The Blackpool Herald. — 1886-03-12 (Blackpool, Lancashire, England)

HICKS.  The CHAIRMAN : I shall do nothing of the kind. (Turning to the audience.) The meeting is now closed. This announcement was received with a terrific outburst of hooting and cheering, after which Mr. HICKS exclaimed triumphantly, and at the top of his voice, "Afraid to hear the other side ; afraid to boar the other aide." Ho then informed the audience that he would "address them outside," and afterwards, turning to the Chairman, remarked "You challenge us everywhere to meet you and discuss this matter, but when we do face you we are not allowed to say a word in answer to your exaggerated and untruthful statements. We are murderers ! That is very temperate language, isn't it ?" A VOICE: Chuck him off the platform, and I will throw him downstairs. Councillor BICKERSTAFFB still stood facing the audience, and in his hand he held a newspaper and several document; as if prepared to make a long speech. There was now a general move towards the door, but as the proceedings on the platform became still more interesting, the people came to a standstill, the result being that there was a tremendous crush. The rail within which the reporters' table was placed was smashed over, and those " persecuted servants of the public" had to take energetic steps for their personal safety by mounting the table at which they had hitherto been sitting. The Rev. J. S. Balmer could stand it no longer, so threading his way to the front, he prepared for action, amid the enthusiastic plsudits of his friends, and the derisive shouts of his enemies.  Mr. BALMER : Who spoke at the Winter Gardens? Did any temperance men come to insult you there? (Cheers and hooting.) Co unCillOr BICK E RSTAFFE : This is a public meeting, and you plainly show that you are afraid of arguments. (Terrific hooting, cheering, and laughter.) Mr. BALMER : We are nothing of the kind. You have no arguments. Councillor BICKERSTAFFE : Then why are you so much afraid of us. (Hear, hear, and applause.) Mr. BALMER: You a town councillor! Do you call yourself a town councillor? (Hooting and cheers.) Councillor BICKERSTAFFE : Yes, and I challenge you to come out against me next November. (Loud cheers and hooting.) Mr. BALMER: You I Against you I I should feel it a disgrace to do so. Councillor BICKERSTAFFE : You mean you are s.frtid of being beaten. Mr. BALMER: And who is this fellow (pointing to Hicks ?) Mr. Hroxs : This " fellow " is an Englishman, sir, and not a cad. A VOICE: You ought to be in a bar parlour; that is where yon ought to be. Mr. BALMER asked Mr. Bickerstaffe if he thought this terrible crush was a credit to their party. Councillor BICKERSTAFFE : Its your own fault. You ought to let us have fair play quietly. Mr. BALMER now ascended the platform, and a wrangle of angry words ensued amongst those who now had possession of it. Finally, Mr. liewitt and the police were called up, but the gentleman thus. trated his sound j udgment by abstaining from any extreme or arbitrary measure. There were loud ci les of "Tarn the gas out," but the lights in the body of the hall were allowed to remain, although those on the platform were suddenly extinguished. As a sort of parting shot, Councillor Bickerstaffe held up both hands, thus giving his supporters the signal to vote and a large number went up immediately. The Chairman then pat "the contrary," but he received little encouragement, although it may be added that numerous persons had then left the room. And ao at last the people began to jostle out of the room, arguing with great animosity the two aides of this important question. The scene which had just been witnessed will long be remembered by all present. It seemed every minute as though the two contending parties would come to blows, so great was the excitement and feeling aroused.