The Sun.
London, England, 1845-08-30 00:00:00

question, but effected nothing. The only claim he could
advance, founded on his previous Parliamentary career,
was his regular support of the odious New Poor-law.—
(Cries of " No, no," and "Yes, yes.") The prize for
which these parties were contending was the borough of
Southwark, but lie hoped the independent electors would
come forward and rescue it from both.—(Hear, hear.)
They had it in their power to do so by electing the re-
maining candidate he had to introduce to their notice,
Mr. Pilcher.—(Cheers.) Mr. Filcher was a well-known
man—one of their own townsmen. He was a friend of
the poor, an opponent of the New Poor-law, and a sup-
porter of the Protestant faith.—(Cheers.) The honour-
able gentleman concluded by introducing Mr. Filcher.
Mr. FILCHER was received with groat cheering on
rising to address the meeting. He thought it was hard
to be told that out of from 5,000 to 6,000 electors in the
borough they had not a man who could represent them,
and therefore they must send for a stranger. It was this
which had induced him to come forward, for had any
other gentleman amongst them, will was better qualified
to represent their wants and wishes offered himself, he
should not have done so. He was known to them all. He
carried on business amongst them, and expended large
sums of money in the employment of the labouring
classes. He knew their wants and interests as a com-
mercial constituency, and if elected would do his best to
advance them.—(Cheers.) Docks and ttharfs were in
contemplation, which would make Southwark equal i❑
shipping accommodation to the city of London, and these
should rt ceive his studious attention, and interest, and
support. He was against the harsh provisions of the
New Poor-law, and would do his utmost to have them
modified, consistent with the dictates of humanity.-
-(Hear, hear.) He was a Protestant, and as such
would defend that faith against the encroachments of
Popery. He would have voted against the Maynooth
grant had he been in Parliament, and if rqurned would
support any proposition for its repeal. The other points
on which he had declared himself were fully given in
his address, arid need not be gone over in detail then.
He concluded by expressing himself willing to answer
any question that the electors might think fit to put.
He was severally questioned on the corn-laws, the suff-
rage, the pension list, and triennial Parliaments. In answer
to the first, he said he would alter the corn-laws as far
as possible consistent with existing interests, as he was
for a cheap loaf. Ile was willing to extend the suffrage
as far as it was expedient so as to include the honest
and industrious classes. He would do away with all un-
merited pensions, and make merit the foundation of a
public grant, as in the case of Sir Henry Pottinger. He
had not made up his mind on triennial Parliaments, but
the subject should have his best consideration, and he
would be guided by his constituents in the matter.
Dr. MIMING, Chairman of the Horselydown Loyal
Conservative Association, moved a resolution to the
effect that Mr. Filcher was a fit and proper person to
represent the borough in Parliament.
Mr. GRISENTHWAITE seconded it, when it was put
and carried by acclamation.
After a vote of thanks to the Chairman, and three
cheers for Mr. Filcher, the meeting separated.