The Sun.
London, England, 1842-02-14 00:00:00

TO THR CHAIRMAN OP THE ANTI-BORN LAW DELEGATES.

Sir,—The writer, is a plain fanner, who had occasion to be in
Ltinflori last Saturday, and who was subsequently requested by
many of his friends and neighbours, favourable to a repeal of the
Cern-laws, to attend the meetings of the deputies at the Crown and
Anchor. He has done so, and from what he has there heard, is
snore fully than' ever convinced of the necessity of their repeal.
That they are ruinous to the interests of commerce and manufac-
tures we have innumerable and inelancboty proofs, and in the opi-
nion of the writer, and a daily increasing number of his brother
farmers, they will ultimately ruin the farming interests also; and as
a proof that restrictive laws on the importation of foreign produce
have not benefited the class to which he belongs, he begs to state
a few facts.
By yourself, Sir, and to a great majority of the deputies, the Corn_
law of 1815 must be well remembered. It was to admit
foreign corn when the average price of our wheat for the last
six weeks of the quarter was at or above eighty shillings, but
under that price to exclude it altogether ; thus, as far as
e legislative measure could effect it, to keep the price of wheat at
about 80s. per quarter. Under the full impression that such would
be the case, hundreds offarms were taken, and agreements entered.
into, for longer or shorter periods, but you may judge of the dismay
and disappointment experienced when much of the crop of 1815 was
sold at little over half the price that was generally expected from the
nature o f the law just come into operation, and in the price of other
kinds of farm produce a proportionate depression took place. The
next crop of 1816 was a very defective one, and the consequence
was an advance of price, so that the average price of wheat for 1817
was 945., and consequently the ports opened for the admission of
foreign corn, and remained open until February 1819, when the
price of wheat came below 80s. Now, Sir, as open ports, as
was generally thought, hail reduced our prices to below 80s., we
naturally expected that by shutting out foreign produce a contrary
effect would have been produced ; however, we were doomed to ex.
perience another and worse disappointment; prices kept regularly
receding till December 1822, when the average price of wheat was
88s. per quarter. This was emphatically called the year of agricultural
distress," and to great numbers it vas a year of distress. In a
provincial newspaper not fewer than 150 sales of farming stock
were advertised in one week, and hundreds and thousands of far-
mers fell to rise no more. Meetings were now held all the country
over, and notwithstanding farmer disappointments, the omnipo-
tence of Parliament was still confided in and solicited, though in a
tone rather subdued. In 1815, wheat could not on any account
be raised for less than 80s., but now 655. was to be the price, and
thousands of petitions were poured in to the House of Commons
praying for its assistance to secure that object. In that year, or
in 1823, a slight alteration was made in the law, but as it never
came into operation it is unnecessary to notice it. The next grand
movement was the enactment of the Sliding Scale Law, which,
whatever might be its effects, was at least expected to steady
prices. But another disappointment l Under this immaculate
scale wheat has been sold at 84s. and at 325. So much for Corn-
laws and steady prices. It certainly has been slid-
ing and slippery enough, for as the price of cern \
slides up, the price of labour slides down. Witness
the price of flour and of piece-work in Bradford. In
1831 flour was 2s. 101 Ad. per stone, and a certain piece of work
14s. 3d. ; in 1834 Is. Bid. was the price of flour, and 15s. 3d. for
the same work; but in 1840 flour was 3s. 6d. per stone, and the I
same work reduced to Ss. Now, Sir, this is in some measure the
case in the agricultural districts; but then tie farmers choose the
least of two evils. They must either give wages that will support a
man and his family, or they must be supported at a much greater
expense by the parish. This subject as regards agriculture might
he much enlarged upon, and you will be glad to know that a growing
conviction of the frightful evils of the system is now taking posses-
sion of the minds of many farmers.

(Signed) CALEB ANGUS.
—(Loud cheers.) The Chairman said he had also received a
letter from Nottingham, which, with the permission of the
meeting he would read.—(Cheers.) He then real the follow-
ing communication .

TO THE CHM RMA N OF THE ANTI-CORN. LAW DELEGATES, LONDON.

At a crowded meeting of the members of the Nottingham Anti.
Corn.law Association, held on Thursday evening, Feb. 10, 1841,
the following Resolutions were unanimously adopted with accla-
mation :

That this meeting views, with unmixed feelings of indignation
and disgust, the measures proposed by Sir Robert Peel, for the
adjustment of the Corn-laws.
That in bringing forward such a measure calculated to sacrifice
the remaining commerce of the country, and the rights of the
poor, to the selfish interests of an unfeeling and avaricious class,
this meeting consider it adding insult to misery, mockery to want,
and a flagrant trifling with the opinions and acknowledged rights of
the millions. .
'

That Ending petitioning has ceased to become efective, and that
the prayers of a famishing people are treated with contumely and
contempt, this meeting hesitates not in declaring that the people
are determined no longer to be trifled with. That it denounces
Sir R. Peel's measure as disgraceful to himself as a•Minister—in-
suiting to the Majesty of Heaven—and calculated to produce
anarchy and confusion in the land of our birth. That in justice,
therefore, to themselves, and trembling for the fate of their com-
mon country, this meeting denounces the proposed measure with
reprobation and scorn, and warns the House of Commons that un-
less the Corn and Provision-laws are forthwith totally and inane.
d et: of lyabolished--the security of property, and the assumed privi_
le7; a heartless aristocracy, will be greatly and deservedly en.
siangered.

That a public n
me° ti g be held in the Market.place at two
o'clock on Monday afternoon, to express the indignant repreba.
tion of the people of Nottingham, on the cold and heartless insult
ohs Corn-ffered to
laws. their sufferings by Sir Robert Peel's proposed measure on
t
That these resolutions be transmitted to the Chairman of Dele-
gates now assembled in the metropolis'
Nottingham, Committee.root Feb ii, 1842.
Mr. O'CONNELL here entered the room, and was, as on
tionsformer
occasions, received with loud and repeated manifesta-
of pplause.
The following letter from the Secretary of the Bradford
United Club, addressed to the
of the Anti-Corn-
law League was then read by the Chairman,
of the Members of Bradford, Yorkshire,at.r
SIR,— At a numerous meeting
without the slightestgreate dissent,
10,
the 1 84
Reform 2.
Club last night, it was resolved
Ist. That this meeting receives with the at dissatisfaction
the proposition of Government on the torn-laws.
2d. That this Club will accept no measure short of a total and
Immediate repeal of the Corn-laws.
It was proposed that since the Government had stopped the sup_
plies of the people, and refused relief to their distress, it was time
to atop the supplies of Government.--(The reading of this passage
MS followed by a burst of applause, every one present rising and
loudly cheering)--and that a requisition should he got up from the
Electors calling on Messrs. Busfield and Hardy to vote against
the supplies. This was demurred to on the ground that Par;ia-
ment had not recommitted itself to the Government proposition,
and was yet to be tried by Mr. Villiers. It is perhaps worthy of
ti7.e
_?nzicteratian of the Deputies whether such a course should be
adopter !ta the ultimatum.
,I"."l4iliourned till ad
law moltenthe vote of the House on the Corn-
oh
mad be given.
; i tiri.i:`,,,,.._----
1. o :- 14.1 .
' lb
. , A .skoL ,g 14.1.

I have received other petitions for repeal in addition to the list
forwarded. I am, dear Sir, your obedient servant,
W. S. NICHOLS, Secretary, Bradford United Reform Club
The following extract of a letter from a gentleman in Derby,.
to a 111. P., was next read by the Chairman :
" No doubt ere this reaches you that you will have heard of the
unpleasant occurrence which took place last night in the market-
place of this town, of the burning of the effigy of Sir Robert Peel,
who was hung up on the large lamp in the centre of the market.
place. I was told a train was despatched to Nottingham for the
purpose of bringing soldiers—none could be spared, for there they
were burning his effigy in various parts of the town. This, I fear,
is the foreboding of some serious and dreadful events, for unless
something be immediately done for the relief of the industrious
and middle classes of society, to alleviate their sufferings and priva.
tions, dreadful indeed will be the consequence, and woe be to those
who have been the instigators and promoters of bringing the country
into so dreadful a state by bad legislation."—(Loud cheers.)
The following resolutions agreed to by the Free-trade So-
ciety of Sheffield was next read :-
1. That being now informed of the change proposed by the
Queen's Ministers, in the detail of the Sliding Scale, by which the
duty upon foreign corn is to be reglated, and regarding such duty
as operating unjustly to enrich a small section of the community by
a grievous burden on the remainder, this meeting denounces the
proposed measure as utterly worthless as a means of relief; as
as mockery of the patient forbearance of the people, and evincing a
heartless disregard for the acknowledged deep suffering and in-
creasing distress of the poor.
2. That this Committee consider that a fluctuating duty on grain
is peculiarly at variance with all sound commercial principles, and
that so long as as a fluctuating scale of duty exists no steady inter.
change of commodities can be carried on betwixt this country and
countries where an excess of agricultural produce exists. That
with reference to this town in particular, depending as it does to
so great an extent on its trade with the United States of America,
a fluctuating scale of duties on corn is especially injurious, as in
the time which must of necessity elapse in procuring corn from so
great a distance, the duties under the fluctuating scale would in al-
most every instance amount to a prohibition.
3. That it is the duty and interest of every Government to
make the condition of the people as easy as possible, by allowing
them the opportunity of freely exchanging the produce of their
labour for the food which Providence has furnished for the use of
mankind, unrestricted by any duties.
4. That with these views this Committee pledges itself to con-
tinue the most active exertions to obtain the entire repeal of these
obnoxious duties.

5. That copies of these Resolutions be forwarded to John Par-
ker, Esq., M.P., and H. G. Ward, Esq., M.P„ and to William
Ibbotson, Esq., the Delegate of the Society at the Anti.Corn.law
Conference, in London.

WILLIAM FISHER, Chairman.
JOSEPH HOME, Esq., here entered the room, and was loudly
and enthusinstically cheered by the assembly.
The following letter, addressed to a Delegate from Coventry,
by a friend of his in that town, was next read:—
Coventry, Feb. 11, 1842.
DEARSIR; I feel very much gratified with the intelligence con.
tained in yours of yesterday, received this morning. The light in
which Sir R. Peel's nitasure is viewed by the Deputies, proves to
me they know how to appreciate the advantage the proposing of
such a measure will give them over their opponents. When I first
read the worthy Baronet's speech, I felt his propositions to be a di.
rect insult to the people of this country, and violent indignation
filled my breast ; yet, when I coolly and calmly reflect upon what
would have been the effect produced by a partial measure, upon
those who are now united in their opposition to the present law, it
appears to me that it will ultimately prove of advantage to the
cause. The Anti. Corn-law party will now have to bend all their
energies to the struggle; they can now expose the hollow hypocrisy
of these self-styled friends of the working men. The declarations
in Parliament, and the extended exertions of the League and all the
friends of free trade out, will have the effect of creating an agitation so
intense throughout the country, that the people, instead of being
satisfied with any measure short of total repeal (as I believe a great
many at the present time would), will demand and obtain not only
the abolition of the Cern and Provision-laws, but something else. A
universal cry will now be raised in favour of an extension of the
suffrage; the foul corruption that now taints the atmosphere of the
House of Commons may be swept away.
We have not been inactive here. There was a meeting of the
Anti. Corn.law Association last night; it was numerously attended;
but one feeling seemed to animate all present, contempt for the man
who has so cruelly mocked the sufferings of the people. It was
unanimously resolved to hold a town's meeting to express disap_
probaiton, &c. of the Ministerial plan, to send a strong petition to the
Commons, and to adopt those measures that will be most likely to
forward the interests of the cause. A numerously signed requisi-
tion was presented to the Mayor, who gave his consent without
hesitation; the handbills are being printed, and the meeting will
be held on Tuesday next- We are not aware (that is to say
Messrs, Whittem, Edger, &c.), that there will be any further busi.
ness from here to detain you in town ; all parties here seem very
anxious to have you present at the meeting on Tuesday. There is
a full report of your speech in the Paper of to-day ; I consider it
does you great honour, which in some degree must be reflected
upon this our ancient body. It is now very late; I must therefore
conclude in great haste.—l am, dear Sir, your's truly,
Friday Night, half-past 10 o'clock. J. B. BROWEN.

The reading of these several letters and documents was fre-
quently interrupted by loud demonstrations of applause.
The CHAIRMAN then proceeded to say, that before he sat
down, he had only one observation to make, and he was in one
respect glad he had delayed it till the last moment, because
it had given him an opportunity, if his feeble voice could
be heard of making it in the presence of those
to whose attention he particularly wished to address him-
self—that was, to those members of the House of Commons
who might happen to be present at that moment. lie begged
most respectfully to draw their attention to the conduct that
was pursued in the House of Commons in 1815, and to the
manner in which the people's battle was then fought. Night
after night every obstruction was attempted by the Opposition
that could be possibly devised, to prevent the Speaker from
leaving the Chair. Night after night amendments were moved,
amendment after amendment, till at last Mr. Huskisson
charged Mr. Baring., the present Lord Ashburton, with being
the came of the riots, by his pertinacious opposition. He
thought, in cases of the last extremity, there was in the House
of Commons too much quiet and gentlemanly forbearance.
He believed that sometimes Members imagined they were ad-
dressing only private gentlemen in a gentlemanly way, instead
of upholding sternly and strongly, and manfully and Itimestly.
the rights of the people, and urging on them the-necessity of
their sufferings being relieved. He trusted there were Mem:.
hers in the House of Commons now, as obstinately opposed to
Sir R. Peel's plan, as, former Members had been in the year
1815.—( Hear. )
Mr. GEORGE TnomesoN then ro e and said, Sir, as a sign
of the times, and as one amongst a multitude of proofs of the
deep and growing detestation with which the cruel mockery of
Sir Robert Peel is regarded by an insulted people, I beg per-
mission to read an extract from a letter, this morning received
from the noble town of Manchester; and you will not receive it
with less respect than other communications, when I tell you that
it refers to the course which a body of Ladies--( Tremendous
cheers)--has thought it right to adopt—a body of Ladies en-
titled to the thanks of an afflicted country, and the admiration
of the world. Sir, I refer to the extraordinary women who
are now holding the Bazaar.—( Tumultuous cheers.) Sir, my
informant says, that at a meeting of Ladies, held at the
Bazaar yesterday, to consider what steps should be taken, in
consequence of the denial of justice to the famishing poor, the
following proposition was agreed to—viz., " We, the under-
signed, Ladies of the Bazaar Committee, resolve, that we will
form ourselves into a Provisional Committee, to carry out a
plan of passive resistance—(Loud cheers)--and for forwarding
such other measures as the Conference at present sitting in
London may deem best, for the obtaining of the total and im-
mediate repeal of the Corn-laws. That by passive resistance,
we understand, that we will allow our furniture to be seized
for the payment of Assessed Taxes."—( Vehement cheering
and waving of hats, the entire audience rising and giving three
cheers for the Ladies of Manchester, and one cheer more. )
Pray, Gentlemen, reserve a few cheers for succeeding parts of
this declaration, for it is all so good that it should be cheered
clause by clause.—( Laughter.) Let me continue. After
stating that they will allow their furniture to be seized
for the payment of Assessed Taxes they proceed,
" without offering any resistance to the collecting officers,
at the same time urging the people not to purchase
the articles so seized.—( Immense cheering.) And further,
we mean abstinence from the several taxed luxuries used in
our homes.—(Renewed applause.) We adopt the above
pledge for three months, and further pledge ourselves during
that time to use our utmost exertions to preserve perfect
peace amongst the people."—( Vehement cheers.) Sir, my
correspondent informs me, that this pledge was numerously
signed on the spot, and that it was to'lie to be generally signed
by-persons attending the Bazaar.—( Cheers.) And now, Sir,
let the present Government affect if they please to laugh at
this movement, and say it. is contemptible and futile. Let the
press, a portion of it, pour odium, and derision, and obloquy
upon these devoted, and enlightened, and patriotic women ;
though they should do this, I see in their movement a power,
incipient at present, but which is the germ of a mighty move-
ment, which, by voluntary action, shall effectually cripple the
win of the oppressors. They have stopped the supplies to the
people.---( Cheers.) Why should not the people stop their
supplies ?—( Tremendous cheers.) Let every man exhibit out
i of his first-floor window a bold pla”ard with these words—
" Until the Corn-laws are utterly annihilated, the Assessed
I Taxes will be paid here in furniture, and not in money." If this
Iwere done it would be very instructive to her Majesty's—no,
not her Majesty's Ministers; but the minions of the landlords—
( Cheers)—as they posted through the country, as they went
through the large towns and stopped to change horses, for them
to peruse these pithy lectures on finance—(Cheers)--it would,
indeed, make the subject to them one of awful importance
(Checrs)—Let this be done that he who runs may read the
doom of the Corn-laws.—(Prolonged cheering.) Mr. T.
concluded by reading the following extract from a letter,from I
Warrington, addressed to the Rev. Francis Bishop :

The Tamworth Doctor has at length prescribed, and a pretty pill
he has prescribed. It has given great dissatisfaction even to the
Tories, and, indeed, to all classes in the commercial world. It will
rapidly hasten repeal. We must agitate, agitate, agitate l Let
every reflecting man, aye, and in this crisis, every woman too, ad.
vacating the repeal of the Iniquitous food tax., recollect that Eng-
land expects every man and every woman to do his and her duty.
The proposition of Ministers has occasioned unmitigated disgust in
this neighbourhood.

The CitAt amax then read the following extract from a letter
received from Manchester :

The meetings—for there were two, one at the Lealtue theywß cheered
a
Rooms, and
one in the Bazaar--last uight, were very lively,
fine sight to look upon the crowd in the Bazaar,
unanimously, and with all their hearts. The feeling of disap-
pointment, disgust, and indignation, could hardly be stronger.
I am, dear Edward, your affectionate father,
ABSALOM WATKIN,
P.S. I have just signed a requisition to the Mayor fora public
meeting.
He also read an extract of a letter from Stockton, in Buck-
inghamshire, speaking of the distress and embarrassment of
the neighbourhood, and stating that having petitioned for a
repeal of the Corn-laws without effect, they had come to the
determination to sign no more.
Mr. LEWIS, a Deputy from the district of Stroud, begged
to be allowed to say a few words as to a communication he had
received from the city, which would show that their meetings
here had not been altogether useless. He had conversed an
hour since with a merchant of considerable eminence, who,
through his whole life had been a bitter Tory of the most ram- ,
pant school, and of course a staunch monopolist; he said, " I
understand that you are a deputy for Stroud; well, you and
your fellow-workmen in this business, have by your speeches
and statements which I have read, though I have not attended
any of your meetings, completely changed my opinions,
and henceforth, I am Anti-Monopolist to the full extent, and
from this moment go with you heart and soul."—(Cheers. )
The CHAIRMAN said he was desired to request that those
deputies who had any facts bearing on the Corn-law question,
would give them in to the Statistical Committee, which would
sit every day during the ensuing week at Brown's Hotel.—
( Loud calls for Mr. Hume and Mr. O'Connell.)
Mr. BARRETT WADDEN stated that he had come there pre •
pared with some facts which he thought of such importance that
they would acquire additional force by being given to the as-
sembled delegates, and scattered over the whole kingdom. The
only question he wished to put to the Chairman was, whether
he should have an opportunity
of stating those facts to the meet-
ing? He should be the last man to interfere with the judi- I
mous calls that had been made for Messrs. Hume and O'Connell.
The CuAiassAr said it was difficult to answer the question ,
just now proposed, but he hoped Mr. Wadden would postpone
any statistical details until a fitting opportunity.
Zr. Hussiz, in obedience to the unanimous call of the meet-
ing, rose amidst lone cheering, and said that although he had
not been present durini, any of their previous discussions, yet
he could assure them Ze was with them heart and soul. He
felt unwilling to intrude himself on the meeting, as he thought