The Sun.
London, England, 1858-05-07 00:00:00

MEETING OF M.P.'S TO FORM A LIBERAL

PARTY.

A meeting of independent Liberal members of Parlia-
ment %as held on Wedesday in one of the committee
rooms of the House of Commons. It had been sum-
moned by circular, emanating, as we understand, from
certain representatives who are dissath.fled with the past
and present condition of the Liberal party-in the house.
About 120 members were in attendance, and dlr. Head-
lam, the representative of Newcastle-on-Tyne, was in
the chair.

The CHAIRMAN proceeded to explain the origin of the
meeting. It was convened, he said, in consFquence of the
-discontent which generally prevails in the Liberal ranks, '
a discontent that was inseparable from the condition
in which the Liberal party found itself. It was
n t to be supposed the meeting was called to support
any pat ticalar statesman, Those who bad summoned it
were not anxious to serve personal purposes of Lord
Palmerston or Lord John Russell, or indeed of any
other claimant to the position of Liberal leader in the
!louse of Commons. Nor was it called in order to
aivccato any special measures. Nor was- it intended
they should bind themselves to any formula. The real_
ot,ject of the meeting was to express the generi 1 •
feeling which he believed to prevail, that of late the
Liberal party bad not been fairly treated—that, in
fact, it had rather been betrayed—that no zeal on
behalf of the measures to a hich they attached im-
.),rianee had been shown by the Governments that -
had recently been supported by the Liberal party.
Sa with respect to adthinistration. No disposition
had been shown to urge on measures, of reform in this
department of the State, and army amendments for
reform were especially resisted by the War and the
Foreign offices. But we had now arrived at a critical
period ; and although be did not wish to disturb the
pre,ent Government, yet it was probable tbat, before
long, a change of Ministry would take place, and he
thought they should be prepared to take advantage of
any circumstances that might occur. He insisted that
the whole Liberal party had not been justly dealt with
to oast times, for nearly the same names, nearly the
same men, were found in every Whig Government ; and
Le long experience of these officials in Parliament gave
t!iem great power to baffle all attempts at Reform. He
vas convinced he spoke the sentiments of the meeting '
Len he said that ffice ought ❑ot to be in possession of
a clique or a few families, and that a wider basis for con-
ducting the affairs of the empire was absolutely necessary.
Mr. BASS (Derby) moved a resolution to the effect—.
"That this meeting cannot express satisfaction with the
t-loverninents that have heretofore relied upon the
Liberal party, and that no future Government will, be
worthy of support which does not manifest earnest zeal
~tid sincerity in promoting measures of improvement
mod Reform."

Mr. BAXTER (Montrose) seconded the motion. He,
vitli the hon. chairman, complained that our Govern-
ments were too exclusive, and were little better than a
~rivate clique or a family party. He thought it would
to the Whigs good to be out of office, and he would not
ivise any step fJr the overthrow of the present Govern-
ment.
The resolution was unanimously adopted by the
,neeting.

Mr. CLAY (Hull) moved a second resolution :—" That
toy Government wishing to have the confidence of the
Liberal party should be established on a wider basis."
He remarked that the new Government was weak, but
oe did not see how at the present time, anyone could
I,,rin a stronger. Lord Palmerston bad forfeited the
confidence of a large portion of the Liberal party, so
ouch so, that that confidence could not be restored.
Tue house was now really tired of the old Whig blood,
Ind he thought the country had been tired of it long ago.
Mr. FORSTER (Walsall) seconded the resolution just
noved, and repeated that the object of the meeting was
lot to settle wiiio sb..uld be leader, but to give strength
those who might truly call themselves the Liberal
'arty.
The second resolution was also unanimously adopted.
Mr. AYRTON proposed that the Liberal party should
insist upon the adoption of Jewish Emancipation, the
of Church rates, and the passing of a new Reform
Bill.

Sir. LOCKE opposed this proposition, and contended
hat the ballot was of very great importance, Reform
iithout the ballot would be but a blind.
Mr. EWAIIT urged unanimity, and felt that the reso-
lutions that had been passed were enough.
Mr. W. J. Fox said the new proposal expressed too
,ouch or two little.

Sir A. ELTON (Bath) concurred with Mr. Fox, and
,p,ike about putting in claims for a purer distribution of
,atronage.
The proposal of Mr. Ayrton was withdrawn.
Mr. ASPINALL TURNER (Manchester) was in favour of
j Ant operations. It was necessary that the Liberal party
should be informed of what was really going on, and for
this purpose he would have a regular whip appointed.
de, therefore, proposed that two gentlemen should be
eked to send circulars to the Liberal members, apprill-
' ,g them of what was in the wind, and be named Mr.
Forster as one, and he had no doubt Mr. Forster would
)5 able to find a colleague, who would assist him in his
abours.
This proposition was adopted.
Mr. J. LocKE (lloniton) moved the thanks of tbe
fleeting to the Chairman, which was carried with sp.
clause, and the meeting then separated.