The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-16 00:00:00

GREAT ANTI-CORN-LAW MEET- 110 ?king forward with anxiety to the arrival of the speech
G TIM MULL. of the President of the United States, which they might
The Lord ..xprot e ttien tee e, titt',. witS dos:l:meet
Mayur lot the City of London tit.. I:; which he kite, F /it' C ()VC: Ilmeitt of this Conk try dill but
"nPlianCe Ujill a requisition from the citizens, is ost like to face.—(llear, hear.) The United States- of
respectably and numerously signed, called a public meet- America were now somewhat more extensive than they
A." for' yesterday in the Guildhall, that spacious building, were a few years ago; in fact, they had extended ell
earn some time before the proceedings commence], became over the continent. Such of these States as were
vetted to excess. A few minutes 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
:.,e:Oltnpanied him we observed Alderman Wood, Richard advantage.—(Haar, hear.) The States had now a
1; hden, Esq., ALP, whose appearance was greeted majority in the Congreps, and it might be relied upon,
With loud cheering ; Milner Gibson, Esq , M.P.; James that they never would meet this country upon terms of
Esq, M.P. fur London; 1)r. Bowring, M.P. ; amicable feeling and mutual interest until they had free
hittle Harvey, Esq.; W. D. Saul, &q. ; Ashurst, access to the markets of this country.—(Hear, hear) He
---Norris, Esq., proprietor of the Railway Times; bad heard a great deal said about the protection of the
▪ Moffat, M.P. ; Reiltes Currie, M.l . ; - trestle, landed interest ; but he could assure that class that it
i•or: ; Wm. Williams, ; Sheriff Lawrie ; T. M. would be infinitely more secure and satisfactory to them
It °mann Esq. ; H. L. Keeling, Esq ; Ralph Ricardo, to have the corn-laws repealed altogether and all artili-
-49. ; 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 Loap Mayon 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
12te' in compliance with a requisition of my fellow-citi- these corn-laws existed, for all was now et n-
"ns. most respectably signed, in order to afford you an fusion—(Hear)—and a confusion so great that the
r"ortunity of expressing your sentiments on the ques- present Ministry did not dare to face it—(Hear, hear)—
that
of the corn-laws. I have now only to observe but it was for the electors of London to be now serious
iatl trust you will adhere strictly to the subject for and determined in the good cause, and they might therest_ discussion of which you are assembled, and I do assured of success.—(Cheers.)
sure you that I shall endeavour to secure to every per- Mr. Wm. Ila.wes next came forward. He said he
attentive
who wishes to address the meeting a patient and would not detain them many minutes in observing upon
o'ntire hearing—(Hear, bear) —and trust you will the resolution, for he was certain that it would meet
passionately,—(Cheers.)
the discussion of the subject calmly and dis- with the unanimous approbation of the ineeting.—(Hear,
hear.) He would just call the attention of the meeting
• The LoMayor's Secretary having read the requi- to the fact, that the feelings of the country had now
"an, signed by 1,230 of the electors, attained such a height in regard to the corn-laws,
hhe LORD MAYOR said he would now read a letter that the Prime Minister himself had been convinced
st had received from Lord John Russell.—(Hear.) of the necessity for their total repeal.—(Loud cheers )
il4+ Lordship then read the letter, in which It was but a few years back that they had met in that
': noble writer said that the peculiar po- hall, and declared in favour of a Bill—the Reform Bill—
inin which he was at present placed would pre- and the Government of the day resolved to carry it; but
nt 14i„,nim attending the meeting. The Lord Mayor then even that was spoiled, not by those who had originated
rucinced or introduced it, but it was spoiled in its progress through
mat
DILLow, who said they were met to express an the Legislature by a few interested persons, who intro-
on on the existing corn-laws, and he suggested duced so many qualifications into it that it was rendered
the conclusion they should come to was, that the almost useless.—(Hear.) But now that the people were
144-haws should be repealed.—(Loud cheers.) resolved to have a repeal of the corn-laws, that repeal
so would briefly give his reasons for that must be without any qualification whatever.—(Cheers.)
~,Sqestion, In the first place, as conveyed in the They should have a total and effectual repeal of every
'oration he was about to propose, the principle tax upon food.—(Cheers.) The meeting was aware
the Protection was bad, false in theory, hurtful to
heatth Mr. Cobden was present—(Cheers)—and therefore
slit class protected, and injurious to the whole commu- (Mr. II.) would not longer deprive them of the
4,,; in the second place, it was a bad law in its ge- pleasure of hearing him.—(Cheers.) He was a citizen
ttt application, but more particularly so in the present of this county, and had been received everywhere with
toof this country ; and in the third place, it operated the greatest enthusiasm and honour, for he was indeed
404 partial and injurious manner at most times, but now regarded as the great leader of this movement.
fi,st'e decidedly so when famine stared the nation in the Mr. COBDEN then came forward, and was received
7 as it now did. Some four years ago a law was with the most deafening and prolonged shouts of ap-
t for a sliding-scale, but what had been the result? plause. When it had subsided he said,—My Lord
4,1 it produced the wonders promised ?—(No, no.) Mayor and brother electors of the City of London,
Qpregulated the supply in a legitimate manner ? although I have been almost living in public meetings
pi(), no.) Had it not turned out a total failure 7 in various parts of this country for the last fortnight,
" of "Yes, it has.") At that time many honest yet it was not until I had come here and witnessed
of them. differed from the sliding-scale, and advocated a force of the strength which this great move-
the. duty.. That opinion was thought the best adapted ment now enjoys.—(Loud cheers.) Hitherto we have
likf to the exigencies of the country. Circumstances been dealing only with the exhumation of the body
fer eltanged since then, and now lie was an advocate politic ; it has already received a goodly kick in Lanett-
fixed duty no longer, but for absolute free trade. shire, and a blow of no inconsiderable magnitude was
ts.,Zold cheers.) He could advocate such a view in the also inflicted on it from Edinburgh.—(Loud cheers.) But
tot state of the country. But in advocating the now at length the head is in motion. I have now
e tetleal of the corn-laws, they should do so, not as brought with me a message to you from the north of
stPttrtY question—not as a measure to benefit one class England. They are at work there for you ; they
se.e expense of another class—but as a measure well have taken a position in this groat cause, and they
teitillated to benefit the great body of the corn- have no doubt that you will sustain them with
ty They sought not to benefit one class honour and credit to yourselves in this great move-
-4 party. but to benefit every class of society. ment—(Cheers)—for what would this cause be with-
% ezvat difference of opinion prevailed in this country as out your assistance ?—the assistance of the inhabitants
kelibl.comparative advantage of an agricultural or of a of the metropolis of the greatest commercial empire in
the '"
whacturine- P opulation. There were those amongst the known world.—(Cheers.) The importance of
keti advocated the existence only of an agricul- every movement which takes place in this city is
mt P°Pillation, and said it was greatly superior to a felt and acknowledged in the most distant parts
th ufaeturing population ; but how absurd was it in of the civilised world.—(Hear, hear.) And let me
114,,1tga to entertain such a view of society. How could ask then, can laws be suffered to exist which
11,4 to back to an agricultural state of society ?—(Hear. would have the effect of convulsing the mercantile opera-
ef would be as easy fur a man to return to the age tions of such a vast mass of people?—(Cheers.) Why
it"uhood, as it would be for this country, advanced should we not be so circumstanced as to be at perfect
%tit, sc.i'as in civilisation, to return to an agricultural liberty to exchange the products of our industry for that
ot society. But if they were to return to an agri- food which is offered to us with an open hand in
aerial state of society, what was to become of our ma- every country of the globe? Who are they that
*lre Lures ? Were they to be destroyed ?—(Cries of will not permit us to do this ? Oh, we
4t
-t, o ',ll(i'i') No, it was perfectly absurd, it was mon- must find them in Buckinghamshire and Essex.--
~Nell-4 was perfectly ridiculous to hold such an argu- (Cheers and laughter.) In Essex they had the great
Essex.—
Nu ,111 the present state of society.—(Great ap- protection gathering ; and they tell us that that which
4.*) What was the question which agitated the coun- is to stem this mighty avalanche—this great movement
telt i• this moment ? It was, whether an agricultural —is to come from Chelmsford.—(Laughter.) Now he
,fillonfacturing state of society was best ; but let could not better illustrate our position, than by taking a
4oprund those thousands who had started this ques- glance at what they have been doing in Essex. Let us
kei that there was a population more to be eared for, see who they have got to join them in their cause ,and
kta:Pre to be feared, than either an agricultural or a what are their chances of success.—(Hear, hear.) Essex,
Vtpbacturietg, and that was' a starving population.— we are told, is fertile in wheat, and, as a friend near me
tfkie-'4".) now were they to deal with them ? Would has suggested, very fruitful in calves.—(Great laughter.)
•.(N. *der stop them—would curry powder feed them ? Now I believe that all the wheat the Essex people have
del %Ds ,_l'°.) When first he heard of the Noble Duke's to sell comes to London. You are the customers to the
was amused at it, but upon more serious Essex growers. You buy it and pay for it; and, I believe,
sh•
~ leis indignation was moved, because he saw in give a higher price for it than would be obtained in any
.2JI to believe that it was the intention of the other market in the world.—(Cheers.) But then you say
NI Duke to excite the stomachs of the labouring you want more, and must have it. But then Sir John
`4,11-1:1°11, for the purpose of making them content, Tyrrel calls some people together, and they tell
ttethq4jetly as possible submit to starvation. What you that there is enough for you in Essex,
sht, it 6 arguments in favour of the corn-law? Why, and that, therefore, you shall not buy any more. That
Lrt thews said that agriculture was the base of society. is exactly a fair epitome of what the great mass of the
et make the base as broad as they possibly could. people of England are told by the landlords of England.
141( the
- extend it to other countries. It was —(Hear, hear.) But you tell them that you will buy
Dtak,ehat would they do in time of war, if they re- wheat whenever you like, and that you have a right to
4hrliette corn-laws ? Why, let them remain at peace, buy as much more as you can, after having got all that
themmtiti make it for the interest of other nations to they need in Essex.—(Laughter and cheers.) These
L°lll4„,ltt Peace with them. Let them buy their corn gentlemen of Essex are rather bold, considering that
~7erica when they could not produce enough in their you are their customers.—(Laughter.) Now, it
13,11.• errY, and then America would not go to war with is the custom in the City for men of busi-
13rr let us look at this for a moment. In the first ness to be courteous, and civil, and polite to
• he ' by whom they are enabled to keep
pshoptre Could never understand how the present system those
Y Was calculated to advance the resources of the their shops open. But the Essex gentlemen are rather
th„Y, or add to its prosperity. He thought the interest above their customers. There is wheat ; o be had in
Ne;Proprietors must increase with the prosperity of Russia, in Poland, in Spain, and in America, but if we
iintrY, for if there was an increase in the supply of attempt to seek these markets for a supply, in steps this
-,"eit-tt Would be necessary for the landlords to improve law and stops us, unless we pay an enormous duty.—
etii)el°Ps- Besides, when there was a great demand for (Hear, bear.) But we have been told there is enough of
illeyr,Y., of food from abroad at hand, there was a ten- food in the country. One gentleman who has addressed
Ortro7 increase the price of corn in those countries, and you (Mr. Wilkinson) said there was no scarcity in the
i'utspetre enable the growers of corn in this country to land.—(Hear.) Judging by the capacious spencer of the
tat !, with the foreigu grower. Food was necessary Hon. Gentleman, there does not appear to be—(Laughter)
Itcstild ;;!asses of the people, and therefore those who —judging, I say, by the capacity of his spencer, lie ap-
,l se,l'lz it do wrong, while they do not hesitate to pears to be well filled.—(Renewed laughter and cheers.)
eh
to the eapen their own luxuries.—( Hear, hear.) It No doubt the Hon. Gentleman has enough.—(Laughter.)
Eta boast of Huskisson that he had expunged from There seems no scarcity there.—(Loud laughter.) Now,
ante-book the word " prohibition."—(Cheers.) to all who think with this Hon. Gentleman, all who sup-
ty h the boast of the people of the present day that pose that there is enough because they happen to be
140titeld expunged from the statute-book the word well filled, I will say, what is the opinion of those who
frti°lL —(Cheers.) Let the Government pass hare not so good a spencer as that gentleman appears to
\ the the repression and the prevention of crime, and have ? What do they think who happen not to be so
tiny ;1111 too have taxes—as few as possible—(Laughter) well filled respecting this question ? Let those who
$l;% maintenance of the State ; but let them hare no wish to know whether there is a scarcity or not go to
10s, N'eh wouldoperate as a premium upon famine.— Bethnal-green, in the neighbourhood of Spitalfields, and
In the spirit of those observations he begged hear what they have got to say respecting this momen-
Ilt‘r. et:" the first resolut;on.—(Cheers.) tous question.—(Hear.) They at least will say, 'we do
to,,taid -aano came forward to second the resolution. not at present get plenty of Essex bread.—(Cheers.) If
that if it bad been necessary to apply talent there is plenty in the land there is no useto go 3,000 miles
itigs f:eonding of
dohstat resolution, be would not have to America for a supply ; but if there is not plenty,
t,ttled Ward to - then that system which prevents the people from receiv-
lo ° it,;" Sr self-evident, that it carried conviction ing a supply must be an unrighteous system.—(Loud
gay sand. therefore, it would not be necessary for him cheers.) Every law is bad, and to be condemned, that
fet tier, °rd in support of it ; and, indeed, the talented interferes to prevent a supply of food to the people of
kekkw,iitlent gentleman who had proposed it left him any country —(Cheers) Now, gentlemen, with regard
4t114,,t(1 to say in addition. He begged to second the to the protective societies, of which we have heard so
w*--(Cheers.) much. They tell us confidently that there is a sufficient
Q.) ttleittlsisos; said he wished to speak on the reso- supply of corn and potatoes in the country. If this is
o °,re it was put. He was as determined an so I wish to know what is the matter in head-
t, toe corn-laws as any of them, but he could not quarters ?—(Loud cheers.) If there is no deficiency in
kritittethe conclusions that many' had come to in the potato crop, what have w. e got wrong in the Cabinet?
thttlk4;oe'le question. Had it not been for the violent —(Renewed cheers.) Daring the last session of Par-
ee'ru' Jilted by many of the advocates of free-trade, liament, near to the close of it, judging from appear-
1604lise,"%wa might have been repealed.—(Uproar.) antes, Sir Robert Peel and Sir James Graham were re-
-15,1a. r?': that such parties had materially arrested veiling in the luxurious idea that power and place were
4t‘pter3"rs"a of free-trade.—(lncreased uproar.) likely at least to last a lifetime.—(Cheers.) But now
Ikt, Nei% it bed been said that at present there was a we hear that this strong Cabinet is broken up, and if there
°r food in the country. He did not believe were nothing wrong about the crops, and no scarcity of
*is was.—(Great uproar.) He maintained food, what the matter can be I want to know ? (Cheers.)
tad hero no no deliency of food.—(The speaker No, gentlemen, there are ominous signs in the sudden
`ks Yeliir`c'PPed by a tremendous burst of hissing rupture of the Cabinet.---(Hear, hear.) I believe it is
tikettitPect"g, which lasted for several minutes. based on some reports received respecting the crops. in
I not r+ after the exhaustion of the first volley of Ireland, and in many parts of England, reports informing
I,L s shouts, attempted to go on, but after several Sir ..Ro)ert. that the evil is much worse than
kos Lsmesisted.) any intimation the public have yet received, that
Ilea taken place. Since
tirS-704b Mavon came forward and requested the this sudden break up
Llis‘ Rrtr4i:e a patient hearing to Mr. Wilkinson. I have come into this hall a gentleman has put
rY of N again
oessayed to speak, but after the a printed statement into my hand respecting the potato
several sentences, which were inaudible to crop ; and I may add, no gentleman that I.know of. is
'9l▪ (' Tntediately around him, on account of the better qualified to give a statement on the question
,l`:rl)o,,,SuoUts with which he was assailed, he stood than he is. He says, in the paper in question, that
4,11:7 4.-e rev •
iring amidst loud and indignant cries of the number of sacks of potatoes delivered in the port
Is he °lnt" " Off, off;"
1,0 gain sat d "We have had enough of of London during the three last months of the years
of 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, were as follows :—ln the
), '1 lib At own'
f2r the A.YOR then took the sense of the meeting three months ending December, 1842, the number
• lettli "le 3Peaker should proceed, when the negative was 440,700 sacks ; in the three months ending Decem-
La1%%,,,c4 bY an immense show of hands. bet* 1843, 315,800 ; in the three months, ending De-
'ti`4 de;-3.ttlisoie then retired amidst loud and con- comber 1844, 381,800 sacks ; and in the three last
I,""ye shouts andcheers. months of the present year 1845, 195,400 sacks. Now,
~stk
Ith`er th:" MAYOR having again put it to the vote gentlemen, what was the fluctuation in the price of
to f sPeaker should be heard, the question met these potatoes in 1842, 43, 44, 45. In the three former
r• wil roer fote--namely, was negatived. of these years they ranged from 40s. to 90s. per ton.
ttle„ge or;,"rion having bowed to the wish of the meet- In the present year the average has been from 105. to
k P
• 1> anal resolution was put, and carried una- 150 s. per ton. I also learn from the same gentleman
OM( he that of these twelve cargoes some were so bad, that they
t,:sr4 ae felt rsoN said, however trite might be the re- were cleared out to the lightermen, and given to them to
ka• Peters himself himself bound to say that he felt perfectly carry away for the purpose of being converted into ma-
‘41:41:41. 4.ttht.o do justice to the subject now under dis-- nure.—(Hear.) There was also an instance of one
rtly tOl Was partly owing to natural inability, cargo, which, at the cost of 301, had to be dug out and
ty,qs %Pose,. resolution touching the corn-laws.—(Hear.) have latterly been in every part of England, and I re-
tf?teeti, herei read a resolution to the effect, " That gret :9 say that the accounts of the potato crop coincided
Ilk Ned 6 laws, commonly called the corn-laws, bad with what I have stated regarding the port of London.—
th Protection to any existing interest in the (Hear.) I believe that by 'next spring—and it is my
!sei
ttlttesearttthey had engendered strife amongst diffe- duty to state it—there will not be a sound potato to be
*ee) hat that borne, and hostility against us abroad, applied for the purposes of seed.—(Hear.) It is easy fur
p.. sliding-scale had effected . none of. the our dukes and squires, maundering like old women, to
tltt`r, 411 the
toeesitricl eliee evils that had been predicted of it.— say there is no scarcity, and to attempt to arrest the
at Its I thaWsat were
rs-) Now let them look at the conse- opinion in favour of free-trade. They can go out
ere likely to result from persisting in to shoot and hunt during the day, and when they
tliqto,qearun the sth of January last there were only come in they can regale themselves with venison,
tON"uero tors of corn in the market, while on the champagne, and the like dainties. With them there is
O'e lin!s a superabundant supply ; but from this no scarcity not so with the people.—(Hear, hear.)
4, 3' taw 'le to derive tiny benefit. He would con- But these men are 14norant of what is going on in the
tit 81,rn_tZ_ this resolution.—(Hear, hear.) cottages upon their own estates ; and, being ignorant,
.:13it),11is trEv seconded the
alresoution ; but he deli- are unprepared with a remedy for the evil which
"t 1,9 thie to i.*_e ations in Si) low tone that it was im • is impending. I am quite certain that before
Eit he ear •However, he was understood to the fine weather of next spring sets in, that
44Is‘viliela 4d great pleasure n seconding the resole- whole districts will be dependant on charity,
was put and carried amidst loud cheering. and in consequence will be flocking into the
`;114t4.14 th4ttfttls PERRINs proposed the next resolution. great cities and towns for relief; and you in this great
Ztv,:eid
inater rfe,rsotlhuetion entrusted to him to propose city will be called on to subscribe to saVe the starving
grave and serious consideration peasantry from famine. And what is the state of things
ing. as well as for all persons in this country respecting the Executive of the country?—(Hear, hear.)
;;. read manner connected with the land. We have no Government. Sir R. Peel has taken flight
resolution, he proceeded to say on the first operation of his sliding scale.—(Laughter.
t(N:111c1 ask 7
eief,eu, the people to look at the and cheers.) Though possepdng a majority of ninety in
tih. y h argil ernbarra;sing position of the the House of Commons he has ran away
1441.4iirtieetittiiiiielyfoer t
tN'tlatrY----..4" of the re.igaetion of the presto, from his own handiwork.—(Hear, and' laughter.)
lb "ear-) T' 'l' • imetry had looked about in This does not show much pluck on his part.—(Renewed
or a means of escape, but laughter.) But he has not even told us what he intended
had „cart ould not shrink from the responsibility to do. On this occasion he has put on as much mystery
`u ed
.—(Hear.) This country was now to the free traders as he did to the agricultural interest