The Sun.
London, England, 1859-06-27 00:00:00

MR. MILNER GIBSON AT ASHTON.

At half-past three o'clock on Saturday afternoon
last, at the request of a deputation of working men
which waited upon him on the previous (Friday)
evening, the Right Hon. T. M. Gibson addressed
the electors and non-electors of Ashton-under-Lyne,
in the Town Hall, which was crowded to excess,
some 700 or 800 persons being present. The right
hon. gentleman was accompanied by the leading
members of his election committee, and Alderman
Wm. Higginbottom was called uponto preside over
the meeting. _ _

Mr. GIBSON having been briefly introduced by
the chairman, addressed the meeting at some length
in defence of the course he had pursued. During his
remarks the right hon. gentleman said—ln the for-
mation of this Cabinet, the only regret he (Mr.
Gibson) had, was that he and Mr. Cobden were not
accompanied by their intimate friend Mr. Bright to
take his seat with them, to work with them, and to
assist in carrying out those great principles which
they had for years past professed. But there were
those who held and said that they (Messrs. Gibson,
Cobden, and Bright) ought to join no Government,
and especially, that they (Messrs. Gibson and Cob-
den) should not join the present one. However, he
(Mr. Gibson) having been invited to take office
under it, had done so, and having for many years
worked for the Liberal cause out of Government, ho
was prepared to try his hand for that cause in the
Government. (Hear, hear, and loud cheers.) If
in accepting office under these circumstances, he
had the approval of his constituents, then he
had that constitutional sanction for the course
he had taken, which was a complete justifica-
tion of his conduct. (Cheers.) Now, it had also
been said that there were great differences between
Lord Palmerston's opinions and his (Mr. Gibson's)
—(laughter)—between Lord Palmerston and the
friends of the late Sir R. Peel, and between Lord.
Palmerston and Lord John Russell. Well, suppose
there was. Could they tell him (Mr. Gibson) of
any Government that ever had been, or ever would
be, that all its members would be brought to think
exactly alike on every, or even any question ? The
differences of opinion in the present Government
were not fundamental ones, but merely differences
in degree. As far as it was possible, he believed
the new Government would endeavour to unite in
furtherance of the general principles of their Varty.
(Cheers.) It was somewhat premature to criticise
the present Government, or any of its composent
parts, before they had tried their hands. (Hear.)
He believed that it was the best Government that
could at present be formed out of the Liberal party,
and if they succeeded in what they attempted they
would have the approval of the people ; but if they
did not succeed, they would be condemned, and.
that condemnation would be just and proper.
(Cheers.) "I have (said the right hon. gentleman,
in conclusion, in his most emphatic manner), I have
taken office in. this Government, to promote har-
mony amongst the.members of the Liberal sections,
and I believe it is for the good of this country that
there should be a strong and united Government,
and nothing that it me lies shall be done 'to Pre-
vent that result. (Cheers.) I believe that in
acting in this spirit I am acting truly for .the Wel-
fare of my country, and that I am also actino in. the
long run for the promotion of 'those principles of
Liberal policy of which I am the earnest supporter."
(Loud cheers.) After stating his willingness to
serve the electors and non-electors of Ashton in
every way he could in his capacity of their mem-
ber, the right hon. gentleman sat down amid loud
applause ; and a vote of thanks to Mr. Gibson for
his address, followed by one to the chairman, for
presiding, the proceedings terminated.