The Sun.
London, England, 1866-10-09 00:00:00

LEEDS, Monday.
This afternoon a gathering of from 100,000 to
110,000 persons, but some of the speakers on the
platform stated the numbers at a much higher range,
composed of working men and their wives almost
exclusively, took place here. Certainly no political
movement has for a long time attracted so much
attention as was proved to-day by the collecting
together of so great a multitude from far and near,
in order to discuss and support the principles of the
Manhood Suffrage Association which has been esta-
blished here, and lately carried on a vigorous agita-
tion in all the towns and villages comprised in what
is known as the woollen district. The place where
the great mass meeting took place is in a north-
western suburb, and is known by the name of Wood-
house Moor, which, though originally a common,
has of late years been improved so that it would
make good pasturage if only the public did not make
such free use of it for recreative purposes. This open
space consists in the whole of 60 statute acres, but
a turnpike road detaches about 10 or 15 acres of it,
and that portion was not much resorted to by the
Reformers to-day. However, the other and much
larger area was completely taken possession of by
the Reformers and by those who repaired hither with
a view only to gratification at the spectacle of so
many working men sallying forth, with a countless
array of jubilant accessories, to " pronounce" upon
A point of their political faith which they have lately
magnified into a matter of almost vital importance.
The weather, which, after weeks of rain and dis-
comfort, broke up two or three days ago, was to-day
dry and calm, but dull and foggy in the morning,
though in the afternoon, spite of the solar eclipse,
bright enough for the external display, and on the
whole it was very favourable for the object in view.
As early as 4 o'clock in the morning some arrivals into
Leeds from distant localities took place, and during the
greater part of the forenoon every highway and byway
leading into Leeds was overrun by larger or smaller
parties of operatives, the greater majority well clad
and in holiday trim—all of whom were hastening
with exuberant cheerfulness to some rendezvous
which had been fixed upon at their rallying point.
Along the Bradford road, as well as the Dewsbury
and Halifax, and by the country lanes leading from
the many clothing villages of the district, there came
trooping along on foot at short intervals large bodies
of men with music and banners. From the denizens
of Bradford, and the other larger towns first named
the railway authorities had declined to provide spe-
cial trains at excursion fares, and therefore the
sturdy thousands determined to depend upon their
own abilities as pedestrians. At many of the mills
and workshops, both of this town and of Bradford,
and the adjacent and intermediate towns, there is no
doubt that this has been a complete holiday. At
noon, too, most of the tradesmen in the principal
streets closed their shops either temporarily or until
evening, when the turmoil had somewhat subsided.
A carefully prepared programme of the proceed-
ing was published, and sold at a small charge. In
consequence of the extensive circulation which this
document obtained, the great bulk of the people
were made aware of the organisation by which it
was proposed to carry out an orderly procession,
and to avoid as much of that confusion and turmoil
as possible which is almost inevitable from the as-
sembling together of extraordinary numbers. Ac-
cording to the instructions of the committee, with
which by that time every person interested would be
acquainted, the numerous large bodies representing
populous districts at a distance, as, for instance,
such places as Bradford, Huddersfield, llalifax,
Dewsbury, Cleckheaton, Guisely, Yeadod, Pudsey,
Rothwell, Idle, Holmfirth, &c., mustered at 11
o'clock with rare punctuality, either in the quad

tangle in front of the Town-hall or in some of the
streets which diverge from that well-known central
point. Of course, it was a work of time for the men
who were designated " marshals" to apply certain
rules of etiquette and discipline for bringing all
'the various atoms of so mighty a whole into a
state of decentaud methodical adheSion. At 1 o'clock
the procession was to begin its somewhat lengthy
march, and owing to the energy and alacrity of those
on whom devolved the supreme control of the de-
monstrations, all was in readiness for a well-regu-
lated start at that hour. The line was four miles long
—the men walking five abreast, and comprising not
less than 70,000 persons. To fully describe the prin-
cipal features of the procession would be an almost
endless task, for it is computed that hundreds of
flags and banners were carried aloft, almost all of
which bore devices and mottoes, or while merely
announcing the name of the trade or community to
which they respectively belonged were so lavishly
ornamented by stencil and tinsel and spatula that
they failed not to add to the glittering attractions of
the display. The ensigns of the various trades were
among the most artistic, and numerous were the
banners belonging to various Yorkshire branches of

the National Reform Union. Arrived at the door
the flag bearers and musicians were ordered to the

rear of five platforms (waggons, having on them
piles of timbei to increase the elevation) which were
placed on a line on low ground, and fronting to a
somewhat far stretching slope on which the com-

mittee of the League assert, and apparently with
truth, that at least 150,000 persons could find con-
venient standing room. here it was evident that the
middle class were represented somewhat strongly. It
is no exaggeration to say that the whole concourse
which was assembled on the moor numbered little
less than 200,000 persons, but among these were
many beardless boys, helping to swell the ranks of
the more seriously disposed, and of working men's
wives there were not a few,who, like their husbands,
seemed proud to display green and white rosettes, or
orange cards (such as were distributed broadcast to

the children of Leeds a few days ago), on which were
printed "Manhood Suffrage and the Ballot." It was
quite evident that there were likewise very many
persons on the moor who cared little or nothing as
to what was going on, but neither from these nor
any other persons was there the least attempt at
obstruction or interruption to the proceedings.
At each of the platforms there was a chairman,
who had been chosen some time beforehand. These,
and the speakers assigned to each platform, who

had also been previously selected, were in their
ap-
pointed places at nearly half-past 2 o'clock. A
flourish of trumpets was the signal for silence

on the part both of the bands and the multitude,
and then, after a few words of admonition with a
view to good order and respectful attention, simul-
taneously at all the five platforms, the first resolu-
tion was moved as follows :

" Tbat this meeting enters its solemn protest against, and
its denial of, the charges of venality, ignorance, drunken-
ness, and indifference to Reform; brought against the
working classes during the last Session of Parliament ; and
hereby pledges itself to advocate for the future registered
residential manhood suffrage and the ballot, as the only
just and proper basis of representation."
The speakers to this resolution were, at the first
platform—mover, Mr. Scotson, Leeds (Towneoun-
-61113?); seconder, Mr. G. Potter, London. Second
platform—mover, Mr. Linsley (Town Councillor),
Leeds; seconder, Rev. IV. H. Bowler, London.
Third platform—Mr. E. Beales, London ; seconder,
Mr. Chadwick, Arksey. Fourth platform—mover,
Rev. H. Marley, Leeds ; seconder, Mr. Arnold,
Bradford. Fifth platform—mover, Mr. Ernest
Jones, Manchester; seconder, Mr.i W. Brown
(miners agent), Hunslet.

Exaz.tly at 3 o'clock this resolution was put to
the vote by the several chairmen, and in answer to
a trumpet call a show of hands took place iu its
favour, which was one of the most decided attesta-
tions of unanimity the most ardent and uncompro-
mising Manhood Suffrage devotee could possibly
have desired. The second resolution ran thus :
"'That this meeting desires to acknowledge the services
of the Right lion. W. E. Gladstone, Mr. John Bright, Mr.
John Stuart Mill, and all those who have supported the
people's claim and vincrcated their character in Parlia-
ment; and further expresses its confidence in Mr. John
. .

- ,
Bright as the champion of the national cause in the House

of Commons."

It was proposed at the first platform by the Rev. 11.
Watts, Stanningley, seconded by Mr. Snowden, a
working man, Halifax; second platform, mover, Mr.
C. Yewdale, Bromley ; seconder, Mr. J. Armitage,
Leeds; third platforin, mover, Dr. Thornton, Dews-
bury; seconder, Rev. J. 11. Morgan, Leeds; fourth
platform, mover, Rev. J. Myers, Harrogate; seconder,

GREAT MEETING OF THE WORKING Mr. J. Firth, Keighley ; fifth platform, mover, Mr. I you. In the carrying of any great measure of Re-
CLASSES IN LEEDS.
H. Hodgson, Bradford ; seconder, Mr. T. Wood, form I must ask you not to imagine for a moment it
Dewsbury. This, like the first resolution, was carried can be effected, as it were, by one swing of some
with great acclamation. The following was the third victorious arm, but that it must be done, and can
resolution : only be done, by the combined and resolute efforts
"That this meeting expresses its indignation at the con- of millions of people. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Kell, in
duct of those members of Parliament who have refused to the observations he has addressed to ou has re-
aid the working classes in their endeavour to obtain a fair y ,ferred to the opinions of a dear and lamented friend
share of the franchise, and hereby pledges itself to unite
with the men of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, of mine. I recollect one thing which he said, and
Northumberland, Glasgow, Dublin, and elsewhere in their which he said often during the course of our great
determination to press the question of Reform to an imme- agitation. It was this, that the West Riding of
diate settlement, to maintain the peace and secure the con- Yorkshire freely pronouncing its opinion influenced
tentment of the country."
to a large extent the opinion of England, and on
The mover at the first platform was Mr. J. M. many great occasions had finally determined the
Mason, Leeds ; seconder, Mr. E. Thomas, Bradford ; policy of the Government. (Cheers.) To-day the
second platform, mover, Mr. Whitehead (Town West Riding in multitudinous meeting has spoken
Councillor), Bradford ; seconder, Rev. J. Compston, with a voice loud enough to be heard all through
Barnsley ; third platform, Mr. M. Edge, Manches- the nation, and, if lam not misinformed, that vast
ter ; seconder, Mr. M. Porritt, Leeds ; fourth plat- meeting of which you have formed a part decided
form, mover, Mr. E. Finnie, compositor, Leeds ; se- by unanimous consent that the representation of
conder, Mr. Gascoigne, Dewsbury ; fifth platform, the people in the English House of Commons was
mover, Mr. P. Grant, Leeds; seconder, Mr. A. bad and unsatisfactory to the last degree. You de-
Sharpe, Bradford. The fourth and last resolution tided that it was bad, not only for what it excluded,
was a vote of thanks to the chairmen of the several but also for what it included. While it excluded the
platforms; and speeches were made upon it by Mr. great bulk of the nation, it included every form of
Croft, Huddersfield ; Mr. Butterworth, Bradford ; corruption and evil of which a representative sys-
Mr. A. Scarr, Leeds ; Mr. J. King, Bradford ; Mr. tem is capable, and you came to resolutions which
Derrick, Leeds ; Mr. J. Roberts, Wortley ; Mr. J. meant this—that you would change this system, if
Dawson, Bramley ; and Mr. Garnett, Bradford. it lay in your power, and that you the unenfran-
The following were the chairmen at the different chised millions would stand the exclusion no longer.
platforms :—Mr. Woodhead, Huddersfield ; Mr. R. (Cheers.) I suppose that after this meeting, and
Kell, Bradford ; Alderman R. M. Carter, Leeds ; the great events of this day, we shall have no end of
Mr. Clarkson (Town Councillor), Dewsbury ; and criticisms upon our conduct and our speeches. I
Mr. A. Illingworth, Bradford. According to previ- find that some writers, criticising the observations I
ous arrangement each resolution was disposed of in madeafortnight agoatManchester, complaining that
half an hour, so that the whole proceedings were I said very much the same thing that I had said at
brought to a close by half-past 4 ; and then the Birmingham. I believe a charge of this nature was
bands struck up " Rule Britannia," as an intimation brought more than 2,000 years against one of the
that the time had arrived for the procession to get wisest of the ancients. They said that he was
once more into marching order and return to the always saying the same thing about the same thing
Town-hall and its 'vicinity. It may be added that —(cheers and laughter)—and he asked them in re-
the speakers fiercely abused Mr. Lowe, M.P., and turn whether they expected him to say a different
highly eulogised the working man. thing about the same thing. (Laughter.) I have
Everything passed off in an orderly manner, not- another answer to make to these critics, and it is
withstanding that theenthusiasm was at a high pitch. this—when they have answered what I have already
There were butfew symptoms of brutish and sensual said about this thing then I will try to tell them
indulgence on the part of the labouring class. Whe- something new. (Loud cheers.) New, the case
ther it was in consequence of a warning voice hay- which we submit to the thinking portion, and the
ing gone forth from the central committee it is im- fair portion, of our countrymen is a very simple one.
possible to say ; but the chairman of the Leeds We say that we are the citizens of a country that
association had publicly exhorted these parties to be has had representative institutions for many centu-
on their guard, as he knew their conduct would be ries. There is no time when history goes back when
strictly watched by those who did not believe in there was not a representative assembly of some kind
their many high qualities. within the kingdom of England. We say, further,
In the evening a
Hall meeting was held in the Victori that the House of Commons is the only real basis—
of the Town Hall, anfia -if not the only true security—for the people of
cent room was densely crowded long before the hour these realms. We know, everybody knows, that
appointed for the commencement of the proceed- the Crown in our day cannot give freedom to ings ; but, owing to the incomplete arrangements of the people, neither can it materially
impair our free-
the parties in charge, there was a great deal of dom. We know further that the
House of Lords,
unnecessary confusion and no little struggling at from its very constitution, from the nature of its
the entrance. Mr. Alderman Carter, chairman of being, cannot be relied upon as a safeguard for the
the Leeds Manhood Suffrage Association, presided, freedom of Englishmen. (Hear, hear.) We know
supported by Mr. Bright, M.P. ; Mr. E. Forster, that representation, and a just and fair representa-
M.P. ; Mr. E. R. Leatham, ex-M.P. for Hudders- tion, is that which alone makes a free country. One
field ; Mr. E. Beales, Mr. Ernest Jones, Mr. Potter, of our colonies, now the United States of America,
and a number of the leading Liberals of the town 100 years ago knew that they could not be repre-
and West Riding, who as they appeared on the sented in the English Parliament. They would not
platform were received with enthusiastic cheering. stand taxation from a Parliament in which they were
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, said not represented; they threw off therefore the supre-
that they had two things to perform that night. macy of the English Crown, and declared themselves
The first was to declare their own views on the a free and independent State; and at this moment
question of Reform, and the second to thank Mr. there is not an English colony from Canada to New
Bright and their friends in Parliament for the stead- Zealand that would not also throw off the supremacy
fast manner in which they had supported the cause of England if the Parliament or Crown of England
of the people, but they did not desire to pledge them denied to it representativeor responsible government.
to adopt their particular views. He regretted the (Hear, hear.) In fact, there is nothing whatsoever
absence of so many members of the West Riding ; that distinguishes us from any despotic country in
but from all of them with the exception of the Radi- the world in the matters of political freedom except
cal member for York (Mr. Leeman) they had re- the possession of a representative assembl y ; so
ceived letters expressing their regret at not being have been taught. The people of this country e
have
able to atend. The letter of Mr. Leeinan, however, been taught, in my opinion, foolishly and wickedly
who stated that the question of Reform ought to be to hate and despise Austria and the kingdoms of the
left where it was during the late session of Parlia- Two Sicilies or Naples, as it lately existed, and mainly
ment, he considered a downright insult. It might because those countries were despotic countries, in
also be gratifying to the Irish residents in the West which the people had no influence in their govern-
Riding to know that a letter had also been received ment. Well, then, we come to this conclusion, that
from The O'Donoghue, in which he stated that the the Parliament of England, and mainly the House
Irish Liberal members would join heartily in pass- 1 of Commons, is the foundation of the law and of
ing a well-considered and extensive measure of Re- I order, and that unless the people are heard in that
form. In conclusion, he strongly denounced the con-
house the people arc not the source of power, and
duct of the directors of the railway companies in they are themselves but little removed from a despo-
refusing to grant special facilities to enable the Re- tisin not of the Crown, but of a privileged and limited
formers of the adjacent towns to attend the demon- I class. (Cheers.) I believe that the House of Com-
!
stration, but they must not think that they could
mons has no pretence whatever for its existence, ex_
thus arrest the progress of Reform. 1 rcpt that it speaks for the nation of which it is a
The Rev. W. THOMAS, of Leeds, moved the first part. It is not established to speak for the Crown
resolution :
and the dynast
" That this meeting entered its solemn protest against and y. It was not established, or ought
its denial of the charges of venality, ignorance, drunken-
not to exist, to speak merely for nobles and great
ness, and indifference to Reform brought against the work-
landowners. It has not the pretence to be a popular
ing classes during the last Session of Parliament, and
1 assembly, if it speaks more for the boroughmongers,
hereby pledges itself to advocate for the future registered I i
and say that its character s degraded when on
residential manhood suffrage and the ballot as the only just its benches can be seen by scores the money-bags—
and proper basis of representation." (cheers)—the money-bags M.P. who has walked
7 into his seat for Lancaster, for Totnes, for Yarmouth,
or for a score, or it may be for two oaf three score of
Mr. E. A. LEATIIAM, who was loudly cheered
other boroughs, which are very much in the same
seconded the resolution. He regretted the absence
predicament. (Cheers.) While speaking for these,
of the members for the West Riding, whose letters
for the Crown, for the nobles, for the great of apology apology showed that they had enjoyed a special
owners, for the boroughmongers for the men who
training in framing plausible and ingenious excuses.
have purchased their seats in Parliament, the House
He, however, could not bring himself to adopt that
of Commons is no security for the freedom of the
course, and after having witnessed the magnificent
people, and if it speaks for only one out of six or
demonstration that morning he was glad that be had
seven of the people it is no fair representation of
been present. To some minds the very words
the nation. If it exists at all, if it is to he in ac-
" Manhood suffrage" conveyed as terrible an idea
cordance with the principles of the English Consti-
toeven as the charge of being a poacher. He, however,
lotion, it ought so far to represent all classes of the
was not of that opinion, and was prepared at once
vote for manhood suffrage. With manhood
suffrage he felt that his personal liberty would be
people that every man, whether he has a vote or
, respected, his property safe, and his country pros- not, himself can feel that he has an interest in the
Inerous and happy. On the contrary, if the £lO house, and that it watches fairly over his rights and
his interests. (Cheers.) Let us take a case, and if
franchise was to be declared perpetual, and all the
we had a meeting every week during the year we
power of the law and all the force of the Govern-
] should have in some way or other fresh cases to
1 meat was arrayed in its defence, he was refound)
dissect. There has been during last week an elec-
con convinced that neither liberty nor property would
tion in a small borough in Wales--the town of
be long safe, and that both law and the Government
Brecon. What happened there? There were two
must themselves eventually perish in the attempt to
candidates. The carcass was a very small one, but
enforce this shameful and perpetual silence of the
there were candidates ready. One was a nobleman
people. (Cheers.) If they once broke down the
barrier of the £lO franchise and admitted that of whom I can say nothing but what is in his praise,
intelligence rather than occupation ur property for I happen to know that he resigned or quitted the
should be the passport to political power, where was
representation of the Duke of Marlborough's
the man who would engage to fix a point short of
manhood suffrage, at which, with the perpetual not subject his own honest Liberal convictions to
march of intelligence, he was prepared to take his
the views of his Tory brother—the Duke of Marl-
stand and say, " This is the final goal beyond which borough. Well, Lord Alfred Churchill was one can-
the suffrage must not be advanced ?" (Cheers.)
The resolution was unanimous) agreed to. didate ; I forget the name of the other. (A Voice—
The following address to Mr.yßright was then " Howel Gwyn.") That sounds very Welsh. That
moved by Mr. Robert Kell, of Bradford ; and was a furious contest; the whole town was in excite-
seconded by Councillor Gaunt :--
ment; public meetings were held and speeches made,
"To JOHN BRIGHT, FAQ, M.P. and there was a canvass of the most pertinacious
"Sir,—The advanced Reformers of the West Riding of character. lam told that the agents of the great and
Yorkshire desire to take this opportunity of acknowledging powerful houses were begging and coaxing and corn-
your services as their champion and advocate in the House pelling that they might get votes, and the end was
of Commons. As you, Sir, have frequently and forcibly the Tory candidate polled 128, and the Liberal can-
pointed out, that House does not represent the nation at didate 102, so that it took just 230 to return this
large, inasmuch as only ono-sixth of the whole adult male last made member of the House of Commons. Before the
population has the power to elect members of Parliament. Reform Bill the borough of Brecon was a borough returning,
It is this unsatisfactory and anomalous state of the British 1
believe, two members to Parliament, and the electors con-
' Constitution which has caused the people to assemble in sisted of ten burgesses. I believe that they did not make
hundreds of thousands, andpeaceably but firmly and unani- an even dozen, although they might make 11, and the Re-
mously to declare their desire to share in the electoral re- form Bill extended the franchise and
tio
added
sponsibility of the country proportionately with its other than 200, so that 230 have just voted. I
something
ask you whether
duties and taxation. To you, Sir, in conjunction with your it is possible there should
be any fair representation in a
coadjutors, the British nation owes its freedom, and those borough like this ? I have heard from Private sorces,
oppressive and unjust protective laws which until recently and I see it stated in the newspapers, tat least two
virtually deprived the country of cheap broad. We cannot noble families have been very active in their interests
forget how fiercely the Tory party fought against your through their agents—noble families that lam told came
efforts when you were advocating free trade, and with what in with the Conqueror, and, as far as I know, it is the only
bitter invectives you wore assailed. But the cause of right thing they ever did. (Cheers and laughter.) They are
and of justice triumphed over all. The same party are now noble, but, judging at least from any observation that I
have
attackingyou for your championshipof a nobloandrighteous been able to auike, they are obscure and unknown to an
object—the political enfranchisement of thousands of your eminent degree. But how can there possibly be any freedom
fellow men. We hope the day is not far distant when your of election in a borough which can only raise 230 voters?
great efforts will bo crowned with success. To you the But this is not the only borough of the kind. Lot us give,
people of the United Kingdom intrust their cause. In you only for a moment, our attention to one or two facts. In
they have unbounded confidence, and through you (God England and Ireland there are 16 boroughs,
and the popu-
giving you health and strength) they trust soon to be able lation of each of them is under 5,000 ; but they return 22
polaion
to shout with heart and voice the glorious word 'Victory.'" members to Parliament. In England, Wales, and Ireland
them ares
fro nsotooloessb tfhi,san
n 72 boroughs whose
to
outime
Houseder olf0,C0(0,10 parsons, and host re
Mr. BRIGHT, on rising, was received with great
u
cheering
enthusiasm, the meeting rising en masse and
about little boroughs, but there are small
nmons. (Shame.) You
'vigorously for nearly five minutes. When tdvioiarrnni
not
1 t 27
knowm membersnllle 1
silence was at length restored the hon. gentleman
or a very
boroughs in Yorkshire, as well as in. Wales. awl the south,
said Chairman and Gentlemen, —lf 1 accept the address which has just been passe in which there is a little compulsion or corruption,
d by this acute attorney, or that sort of combination which prevails
meeting, and handed to me bychairman,be among a few publicans, and which may be accounted for, if
first place, of thankfulness tomygotTfoeer
yourf
r. 1 '
assured that I do it full of feel' it cannot be justified, by the exceptional position in which
your
not in the are placed, and the exceptional legislation to which
mhthaenroeristhneootrheearl
ness ; and, in the second
accepting it I should place,promise to do things which I itshrinegtusrenendmtoaPkeartlhisemd of those
of fear lest in•
Parliament.
difference whetherpointhof folannet,
they are subject. In these small boroughs any
am wholly unable to perform
•of you in your vast meeting to-day have
vrhaps some refptrhesentatlionlin these small
eborie-opureg
sesn'tatiot
ntesminththeewhisnlides
not suffi-
ciently measured the forces which are of 200peoorp300 electors, 'manipulated, coaxed, compelled,
opposed to corrupted, and bribed. Take two cases which have been pro-