The Sun.
London, England, 1859-01-17 00:00:00

PRICE 41), STAMPED, 5D

in a Reform Bill. The intellectual and moral pro-
gress of the nation during the last 35 years—the
introduction of cheap literature—the growth of
railways, and other great movements—warranted
the conclusion that the general intelligence was
ripe for a large extension of electoral rights.
Mr. R. W. Fox seconded the motion, expressing
a willingness to receive an instalment of reform, if
they could not get all they wanted.
Mr. Rlix interposed a word of explanation with
respect to the form of the resolutions. They were
left in their present shape expres-ly because some
parties were biddinob. high for public favour, and it
was thought right to wait for the various plans of
reform that might be brought forward. Hence
no form of suffrage was recommended. (Hear,
hear.) The gentleman opposite (Mr. Jerwood)
had said that " Taxation without representation
was tyranny." If that was so what course
would they propose for the minority who would
be left, whether a household or rating qualification
were adopted ? They would not be so unjust as to
tax those individuals. (Laughter) The question was
now before the country and he thought it had bet-
ter be settled at once. He directed his remarks to
manhood suffrage. They need not fear the working
classes, who he thought had proved themselves
worthy of the trust of the franchise.
Mr. MARK KENNAWAY was loudly called for,
and was cheered on coming forward. He said he
had fought actively for the former reform bill, and
he did not then expect to live to hear of another.
He congratulated his felloW citizens on their assem-
bling on the present occasion, and his name ap-
peared on the requisition. His reason for signing it
was that he did not wish to see his name omitted
from so large a list of reformers, but he thought
that it would perhaps have been wise to
wait and see what Lord Derby would bring' for-
ward. He thought that when they knew what was
proposed by those who had voluntarily come for-
ward with Reform Bills, they would better under-
stand what their real object was, and he did not
think that that meeting would do justice to itself,
or half fulfil its object if it did not come to that
point by and bye. (Hear, hear.) While he concurred
in much that had been said that day he did not
agree with all of it. He did not think that the
shortening of Parliaments would be of any practical
good. With regard to the ballot he had long been
in great doubt about its efficacy, but hemust say on
the cairn review of all that had come under his ob
servation, he had come to the conclusion that the
good preponderated over the evil in the ballot.
(Applause.) It was impossible for a person, mixed
up as he had been all through his life with elec-
tions, not to know that the practice of election com-
mittees was, when they met together, to pull their
books out of their pockets and consider who could
press upon his neighbour for a, vote. He challenged
any person who had been mixed up in elections to
deny that. Unless some other course could be sug-
gested—and none had yet been suggested—by
which a man could exercise his right, and have
a grateful sense follow him of having done it inde-
pendently, then the ballot must come. (Cheers.)
With regard to extending the franchise, he really
wished to see what Lord Derby would do, and did
not wish to anticipate objections to him. There
must be a lame extension no doubt.. He disapproved
of.the comparisons thatwere sometimes madebetween
Clisses, with the design to show that one class did
more for the country than another. Of course in
every class there were exceptions, but they must
not take exceptions to judge of the class. In conclu
'sion, he thought it would be wise if the city would
by and bye have the various reform bills that might
be proposed placed before them, to take out the pith
and gist of them, to inform the citizens, and ask for
their opinion. (Applause.)
Mr.. BASTARD then, on the part of the meeting,
said that it was anticipated their hog. member, Mr..
Divett, and Mr. Dard would be present. They had
heard a letter read from one of those gentlemen ;
the other they were happy to see was present. If
the hon. gentleman would give some information as
to his impressions on reform, it would be an essen-
tial kindness to the meeting. (Applause.)
Mr. GARD, M.P., said that upon receiving an in-
vitation from Mr. Geachsias he thought it his duty
as their representative to attend the meeting. With
regard to the coming reform they knew as Much as
he did, for he was as ignorant of what was forth-
coming from Lord Derby, Lord J. Russsell, or Mr.
Bright, as any of them. But he wished to say that
he was much in favour of reform. (Cheers.) He did
not go to the extent that they did, but he Concur-
red in many matters, in the re-distribution of seats,
and perhaps the extension of the franchise. !But it
would be unfair to ask him to give an opinion at
present. He would ask them to let him see the bills
come before Parliament, and let them judge of him
by the vote he should give. It was impossible for
him to give any further opinion than he had. All
would agree that they would have reform, come
from whom it might, He did not care from whom,
provided it was a good bill. He did not concur in
the remarks made by Mr. Brock with respect to
coercion being used in this city. He canvassed
the [city personally, and he could say that those
who promised him did so freely and openly, with-
out any bribe or reward of any kind wliatever.
(Cheers.) He concluded by hoping that he might
do his duty by them in Parliament.
All the resolutions were carried unanimously.
Mr. LATIMER moved and Mr. BASTARD sebanded
a vote of thanks to the Mayor. The vote was
carried by acclamation, and the meeting separated.