The Sun.
London, England, 1860-01-05 00:00:00

'OL STEEPLE.

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i Westminster
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MR. 4NGERSTEIN,_III.P., AND EIS

CONSTITUENTS:

Last evening, at eight—o'clock, a numerously at-
tended meeting of the electors of the borough of
Greenwich residing in the districts of Woolwich,
Plumstead, and Charlton, was held at the Literary
Institution, Nelson-street, Woolwich, for the pur-
pose of hearing an address from Mr. Angerstein.
M.P., as to his past Parliamentary, conduct, and
his views as to those questions which will probably
be considered during the ensuing session.
The chair was occupied by Mr. J. R. Jolly
(churchwarden of Woolwich, who briefly ex-
pressed his satisfaction with Mr. Angerstein's con-
duct in the House of Commons since his election.
Mr. ANGERSTEIN, M.P., observed—He consi-
dered it was the duty of every member of the
House of Commons to meet his :ronstituents at
least annually for the purpose of conkri ing with
them relative to those great questions which agi-
tated the public mind, and such a course invested
a member with an amount of moral power which
was an excellent auxiliary to the proper dis-
charge of his Parliamentary duties. In referring
to past events, ho could not but consider tha t
the recent unfortunate dispute between masters
and workmen was at least creditable to the men in
one respect, for notwithstanding the suffering which
must have taken place, and the large amount of
wages withdrawn and lost to the community, yet
the poor-rates of the country had decreased in the
ratio of four per cent. He wsuld not enter into
the merits of that dispute, but his own opinion was
that both masters and workmen had acted wrong.
(Cheers.) He cordially agreed with the general
- movement for the defence of the country, and
trusted that the volunteer corps would include men
of every class. It had been stated to him from
good authority that with reference to the volunteer
movement the Emperor of the French had said,
" England had become perfectly mad, but mad in
the right direction." He did not place implicit
faith in the policy and principles of Napoleon, but
he believed that he was far too wise to attempt an
invasion of this country, which was his refuge in
time of need, and where he would certainly be
ultimately defeated. The war with China would
doubtless engage the attention of Parliament early
in the ensuing session, and whatever measures
might be adopted for the coercion of the Chinese
nation, and with a view to increase our trade, he
trusted that the justice of our proceedings would be
deeply considered. (Cheers.) One of the most
important local questions affecting that district was
the assessment of Government establishments. The
late as well as the present Government had recog-
nised the justice of contributing to_ the local taxa-
tion, and a Government surveyor was now engaged
in estimating the rateable value of the Govern-
ment works. Foreign affairs would occupy the
attention of Parliament at an early period. He
did not concur in the opinion that England
ought, under no circumstances, to send a represen-
tative to the European Congress. He believed in
the sentiments expressed in the newspapers that
the steady refusal of Lord Palmerston and Lord
John Russell to recognise the Congress until
security had been given to secure the rights
of the Italian people, had rendered them mas-
ters of the position, as it was evident that the Go-
vernment would be first informed as to the views
of other nations on this point, and it would thus be
seen whether England could consistently send a re-
presentative. He was glad to find that the present
Government had taken active measures for the effi-
ciency of our army and navy. The late Duke of
Wellington had wisely said that England could not
engage in a little war ; and it was true wisdom to
be prepared for any emergency that might arise.
The question of Parliamentary Reform would be
submitted to the House of Commons during next
session. He did not share in the opinion of those
who said that no necessity for a Reform Bill existed
because the people did not clamour for it. The
proper time for considering the question was a
period when no undue excitement prevailed, and he
had always regretted that the very respectable mea-
sure of Reform introduced by Lord John Russell,
in 1854, had been abandoned. Without entering
into detail, he would assure them that a complete
Reform Bill should receive his earnest support, as
he believed that the mass of the people did not de-
sire the franchise with a view to pull down the
Constitution, but because they believed they were
unjustly deprived of privileges which their neigh-
bours enjoyed. Mr. Angerstein concluded by re-
ferring to his votes in Parliament as a proof that
he had not forfeited his pledge to act with the
Liberal party.
Mr. E. MURRAY moved—" That this meeting de-
sires to express its approval of the conduct of Mr.
Angerstein as one of the representatives of the
borough of Greenwich in Parliament, and tenders
him its thanks for convening this meeting."
Mr. SLOMAN secondathe resolution, which was
adopted, and, after other addresses,
The meeting separated.