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

nd considerable talents, unhesitatingly consented it
become a candidate, and make an effort to rescue t
borough from the thraldom in which it had been hel
Mr. Smith was then the chairman of the Chamber is
Commerce in Manchester, chairman of the Anti-Cee,
law League, and universally known and respect t'
throughout the country. He came to Walsall at the e:
request, and conducted the contest in such a msnn,
as to meet, not only the applause and esteem of let
friends, but even the approval of his opponents;
There was:not a person in Walsall who could be four, t
to utter a single wordagainst Mr. Smith during tha
memorable contest. They were, however, born.
down by influences to which he had already adverted:
but not until they had reduced the majority of thei
opponents to that point which proved the impossibilit f
of him or any other monopolist again successfully t.,
contest the borough. The ladies of Walsall felt grate s
ful to Mr. Smith for his invaluable services, and the3i
resolved that, at some future time, they would proves
the estimation in which they held him, by the pre-
sentation of a substantial token of respect. Ile would
not detain the company longer from the enjoyment
they anticipated in the presentation of that tribute,
but sit down, leaving the next part of the business in
the hands of those with whom that rested.
Mr. Cox then rose, and taking up a very splendid
silver salver which was on the table, presented it to
Mr. Smith, saying, I have great honour ih handing
over this piece of plate. The Honourable Gentleman
accepted the plate, which was a piece of exquisite
workmanship, and having upon it the following in-
' scription :—" Presented to J. B. Smith, Esq., by the
ladies of Walsall, as a testimonial of their gratitude
and esteem for the patriotic and spirited manner in
which he stood forward in February, 1841, to contest
the representation of the borough against a monopo-
list and bread taxer, for his upright and independent
conduct and urbane demeanour during the struggle,
for his general and undeviating advocacy of the rights
of labour and happiness of all, in opposition bo the
selfish interests and domination of a class. May he
live to enjoy the reward of his exertions, in beholding
truth triumphant, and his country happy."
Mr. SMITH then rose, and was received with loud
and continued applause, which lasted for a consider-
able time. After the enthusiasm had subsided, the
Honourable Gentleman rose and said, he was exceed-
ingly happy to have the pleasure of meeting them on
that occasion. After so long an absence, they would
not be surprised that he felt some embarrassment at
coming before them, and inadequate to express him-
self upon the reception of that beautiful testimony
of their kind esteem and regard. He could
assure them he never could forget the kindness
of his friends at Walsall, particularly the ladies.
It was delightful to him to see so many then around
him who had cheered him on in his contest, and
many of whom had made great sacrifices for the
advancement of those principles which he and they
deemed essential to the welfare of their country.
When he first came to Walsall he had not the most
distant idea of becoming a candidate, and it was nc-
thing but a deep sense of the importance or the strug-
gle in which they were then engaged that could have
induced him to engage in so arduous a contest. It
was the first struggle for free trade which they had
had in the kingdom. It was nobly fought, and
though they were defeated, they were greatly indebted
to the generous enthusiasm of the ladies for the fa-
vourable struggle which they had made. When he •
commenced the canvass his opponent boasted that he
could command seven hundred voters, and that he (Mr.
Smith) could not:command five hundred supporters.
lie believed there was some truth in the calculation
which was then made, and if he had come forward
upon any other grounds than those which he had
adopted, he never could have succeeded to the extent
he did against such odds. He did not come before
them as the advocate of any faction, nor the tool of
any party, but he preached a new doctrine, which
found a response in the heart of every man, woman,
and child in the borough. lie contended for the
right of every man, who could make any description
of goods, to exchange them for any other kind of ar-
ticles in which he might stand in need. He con-
tended for perfect freedom of trade, independent of any
paltry party consideration, and having submitted the
arguments in favour of this principle to the people
of Wallsal, they at once saw the reasonableness and jus-
tice of them. They saw how intimately their own
immediate interests were bound up in the question,
and what was the consequence ? Why the election
came on, and instead of having 300 majority, Mr.
Scott was returned by a majority of 22. [The Hon.
Gentleman concluded a powerful speech, and having
thanked the company fur the honour they had con-
ferred on him, sat down amidst great applause].
Mr. JOHN BRIGHT next addressed the meeting in
favour of free trade, and made a most eloquent
address, after which several other toasts were given,
and the company separated, highly delighted with
the evening' entertainment.