The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-15 00:00:00

Ctiar Ebition

try and cheapen t
was the boa;; OWn luxuries.—(Hear, hear.) It
a'..es of Huskisson that he had expunged from
the statute-book the word " prohibition."—(Cheers.)
Let it be the boast of the people of the present day that
they had expunged from the statute-book the word
protection."—(Cheers.) Let the Government pass
laws for the repression and the prevention of crime, and
let them too have taxes—as few as possible—(Laughter)
for the maintenance of the State ; but let them have no
taxes which would operate as a premium upon famine.—
(Cheers.) In the spirit of those observations he begged
leave to move the first resolution.—(Cheers.)
Mr. RICARDO came forward to second the resolution.
He said that if it had been necessary to apply talent
to the seconding of that resolution, he would not have
come forward to do so ; but the proposition it con-
tained was so self-evident, that it carried conviction
with it, and, therefore, it would not be necessary for him
to say a word in support of it ; and, indeed, the talented
and eloquent gentleman who had proposed it left him
not a word to say in addition. He begged to second the
resolution.—(Cheers.)
Mr. WILKINSON said he wished to speak on the reso-
lution before it was put. He was as determined an
enemy to the corn-laws as any of them, but he could not
agree to the conclusions that many had come to in
arguing the question. Had' it not been for the violent
language used by many of the advocates of free-trade,
the corn-laws might have been repealed.—(Uproar.)
He repeated that such parties had materially arrested
the progress of free-trade.—(lncreased uproar.)
Moreover it had been said that at present there was a
deficiency of food in the country. He did not believe
that there was.—(Great uproar.) He maintained
there was no deficiency of food.—(The speaker
was here stopped by a tremendous burst of hissing
rind yelling, which lasted for several minutes.
The' peaker after the exhaustion of the first volley of
discordant shouts, attempted to go on, but after several
attempts desisted.)
The LORD MAYOR came forward and requested the
meeting to give a patient hearing to Mr. Wilkinson.
Mr. WILKINSON again essayed to speak, but after the
delivery of several sentences which were inaudible to
those even immediately around him, on account of the
hisses and shouts with which he was assailed, he stood
still. Then retiring amidst loud and indignant cries of
" turn him out;" " off, off;" "we have had enough of
you," he again sat down.
The LORD MAYOR then took the sense of the meeting
whether the speaker should proceed, when the negative
was carried by an immense show of bands.
Mr. WILKINSON then retired amidst loud and con-
tinued derisive shouts and cheers.
The LORD MAYOR having again put it to the vote
whether the speaker should be heard, the question met
with its former fate—namely, was negatived.
Mr. Wilkinson having bowed to the wish of the meet-
ing, the original resolution was put, and carried una-
nimously.
Mr. ROBERTSON said, however trite might be the re-
mark, he felt himself bound to say that he felt perfectly
incompetent to do justice to the subject now under dis-
cussion. This was partly owing to natural inability,
and partly to having been only that minute called on
to propose a resolution touching the corn-laws.—(Hear.)
The speaker here read a resolution to the effect, " That
the protective laws, commonly called the corn-laws, had
not afforded protection to any existing interest in the
country, that they had engendered strife amongst diffe-
rent classes at home, and hostility against us abroad,
and that the sliding-scale had effected none of the
good but all the evils that had been predicted of it.—
(Hear, and cheers.) Now let them look at the conse-
quences that were likely to result from persisting in
these laws. On the sth of January last there were only
360,000 quarters of corn in the market, while on the
Baltic there was a superabundant supply ; but From this
they were unable to derive any benefit. He would con-
clude by moving this resolution.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. CHRISTIE seconded the resolution ; sbut he deli-
vered his observations in so low a tone that it was im-
possible to hear him. However, he was understood to
say that he had great pleasure in seconding the resolu-
tion, which was put and carried amidst loud cheering.
Mr. CHARLES PERKINS proposed the next resolution.
He said that the resolution entrusted to him to propose
contained matter for the grave and serious consideration
of the meeting, as well as for all persons in this country
who were in any manner connected with the land.
Having read the resolution, he proceeded to say
he would ask the people to look at the
present difficult and embarrassing position of the
country by reason of the resignation of the present
Ministry.—(Hear.) The Ministry had looked about in
every direction for an excuse or a means of escape, but
they found they could not shrink from the responsibility
GREAT ANTI-CORN-LAW MEET-
they had incurred.—(Hear.) This country was now
ING IN THE GUILDHALL. looking forward with anxiety to the arrival of the speech
of the President of the United States, which they might
(THIS DAY.) expect within the next ten days. That was a document
The Lord Mayer of the City of London having, in which he knew the Government of this country did not
compliance with a requisition from the citizens, cost like to face.—(Bear, hear.) The United States of
respectaisly and numerously signed, called a public America were now somewhat more extensive than they
meeting for thisday in the Guildhall,thatspacious building were a few years ago; in fact they had extended all
for some time before the proceedings commenced, became over the Continent. Such of these States as were
crowded toexce-s At a fewminutes past one o'clock the Lord situate inland or at a distance from any port
Mayor came upon the platform, and amongst those who wanted to dispose of their produce to the best
accompanied him we observed Alderman Wood,llichard advantage.—(Hear, hear.) The States had now a
Cobden, Esq., M.P, whose appearance was greeted majority in the Congress, and it might be relied upon,
with lopd cheering ; Milre.-1. Gibson, Esq, M.P.; James that they never would meet this country upon terms of
Pattison, Esq, M.P. for London ; Dr. Bowring, M.P. ; amicable feeling and mutual interest until they had free
D.:NA hittle Harvey, Esq.; W. D. Saul, Esq. ; Ashurst, access to the markets of this country.—(Hear, hear.) He
Esq. ,• -- Norris, Esq., proprietor of the Railway Times; had heard a great deal said about the protection of the
Mr. Moffat, M.P. ; Raikes Currie, M.P. ; Hastie, landed interest ; but he could assure that class that it
; Win. Williams, M.P. ; Sheriff Lawrie ; T. M. would be infinitely more secure and satisfactory to them
Robinson, Esq. ;H. L. Keeling, Esq. ; Ralph Ricardo, to have the corn-laws repealed altogether and all artifi-
Esq. ; Charles Perkins, Esq., &c. &e. cial prices for food.—(Cheers.) Until that be done, he
At a quarter past one o'clock precisely, would ask, how was the farmer to act ? How was he to
The LORD MAYOR came forward to the front of the take a farm ? What was he to bid for it ?—(Hear.)
platform and said—Gentlemen, I have called this meet- In fact, he knew not how to proceed while
ang in compliance with a requisition of my fellow-citi- these corn-laws existed, for all was now curl-
zens, most respectably signed, in order to afford you an fusion—(Hear)—and a confusion so great that the
opportunity of expressing your sentiments on the ques- present Ministry did not dare to face it—(Hear, hear.)
tion of the corn-laws. I have now only to observe But it was for the electors of London to be now serious
that I trust you will adhere strictly to the subject for and determined in the good cause, and they might rest
the discussion of which you are assembled, and I do assured of success.—(Cheers.)
assure you that I shall endeavour to secure to every per- Mr. Wm. Hawes next came forward. He said he
son who wishes to address the meetir a a patient and would not detain them many minutes in observing upon
attentive hearing—(Hear, hear)—and el
trust you will the resolution, for he was certain that it would meet
approach the discussion of the subject calmly and dis- with the unanimous approbation of the meeting.—(Hear,
passienately.—(Cheers.) hear.) He would just call the attention of the meeting
The Lord Mayor's Secretary having read the requi- to the fact, that the feelings of the country had now
sition, signed by 1,230 of the electors, attained such a height in regard to the corn-laws,
The Loan MAYOR said he would now read a letter that the Prime Minister himself had been convinced
he had received from Lord John Russell.—(Hear.) of the necessity for their total repeal.—(Loud cheers.)
His Lordship then read the letter, in which It was but a few years back that they had met in that
the noble writer said that the peculiar po- hall, and declared in favour of a Bill—the Reform Bill_
sition in which he was at present placed would pre- and the Government of the day resolved to carry it; but
vent him attending the meeting. The Lord Mayor then even that was spoiled, not by those who had originated
introduced
or introduced it, but it was spoiled in its progress through
Mr. theaote, who said, they were met to express an the Legislature by a few interested persons, who intro-
opinion on the existing rn-laws, and he suggested, duced so many qualifications into it that it was rendered
that the conclusion they should come to was, that the almost useless.—(Hear.) But now that the people were
corn-lave should be repealed.—(Loud cheers.) resolved to have a repeal of the corn-laws, that repeal
He would briefly give his reasons for that must be without any qualification whatever.—(Cheers.)
suggestion. In the first place, as conveyed in the They should have a total and effectual repeal of every
resolution he was about to propose, the principle tax upon food.—(Cheers.) The meeting was aware
of protection was bad, false in theory, hurtful to that Mr. Cobden was present—(Cheers)—and therefore
the class protected, and injurious to the whole commu- he (Mr. H.) would not longer deprive them of the
pity ; in the second place, it was a bad law in its ge- pleasure of hearing him.—(Cheers.) He was a citizen
neral Application, but more particularly so in the present of this comity, and had been received everywhere with
state of this country ; and in the third place, it operated the greatest enthusiasm and honour, for he was indeed
in a !tartlet and injurious manner at most times, but now regarded as the great leader of this movement.
more decidedly so when famine stared the nation in the Mr. COBDEN then came forward, and was received
face, as it now did. Some four years ego, a law was with the most deafening and prolonged shouts of ap-
passed for a sliding-scale, but what had been the result? plause. When it had subsided he said,—My Lord
Had it produced the wonders promised ?--(No, no.) Mayor and brother electors of the City of London,
Had it regulated the supply in a legitimate manner ? although I have been almost living in public meetings
—(N., no.) Had it not turned out a total failure ? in various parts of this country for the last fortnight,
(Cries of " Yes, it has.") At that time many honest yet it was not until I had
come here and witnessed
men—at least he believed them honest—and he was one this magnificent gathering, that I felt the full
of them, differed from the sliding-scale, and advocated a force of the strength which this great move-
fixed duty. That opinion was thought the best adapted ment now enjoys.—(Loud cheers.) Hitherto we have
then to the serigencies of the country. Circumstances been dealing only with the exhumation of the body
had changed since then, and now he was an advocate politic ;it has already received a goodly kick in Lance-
for a fixed duty no longer, but for absolute free trade. shire, and a blow of no inconsiderable magnitude was
—(Loud cheers.) He could advocate such a view in the also inflicted on it from Edinburgh.—(Loud cheers.) But
present state of the country. But in advocating the now at length the head is in motion. I have now
total repeal of the corn-laws, they should do so, not as brought with me a message to you from the north of
a party question—not as a measure to benefit one class England. They are at work there for you ; they
at the expense of another class—but, as a measure well have taken a position in this great cause, and they
calculated to benefit the great body of the cons- have no doubt that you will sustain them with
munity. They sought not to benefit one class honour and credit to yourselves in this great move-
or party, but to benefit every class of society. ment.—(Cheers)—for what would this cause be with-
A great difference of opinion prevailed in this country as out your assistance ?—the assistance of the inhabitants
to the comparative advantage of an agricultural or of a of the metropolis of the greatest commercial empire in
manufacturing population. There were those amongst the known world.—(Cheers.) The importance of
them who advocated the existence only of an agricul- every movement which takes place in this city is
aural population, and said it was greatly superior to a felt and acknowledged in the most distant parts
manufacturing population ; but how absurd was it in of the civilized world.—(Hear, hear.) And let me
this age to entertain such a view of society. How could ask then, can laws be suffered to exist which
they go back to an agricultural state of society ?—(Hear, would have the effect of convulsing the mercantile opera-
hear.) It would be as easy fur a man to return to the age tions of such a vast mass of people?—(Cheers.) Why
of childhood, as it would be fur this country, advanced should we not be so circumstanced as to be at perfect
as it was in civilisation, to return to an agricultural liberty to exchange the products of our industry for that
state of society. But if they were to return to an agri- food which is offered to us with an open hand in
cultural state of society, what was to become of our ma- every country of the globe? Who are they that
nufectures ? Were they to be destroyed ?—(Cries of will not permit us to do this ? Oh, we
No, no.") No, it was perfectly absurd, it was mon- must find them in Buckinghamshire and Essex.—
strous, it was perfectly ridiculous to hold such an argu- (Cheers and laughter.) In Essex they had the great
meet in the present state of society.—(Great ap- protection gathering ; and they tell us that that which
plause.) What was the question which agitated the coun- is to stem this mighty avalanche—this great movement
try at this moment ? It was, whether an agricultural seeeis to come from Chelmsford.—(Laughter.) Now he
or a manufacturing state of society was best ; but let could not better illustrate our position, than by taking a
him remind those thousands who had started this ques- glance at what they have been doing in Essex. Let us
tion that there was a population more to be cared for, see who they have got to join them in their cause ,and
and more to be feared, than either an agricultural or a what are their chances of success.—(Hear, hear.) Essex,
manufacturing, and that was a starving population.— vie are told, is fertile in wheat, and, as a friend near me
(Applause.) How were they to deal with them ? Would has suggested, very fruitful in calves.—(Great laughter.)
gunpowder stop them—would curry powder feed them ? Now I believe that all the wheat the Essex people have
--(No, no.) When first he heard of the Noble Duke's to sell comes to London. You are the customers to the
recipe be was_. anaued at it, but upon more serious Essex growers. You buy it and pay for it; and, I believe,
thought his indignation_ ata,
moved, because he saw in give a higher price for it than would be obtained in any
it reason to believe that it was the intention of the other market in the world.—(Cheers.) But then you say
Noble Duke to excite the stomachs of the labouring you want more, and must have it. But then Sir John
population, for the purpose of. making them content, Tyrrel calls some people together, and they tell
and as quietly as possible s übm to starvation. What you that there is enough for yon in Essex,
oq
were the arguments in favour f the corn-law? why, and that, therefore, you shall not buy any more. That
first, it was said that agriculture was the base of seciety is exactly a fair epitome of what the great mass of the
Let them make the base a 3 broad as they possibly could: people of England are told by the landlords of England.
Let them extend it to other countries. It Ives —(Hear, hear.) But you tell them that you will buy
asked what would:ehey do in time of war,. if they re. wheat whenever you like, and that you have a right to
placed the corn-laws ? Why let them remain at. Peace, buy as much more as you can, after having got all that
and let them make it for the interest of other nations to they need in Essex.—(Laughter and cheers.) These
remain at peace with them. Let them buy their corn gentlemen of Essex are rather bold, considering that
from America when they could not produce enough in.their you are their customers.—(Laughter.) Now, it
own country, and then America would not go to war with is the custom in the City for men of busi-
them. Now, let us look at this for a moment. In the first ness to be courteous, and civil, and polite to
place, he could never understand how the present system those by Whom they
are enabled to keep
of policy was calculated to advance the resources of the their shops open. But the Essex gentlemen are rather
country, or add to its prosperity. He thought the interest above their customers. There is wheat to be bad in
of the proprietors must increase with the prosperity
ef Russia, in Poland, in Spain, and in America, but if we
the country, for if there was an increase in the supply of attempt to seek these markets for a supply, in steps this
their crops. Besides, when there was a great demand for (Hear, hear.) But we have been told there is enough
foul, it would be necessary for the landlords to improve law and stops us, unless we
Pay an enormous duty.
of
_,_s_upply of food from abroad at hand, there was a ten- food in the country. The gentleman who has addressed
uenoY to increase the price of corn in those countries, and you (Mr. Wilkinson) said there was no scarcity in the
therefore enable the growers of corn in this country to land.—(Hear.) judging by the capacious spencer of the
compete with the forei,gn grower. Food was necessary Hon. Gentleman entleman, ther., does not appear tobe.—(Laughter )
for all classes of the peop/e, and therefore those who Judging, I say, by the capacity of his_ spencer, he
would tax it d
° wrong, while) they do not hesitate to pears to be well filled.— (Renevsed laughter and cheers.)

SUN OFFICE, Seven o' Clock.

THE

NEW MINISTRY.

Lord Joni.' RUSSELL has called a meeting of all the
Members of the former Cabinet, and of other influen-
tial liberal leaders for to-morrow morning, at his
Louse in Chesham-place. The Marquis of LANS..
DOWNE, Lord PALMERSTON, the Right Hon. EDWARD
ELLICE, Lord GREY, and several others, ha% e been
in consultation with Lord Jour' RUSSELL this day.
Sir Daais LE MARCHANT and Mr. TUFNELL have
been in atttendance also. Rumours have been afloat,
that the Marquis of LANSDOWNE, and not Lord J.Rus-
SELL, would be the Premier; but we believe there is no
truth in the rumour. Until after the meeting of to-
morrow nothing can be with certainty predicted, but
the strong leaning continues to be, and to increase
in strength, that Lord JOHN RUSSELL will form his
Government without much longer delay.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

A general meeting of Lord JOHN RUSSELL'S
political supporters will be held to-morrow, and
after the meeting Lord Joins RUSSELL will proceed
to Windsor Castle to communicate the results to
the QUEEN.

AMERICAN NEWS.

EXPRESS FROM LIVERPOOL.

LIVERPOOL, MONDAY MORNING.—The arrival of
the New York packet-ship Hottinguer, Captain Burs-
ley, late last night, has put us in possession of pa-
pers from that city to the 21st ult., her day of sail-
ing; they do not, however, contain any news of
importance. The auxiliary screw-steamer, Massa-
chusetts arrived at Holmes Hole, Nantucket, on the
19th instant., having put in there owing to the
illness of the Captain. The Britannia's news was
hourly expected in New York when the Hottinguer
left, as she had been telegraphed off Boston the day
before.

The following are extracts from the papers :
__

DAMAGES FOR SEDUCTION.—At the Monmouth, N. J.
Circuit, just closed, the case of " Rogers v. Ivins," for
the seduction of plaintiff's daughter, resulted in a ver-
dict of 1,000 dollars.

THE FLORIDA ELECTION.—Mr. Cabell, the Whig
candidate, has got his certificate of election, as the law
requires that the Governor shall certify within thirty
days after the election who has a majority of the re-
turned votes. Mr. Cabell was found to have 69 more
returned than Mr. Brockenburgh, who, however, has a
small majority of the whole vote cast in the state.
INCENDIARY ATTEMPTS.—Four attempts were made
on Thursday and Friday evenings to set fire to build-
ings of a combustible character, in the vicinity of
Brown's and Coleman's Hotels, in Washington.
A BIBLE FOR OLE BULL.—The Home Missionary
Society of Philadelphia presented Ole Bull with a mag-
nificent Bible on Saturday last, as a testimony of the
appreciation of his kindness, in giving a gratuitous con-
cert to the poor.
The St. Louis New Era makes the following strange
suggestion. We hardly think it will be carried into
effect. It would be a fatal advertisement for some Al.D.'s :
—" In marriage notices, it is usual to give the name of
the clergyman who performed the ceremony, and with
equal propriety in obituary notices the name of the at-
tending physician should be given."
COMPLETED TO KALAMAZOO.—The Detroit Free
Press says that the Central Railroad will be completed,
and cars running as far as Kalamazoo, by the Ist of
January next.