The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-11

Instructions forbid me TO interfere or NEEDLE al
all with any political questions that concern this
country Hear, hear can, therefore, only
say, that there is one political principle which
pervades this country, well AS my own--a
great prlnclple--a principle which submit all
other political and subordinate principles to tho
wisdom and good judgment of the nation and
! am prefecty satisfied that this great question
OF free trade should be submitted to, and be de.
clded by that august tribunal, the people. Let
Tie people say in this country, or in the United
States whether we shall have free trade or pro-
tecliye duties. If the people say it-if the gen
eral Judgment OF the nation is for tin my judg-
ment IT is right, whether it be- free trade or
whether 1t be protection. Applause.
DIR. Thornley,, M. r. in an able speech, pro.
posed the next toast "Mr. Bailey, and Mr.. As
pinall Turner presidents of the Manchester
Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Asso.
cation, and prosperity to the manufacturing in
terest, on which our own 80 much depends ("
Tie expressed the pleasure which he felt AT
meeting so distinguished an individual as Mr..
walker, who had occupied a isition in the
States equivalent. to that of our chancellor of
The eXchequer II was through him that the re.
ductions IN the American tariff had been made
ana he (Mr. thornley, was glad TO welcome to
our shores free trader from any part of the
world. Applause, lie had all his life been
a free trader, and y hen elected for Wolverhamp.
ton, in 1884, 80 enlightened was that borough,
that almost the only question put to him was as
TO his opinions on free trade lie was thankful
10 say that the tariff of this country now was
one OF the most liberal in the world; our COM
merce was Increasing, the condition of our peo-
pie was greatly improved, and he looked forward
TO many years of happiness to the people of
this country. After eulogising the efforts of
the gentlemen of Manchester in favor of free
trade, Mr. Thornley, concluded by proposing the
toast which was drunk amid applause
Mr.. Bailey acknowledged the compliment.
ana concluded by proposing "The health of the
chairman. He was the son of worthy sire,
ana The name of Rathbone deserved honor here
and everywhere"
The chairman replied, and thanked the com
pany tor their kind indulgence that evening.
Inc chairman then sad-We shall all drink
our next toast with pride aud pleasure. Our
distinguished guest will do so because the oh
lect OF II IS an American--we, because he is a
merchant. We shall drink it with additional
pleasure, knowing that we do so in the presence
OF ms son. Loud cheering AS you all know,
merchant OF America fitted out an expedition
AT MS own expense, to try to save party of brave
men, who were not even his own countrymen
! hey Were his fellow men, and had risked their
lives IN pursuit of science and the execution of
their duty-that was enough for him. | give
you" That active pbanthropist, always fore.
most IN every good work, independently of coun.
try or creed-llenry Grinnell, esq, of New
YORK" Tremendous cheering
Mr.. Henry Grinnell thanked the company in
the name Of his father. This concluded the list
OF toasts, but the company continued to erioy
themselves for some time longer.