The Sun.
London, England, 1844-09-13 00:00:00

WALSALL.

PRESENTATION OF PLATE TO J. B.
SMITH, ESQ.
THURSDAY MORNING.—A most interesting festi-
vity took place here last evening, on the occasion of
presenting a splendid silver salver to Mr. Smith, of
Manchester, which had been subscribed for by the
ladies of the borough, in testimony of the high
esteem in which they held that gentlemen's exertions
in the year 1841, when he contested the borough
against the monopolists, and laid the foundation for
the future success of the Liberal candidate. When
Mr. Smith arrived at that time in Walsall, the elec-
tors were under the most grievous despotism, but
such was the effect produced by the determined stand
made by the free traders, that in the course of six
months after Mr. Smith's defeat, the principles of free
trade triumphed in the return of Mr. Scott, the pre-
sent excellent representative of the borough. Ever
since this change in the tone of public opinion, the
ladies of the borough have longed for an opportunity
of expressing to Mr. Smith the deep obligations they
'held themselves under to him for his stern, but gen-
tlemanly and independent advocacy of the interests of
their borough. They accordingly set a subscription
on foot to purchase a silver salver. In a short time
the money was raised and the plate purchased ; but
owing to the great depression of trade, and consequent
want of spirit amongst the inhabitants, the presenta-
tion of the salver was deferred until yesterday, when
a grand soiree took place in the large Assembly-room
at five o'clock. Several hundreds of the most re-
spectable ladies and gentlemen of the borough sat
down to tea, which, with all the arrangements, re-
flected the greatest credit upon the fair caterers,
under whose management the festivity was got up
and conducted. Robert Scott, Esq., M.P. for the
borough, presided ; supported by John Bright, Esq. ;
M.P.; Charles Greatrex, Esq.; Thomas Brittle, Esq.;
Samuel Cox, Esq.; Samuel Wilkinson, Esq., &c.
Amongst the ladies who graced the head table, we
observed Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Grafton, Mrs. Myring,
Griffiths, Miss Mall, Mrs. Creswell, &c. The repast
being over.
The CHAIRMAN said—ln an assemblage composed
as that was, of many ladies, it would be highly im-
proper to commence the proceedings without allusion
to their most gracious and beloved Sovereign. It
was one of the glories of England to be subject to
female dominion, and it was a still further glory, that
in the history oithis country the dominatiofi of the
more tender sex had been productive of greater hap-
piness and prosperity to the nation, than the sway of
great and mighty men. If ever they had reason to be
proud of their Sovereign, it was at the present time
—(Cheers)—when they had upon the throne one who
was the solace and comfort of her own home, who
had set an example well worthy of imitation, who had
a heart to feel for the distresses of her people, and who
would, if she could, have long since relieved them
from those infamous bread laws which had so long
oppressed her people, and ground them down to the
very dust.—(blear, hear.) lie most cordially pro-
posed the health of her Majesty, which was received
with loud applause.
The CHAIRMAN said they had lately witnessed some
slight revival of trade, at the same time they could
not forget the great and appalling distress which had
so long prevailed in that town and neighbourhood.—
(Hear, hear.) They ought to be thankful for the
change which had taken place, but they could not
hope, under the existing laws, that the present pros-
perity would be permanent. He was well aware that
many of their legislators were influenced by good_ mo-
tives, but they were unfortunately ignorant of the
real wants of the people, and deficient of that com-
mercial knowledge which would enable them to legis-
late as they ought to do for the interests of the
proposed, country at large. He with all his heart,
"Success and Prosperity to the Manufacturing In_
terests of Great Britain.
Mr. H. WALTER, from Wolverhampton, in re-
sponding to the toast, said that the public were much
indebted to the ladies of that borough for the part
they had taken in the agitation of the great question
of free trade. It was a question which came home to
the wants, feelings, and affections of those who were
so keenly alive to the necessities of their fellow-
creatures.
The CUAIRMAN then came to the principal busi-
ness of the evening, and in doing so he must, he said,
beg their indulgence while he adverted to the cir-
cumstances connected with their firstacyhaintancree
with the honourable gentleman to whom
that evening about to pay so marked a tributeeyofwree-
spect. He well remembered when in the year 1841,
they were called upon to come forward
ard as the cham-
pions of free trade in England. That was the first
borough in which the question was fairly tried, and
nobly indeed did they respond to the call. He well
knew the anxiety which the friends of free trade had
felt at that period, and the difficulties they had in pro-
curing a candidate to stand forth the uncompromising
advocate of the great principles which they were de-
sirous of testing in that borough. It was at that
moment of difficulty and struggle that Mr. Smith—
(Loud cheers)--a gentleman of great station, of well-
known character, of extensive commercial knowledge,