries. With these observations he would give way to
Mr. Smith Child. They would gat French wines if they
could, but if not they would still get France to take Staf-
fordshire wares, and there would then be no need of a reduce
tion in imposts upon wine. He had muchpleasure in mov-
ing the first resolution.
Mr. S. COLD, M.P., after congratulating himself and
the meeting upon their presence for the good purpose that
had included them to meet, said—l am hero to assist the
workmen whoartklradeene,m
thea m ops to praisewor-
thytters, wu
of Staffordshire
object. Ihope
the
he
w
accept my observations when I say that I deEire to be consi-
dered as one of themselves. The workmen of the potteries
cannot confer upon me a greater compliment than to be-
lieve that I, as far as in me lies, will promote their improv 0-
ment. You have a right to my presence mud advocacy. I
am also here as being personally interested in the great ob-
ject which you seek to accomplish. lam here not only as
representative of this division of the country, but as a
landowner of this district, who I conceive to be inte-
rested in the welfare of this district. The interests of
both are identical, and I can assure you that the land-
owner and the farmer desire that you should have as
much trade, and, therefore as much money as possible.
The owners of property in this district are still more
immediately interested, inasmuch as they are not in
the same position as the operatives, who can remove
their labour from out place to another The 44driler.

cannot take away his land. He must life or fall by the
condition of the population in the place. If trade is pros-
perous, of course he is prosperous ; but is trade be bad he
of course suffers. If, therefore, any one :..an be interested
iu this neighbourhood in this matter, it i, those whose pro_
perty lies in the district in which we are low met together.
I have said that I was endeavouring to salfil my duty as
your representative, but I must also say that I am here as
advocating my own interest. I feel, gen,lemen, that, for
physical reasons, I am unable to address Ton competently
or at any great length ; but, however, theobject for which
we are met together requires but little advocacy. (Hear.)
The workmen of the Potteries have'done themselves great
honour by this movement. They seek to improve their
own prosperity by the most praiseworthy means, by open-
ing fresh channels for their industry, and for the work of
their own hands. The most important int:Mien is, how
to accomplish the object we have in view. Sometitnge we
hear it truly said that things go on too smoothly. I there-
fore concur in the resolution which expresses a desire for
French wines, but don't think that the Claneellor of the
Exchequer will reduce them unless wo can show him a
reason why. That reason is, that Prance will remove the
prohibition off our china. If that be done it will stsnd
thus—we will take the duty off the wine if France will ad-
mit English crockery ; and it must be shown clearly to
France that her interest is involved in this ns well as our
own, for we have to deal with men and things as we find
them. Mr. Child here read an extract from the 2d chap-
ter of the 6th book of Disraeli's " Coningsbr," to which he
said his attention had that morning bass called by Mr.
Wright, one of the reporters of the StaffordBhire Sentinel,
and which he (Mr. Child) considered very interesting and
important. The following is the extract
" Lord Montuouth's dinners at rarif. wentallebistsd. It
was generally, agreed thaft,gusz_ *dr r.R_ffisagia.;thiAL4k....._,

sm7Wfor 'ettelt7
seemsersessee...--
_erpose,evere oceasisnally profeSefir their expenditure.-
hat, then, was thweecret spell of his auecees? The sins-
plestin the world, though none seemed aware of it. Ms.
lordship's plates were always hot ; 'whereas at Ptirisein the
best appointed houses, and at dinners which, for costly
'Materials and admirable art in their preparation, cannot
be surpassed, the effect is always considerably lessened, and
by a mode the most mortifying—by the mere circumstance
that every one at a French dinner is served on a cold plate.
The reason of a custom, or rather a necessity, which one
would think a nation so celebrated for their gastronomical
taste would recoil from, is really, it is believed, that the
ordinary French porcelain is FO very inferior that it cannot
endure the preparatory boat for dinner. The common
white pottery, fur e ample, which is in general use, mad
always found in the cafes, will not boar vicinage to a
brisk kitchen fire for half an hour. Now, if we only and
that treaty of counrucice with France which has been so
often on the point of completion, the fabrics of our unri-
valled potteries, in exchange for their capital wines, would
be found throughout France. The dinners of both coon -
tries would be improved ; the English would gain adelight-
ful beverage, and the French, for the first tinserin their
lives, would dine off hot plates. An unanswerable instance
of commercial reciprocity." ,
If, said the hon. gentleman, I talk for an hour I cannot
say anything more to the purpose than is said in that ex-
tract. Hethen called upon the meeting to leave no means
untried by which they might hope to bring about the ob-
jects of the association. They had sot a worthy example,
then why should they not appeal for co-operation to Shef-
field, to Manchester, to the great iron district, and to
Leeds ? Eieryone who had been in France must have ob-
served what poor clothing of coarse stuffs was. worn by the
peasantry of that country. It was enough on such a day
as that to make anyone shiver -to,think of it. He therefore
trusted that the association would leave no stoneemturned,
and they might bO sure no co-operatiou should be wanting on
his part. Heshould be happy to pledge the French in their own
wines, and he was sure they might be happy to take their
dinner from English crockery, and to travel on railways of
English iron. Mr. Smith Child concluded, amid loud cheer-
ing, by wishing all " God speed."
The HIGH BAILIFF then introduced Mr. Oliveira, and
called upon the meeting to give him three hearty cheers.
Several threes were given.
Mr. OLIVEIRA said—Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I am
much obliged to you for the kind invitation you have given
us to attend this meeting, and the complimentary manner
in which our names have been introduced to your notice.
The subject which you have taken is hand is one of very
great importance, considered in our relations with France,
and probably some other countries; and, as peace is about
to be restored to us, I think the movement you are making
of very great significancy. I have carefully examined the
very able pamphlet of Mr. Wm. Evans, upon the Anglo-
French Free Trade Association, and entirely concur in his
views upon the desirability of bringing shoat a mutual re-
duction of import duties between the two greet countries
which have been engaged during the war in advocating the
principles of civilisation and freedom, as opposed to the dog-
mas of absolutism. As I have the honour to be your guest,
and have no immediate interest in your manufactures, I
hope I may be permitted to make a few °marks, wbicb are,
of course, merely the result of observation. It is hardly

desirable, in an assembly of modern practical artificers, to
refer to the great antiquity and usefulness of your particu-
lar manufacture. I have, in the course of lengthened tra-
vels over a great portion of the globe, observed that in the
enciett cities of Mexico, in the pyramids and tombs of
Egypt, in the mausoleums and residences of Etruria, in the
lava-covered ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, in the
remains of the ancient cities of the Roman Empire, there
are always to be found evidences of the art of pottery, and
I recollect examining with much care, iu 1835, an establish-
ment near Pompeii, where a very fair imitation of ancient
Etruscan pottery existed, in which both the Egyptian and
Roman styles were reproduced, an i for some years past I
and the Staffordshire manufacturers have imitated, and
perhaps, in 133M0 respects, surpassed these admirable
modern works in point of design and refinement of execu-
tion. Beyond this brief reference to your chief manufac-
ture, I think I am hardly justified in making any further
remarks upon your particular interests. I will only further
add that, in my endeavours, as a member of the House of
Commons, to extend the wise and beneficial principles of
free trade, I will not forget the introduction of pottery
from Staffordshire into France at a low duty. I will now,
with the permission of this meeting, give some account of
the steps I have taken with regard to oar international re-
lations with France upon the question of a reduction of
the duty upon the wines of that country, and also of all
other wine producing countries in Europe. A vast deal of
inconsistency appears to have existed with regard to the
import duty on wines, and in various periods in our his-
tory we have altered the rate of duty sometimes for fiscal
or regal purposes, sometimes to spite France and to favour
Portugal (as by the Methuen treaty), but always, in my
mind, kept above the point necessary to encourage a large
consumption. With the opinions that I entertained on
this question, and the importance which in my judgment
it occupied in reference to international interests, I gave
ray undivided attention to it. In 1852 a committee of the
House of Commons sat for seven weeks to investigate the
whole question, and the body of evidence then obtained
was so favourable to an alteration of the prohibitive duty
then and now imposed, that I thought it a subject worthy
of constant and assiduous labour. I made that evidence my
text book, and subsequently visited all the great wino dis-
trietsin Europe, taking evidence on the spot at each locality
with reference to the supply, coat, and especially as to re-
ciprocity, and I am gratified in being able to say, that in
Paris, Bordeaux, Tours, Montpelier, and other parts of
France; in Lisbon, Oporto, and other wino districts of
Portugal ; in Xeres, Cadiz, and other parts of Spain ; in all
parts of Germany, Sicily, and same parts of Italy, I have
had but one response—that the market of England is their
great object—that they can produce largely-increased sup-
plies—that they a.re ready to reciprocate by a reduction of
the duty upon our goods ; and in proof of this I will, if
this meeting will allow me, refer to some passages in a
report which I presented to my committee, after a visit
to Paris and Bordeaux, in 1853, and I may be permitted to
state that the committee in question consisted of 120 mem-
bers of the House of Commons, and about 1,000 magis-
trates, medical and surgical practitioners, men of science,
and other persons whose observations are worthy of note :
—" I think it due to refer especially, amongst other par-
ties, to Mr. Duffour Dubergier, the very able president of
the Chamber of Commerce of Bordeaux, who happened to
be in Paris. From this last-named gentleman, a member
of the Conseil Seperieur du Commerce, I learned that a
very decided feeling towards reciprocity by a large reduc-
tion on British goods prevailed. The late change in the
duty upon iron and coal proved the fact, and Mr. Duber-
gier acquainted me that it had lately become a serious
matter of discussion to admit duty free into the ports of
France all articles used in the construction of ships, as
also to allow to foreign•built vessels in French ports an
equality to native-built ones. Further, that inquiries were
being made with a view to the admission of Baitish cotton
goods at a reduced duty, and that the general policy of the
Government was in the direction real acing the tariff." In
another part of this report is the following passage : —" Of
the disposition of the people of Bordeaux to assist in the
success of the great question we have in view, I can say
that it is universally very generous, and accompanied with
strong expressions in favour of reciprocal international
red action of duty." Again :—" Whilst at Paris, on my
way home, on conferring with M. Duffour Dubergier, we
thought the occasion justified our visiting the chief
mei nbers of the French Government, that the great in-
tere fits of the wine districts and the paramount question
of r eciprocity might be promoted through the results of
the efforts. made at Bordeaux. On the 12th instant,
accordingly, I had a long interview with M. Drouyn de
Lhuys, Minister for Foreign Affairs, accompanied by M.
Duffour Dubergier and M. Galos, when his excellency as-
sexed me of the desire felt by the French Government to
adopt and extend the principle of a reduced tariff, and in-
tirea.ted that it was the anxious wish of the administration
to carry out that principle (commenced with coal and iron)
to other articles, in which the manufactures of Great
Stitain would benefit. •On the 13th 4440, Re ere re:

cAved by M. Duces, Minister of Marine, who was equally
frank an l explicit as to the course of policy which the
French Government had resolved to pursue. On the 15th,
we had an interview with M. Marie, Minister of Com-
merce and Public Works, who impressed a warm interest
in the wine question, and a declaration that the tendency
of the French Government was towards a reduced tariff. On
allhands, mad from all these high sources of information, I
tiO a distinct spirit of progress in the great principles we
advocate. The cotton qirestion is being studied with
4tivity, and no doubt a report will shortly issue, justify.
ig a reduction of duty upon that very important branch
o British industry. The present time is opportune for
t o change internationally considered ; because France,
t e greatest wine producing country in the world, and une
With which it is desirable (in the interests of civilisation)
for Great Britain to cultivate the most intimate commer-
cial relations, has already commenced a system of commer-
oial freedom which will advance iu proportion as a like
spirit is evinced by us, and in which, if considered on the
narrow ground of self-interest, Great Britain will be the
chief gainer?' I recollect that upon the occasion of the
visit to France referred to in the report I have just quoted,
the subject of pottery was especially referred to, and
admitted by French statesmen to be ono that should be
included in the contemplated reduction. I Felieve I
may further add, that about that period the French Em-
peror was promoting other active inquiries for the same
object. The sudden outbreak of the war naturally
checked the advance of these negotiations, though I must
give the French Government the credit for having given
pireofs of its deterarination to continue in the course of re-
,i,uction by several decrees that have appeared during the
War. By a Parliamentary return presented by command
of „her. Majesty last seseion, it will be obieried that con-
..„ldaaxablti-0t44.440444kaL5.--tasirraof Piano. Portngal, and
Wain-took place between 1853 and-- 1855. 'ln France the
slOcrease in 1853 to 1835 Was :-:-fron,, pig, per ton, 374 per
-eint:; in bars, according to dimensions, from 33,i to 25;
per cent. ; plates, 50 per cent.,; steel, cut and wrought,
'from 50 to 75 per cent. Coals : By sea from Sable d'Olonne,
French vessels, exclusively, 40 per cent. ; to Da'nkirk,
foreign vessels, inclusively, per cwt., 20 per cent.
Coals : By all other parts (French vessels)... 50 per cent.
(Foreign ditto) ... 181 „

fl -

Coke
In Portugal the decrease in 1853 to 1855 was :
Cotton Thread (plaia No. 41 to 80) per lb. 33,i per cent.
(No. 120 and more) „ 58 „
• China (per 10011)..)
Porcelain 25 11
Iron Nails
In Spain the decrease in 1853 to 1855 was :
Iron Tools from per lb.
Copper Oro from 1,
Ziuc from ,e
In a subsequent report I made after a visit to the wine
district of Spain, in 1854, I find the following passage :
" A reduction of the Spanish tariff is very generally viewed
with favour in this part of Spain, it being obvious that the
prohibitory duties now imposed upon English goods dimi-
nish revenue and favour a band of smugglers, who combine
with Catalonians to keep matters as they are. Whenever
Spain may have a strong and enlightened Government,
these abuses will no doubt give way to a more liberal po-
licy." I have, in the last few years, frequently addressed
myself to the statesmen of all political parties in Portugal,
and find the same growing determination to reduce their
tariff. It is matter of notoriety that a commission for this
special objecthas been sitting in Madrid for some time past.
All through Germany, the States of the Zollverein included,
this subject has attracted much attention, and a reduction
of the duty upon German wines would give an impulse to
our trade with those countries, already amounting to the
large sum of 7,000,0001. sterling annually. Mr. Oliveira
then stated that in 1852 a committee of the House of Com-
moms was appointed to take evidence on the subject of an
international reduction of duty. Evidence was given be-
fore that committee by many eminent men, among whom
was Mr. Porter, the great authority in statistics, who was
in favour of a duty of ls. per imperial gallon, instead of
6s. The committee drew up a report, recommending the
alteration suggested by Mr. Porter, but it was not unani-
mously adopted. In 1853, Mr. Gladstone, then Chancellor
of the Exchequer, said that the subject was one well worthy
of consideration, but at that time he had made so many re-
ductions that it was believed the subject was not rips fur
legislation. Since that time, however, Mr. Gladstone had,
from his place in Parliament, given his support to the re-
duction. During the war with Russia it had been found
impossible to agitate the subject, but now that there was
great probability—he might almost say certainty—of peace,
the subject might be renewed, and its promoters would be
greatly cheered by the courage exhibited by the men of the
Staffordshile Potteries. Mr. Oliveira, after thanking the
useetipz:for the kind reception they had accorded to him,
retired amid lend applause.-
The resolution was then pat and carried by acclamation.
The Hon. F. L. GuwER moved the next resolution. After
apologising for the absence of his colleague, Mr. Ricardo,
and expressing on his behalf the interest he took in the
question under consideration, ho said--I must express my
admiration of this great demonstration. On this occasion,
the potters have surpassed even my expectations. I think
this meeting will be of essential service. I think it will
have the effect of turning the attention of the people anti
the Government to this matter; although I must say that
the latter are fully aware of its importance, and that both
at the Foreign•office anti the Board of Trade no opportu-
nity is allowed to pass of pressing upon other Govern-
ments any relaxation of their tariffs. I wish to warn you
of the danger which lies in your pith. I don't think it
would b 3 wise of you to send a deputation to France upon
this subject. There is a great jealousy amongst that
people at any interference with their Government, and it
might lay the Government open to the charge of subserv-
ing our interests at their expense. But thin leads me to
the object of the meeting, which is the wine duty. You
have heard the very interesting statement of Mr. Oliveira,
i who has made this question his particular study, and you
will presently hear Mr. Macgregor. I shall not therefore
touch the statistical part of the question ; but I will say
that it will be the greatest folly of the French country and
Government not to accept such a reduction as is proposel
its the case of our earthenware. I believe that the French
people once having tasted of the sweets of cleanliness in
our earthenware, will not any longer allow the present
state of things to remain. I am anxious that we should not
use any language other than that of sincerity. We can go to
France now with our free-trade principle, and say you are
bound to believe it because England herself has adopted it.
Then to take the question of the Potteries alone, it would
be found that the French would gain immense advantages,
not only in pi ice but in increased conveniences. The hon.
gentleman illustrated his argument by contrasting the
' price of Sevres china to that of our own, which stood in
tho relation of 601. or 701. to 15/. ; and also by reference
to the bad lavatory arEangements throughout France, in
consequence of the dearness of earthenware of all kinds.
He then proceeded to say :—I should like to know what
is passing in the mind of the Emperor of France. If I
could mesmerise) him and extract his thoughts upon this
matter I would do so. (Laughter.) At all events, his
cousin wishes the word ' prohibition' to be erased from the
French commercial code ; and what gives me horn is that
ho has shown a disposition to do so. If the Emperor does
so, then I think that Franco, who has great resources in
herself—on one side of the Mediterranean, on the other
tho Atlantic, inhabited by a nation of groat intuition,
industry, and skill—l say if this is only given fair play,
that the nation will reach a very great degree of prosperity.
We will accord to them that prosperity, as we know that
no great nation can be prosperous without other nations
sharing in its prosperity, and England herself feels that
prosperity. (Cheers.) I therefore hope to see these two
nations walking hand in hand in a career of prosperity, and
united by a bond cemented by commercial intercourse,
i which no wretched quarrels, no dipleinatising, will ever
uproot. (Cheers.) The hon. gentleman moved the follow-
iog resolution :—" That in the opinion of this meeting the
relaxation of the high duties imposed by Great Britain on
foreign wines should induce foreign countries to modify
their restrictions on manufactured goods, particularly in
France, where our local manufacture ie all but prohibited,
and would give an impetus to our local manufacturer, the
benefits of which it is almost impossible to tell."
Mr. B. S. BROUGH seconded the resolution. He said,
the principles of free trade are admitted by you, your re-
presentatives, and the Government, consequently you only
want them to be carried out. But there appears to be in
all ages one great preventative to reciprocity, and that has
been either fear or jealousy. It is not long since there
was a fear about rnilways, and the ruin of the principles
of free trade in corn. There was also a groat hue and cry
against the removal of the navigation laws. Now they
are removed, have they done you any harm. Let us then
persevere in this course or free trade. One thing we know,
that there are very many expenses in this country, some
brought upon us by war, at which we don't complain ; but
is it noistrange that a doctrine of fifty years ago should
not have been adopted before this in this country. The
doctrine of Pitt was this. He said (referring to the people
of this country), "Give them a trade, and they will pay
any taxes." For if you have a trade you can earn money,
and if you can earn money you can pay taxes. (Cheers.)
Well, then, we are not opposed to free trade, and I am
proud of my country and of the Staffordshire Potteries.
(Loud cheers.)
Mr. JOHN MACGREGOR, M.P. for Glasgow, then rose
and spoke in favour of the resolution. He said—lf one
thing could give greater satisfaction than another, it is to
behold this great demonstration, which, I trust, will re-
verberate over every part of the British empire. I consider
this meeting to-day a great fact. With regard to the spe-
cial business of this meeting, it is one admitting the wines
91 Frac° and other countries by isiFkicteting the rates. I

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