The Sun. — 1850-01-12 (London, England)

LONDON, SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 1850.  We recently felt it to be our painful duty to allude in terms of well-merited censure and reprehension to the objectionable tone and manner of Mr. COBDEN'S address to his constituents at Leeds. We clearly foresaw the evil results that would follow the threats and menaces against his political opponents in which the Hon. Gentleman thought fit to indulge on that occasion. The emphatic cautions which he then addressed to the Protectionist party against, any attempt to disturb the existing state of affairs or to resuscitate the departed corn-laws, have already produced their natural fruits. He declared that the former agitation was, in consequence of his earnest entreaties, quietly and logically conducted, but that he could not promise the same freedom from " illicit processes," and other logical errors, in the new contest. He plainly indicated that reactionary efforts would be suppressed with the strong arm— that his followers would resort to turbulence and violence, in place of reason and argument—and that " physical" might, on future occasions, be substituted for " moral" force. Such hints are seldom neglected. The multitude is ever but too ready to give the widest interpretation to such inflammatory harangues, and to proceed to extremities never contemplated by the orator. We do not suppose th. t _ _  Mr. COBDBN had any conception that his speeeh  would have led to such riotous and illegal proceedings as disgraced the town of Stafford on Thursday last, or that his !‘ warnings " would be so promptly fulfilled, but such was their direct tendency, and we cannot help considering the Honourable Gentleman to be in no small degree responsible for the disturbances and outrages that took place in the midland counties within the present week. A meeting of the Staffordshire agriculturists had  for some time been in contemplation. Certain Noble Lords were anxious to make an imposing demonstration in favour of protection, and the greatest exertions were made in order to obtain a numerous attendance of farmers. Thursday, the 10th instant, was fixed on for that purpose, and the doors of the Shirehall had scarcely been thrown open when every part of the building was thronged with an eager multitude, anxious to take some part, although, perhapQ, not a very friendly one, in the proceedings. The appearance of the first speaker was the signal fur disturbance. Lord ST. VINCENT, we are told, came f,)rward and attempted to address the meeting, " when a most discordant noise, consisting of hisses, groans and yells, &c., was set up which lasted severe minutes." This was scandalous enough ; for every man who feels that he has truth and justice on his side will gladly listen to the arguments of his opponents, and render to others that which he claims for himself, the full and fair opportunity of giving free utterance to his opinions. But noise and clamour did not satisfy the dissentients. But a few sentences had been delivered, when " several disturbances took place in the body of the hall, and amidst the cries of police' and murder' a general fight took place; both parties appeared to be pretty well armed for the fray, and a set-to a la Donnybrook commenced. After about fifteen minutes' good fighting, the police were let into the hall, through a side door, and they at once set upon all those who appeared to show the slightest symptoms of disagreement with the conveners of the meeting." This summary intervention procured some degree of silence fela few seconds, but for a few seconds only. In a brief period the noise again became so violent that it was utterly impossible to hear a single word, and the Noble Lord sat down after proposing that Earl TALBOT should take the chair. This was seconded by Lord