The Sun.
London, England, 1869-05-05 00:00:00

THE I'ERMISSITT BILL trEETING.

The second meeting for demonstrating In favour of the
Permissive Bill was duly held on Tuesday Welt. The
place was crowded, and the proceedings were charac-
terised by enthusiasm. The Ven. Archdeacon Sandford
occupied the chair. On the platform were also Arch-
deacon Denison, Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Bart., M.P.,
Mr. S. Pope, Archbishop Manning, Dr. Brewer, M.P.,
Mr. Dalway, M.P., Mr. Whitworth, M.P., Mr.
Blake, M.P., and other known advocates and
friends of temperance. Sir W. Lawson, M.P., moved
the first resolution, calling for efficient legislative action in
the matter of the drinking laws, to remedy the deplorable
condition of the nation. The hon. gentleman traced the
history of the legislation promoted by the United Kingdom
Alliance. Next week he should have the honour
of bringing forward his measure in the House of
Commons. He knew not how many hon. mem-
bers would support him. He had no data at all,
but the signs of the times were encouraging. He did not
say that the Permissive Bill, if gassed, would at once
bring about a cessation of drinking ; but it would tend to
remove the sources of drunkenness and misery. The
chairman, in introducing Dr. Manning as the seconder
of the resolution, made one or two observations which
called forth a regular burst of enthusiasm. I have
the Archbishop, be said, of another communion
on the one hand. I wish with all my heart we
had, on the other, the Archbishop of Canterbury. That
his Grace is with us heart and soul against the spread of
intemperance, there is no doubt, still he has not swallowed
the Permissive Bill, He, however, told me with satis-
faction, the other day, of having co-operated with Arch-
bishop Manning in the common cause of humanity a few
months ago. I have had the satisfaction of standing side
by side with Archbishop Manning twice in the Free Trade
Hall of Manchester, and I am proud of having him on my
right in the metropolis of the country to-night. I have
been reviled for my co-operation With the pzelate of
another communion, and with Nonconformists, from
whom I differ, but whom I still admire and love. My
simple answer to these traducers is that which was
given by our Lord and Saviour when he held forth the
Samaritan as an example to the Jews, and uttered these
memorable words, " lie that doeth the will of my
Father who is in Heaven, the same is my mother and
sister."—Archbishop Manning made an eloquent speech,
which he confined to an answer to two objections—that
the measure was impracticable, and that it was extreme.
As to its being impracticable, he did not see
why that which was practicable in America—ten
States having adopted, not a Permissive Bill, but a
Maine law—and in some of the colonies, should be
impracticable in r.no.—a- A. to its being extren,a,
answc. ci,at the evil was extreme. Ar.p.,
and Mr. Blake, M.P., supported the resolution, which
was carried with acclamation. Other resolutions were
adopted, calling upon Parliament to provide a remedy for
the evils arising from the liquor traffic, and approving a
petition on the subject.

HAY MEETINGS.

-4-

The May Meetings in the metropolis are now in full
swing. Exeter Hall is nightly crowded with enthusiastic
audiences cheering on their favourite orators and preachers.
The Freemasons' Hall and St. James's Hall are also in
request night and day. Country ministers are taking their
usual annual holiday ; and benevolence and charity are
supposed to rule the hour.