Brighouse & Rastrick Gazette. — 1879-03-08 (Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England)

WHITELY. and supported by the Rev. F. HALL (Heckmondwike), who described the policy of the Government which degraded us abroad and brought upon us distress at home, Lord Beaconsfield's policy had been one of selfishness, and it had also been a war policy, by which he might gain his own ends. He had manipulated that policy time after time by insulting Russia, and by showing his wonderful regard for the Turk. The Government policy in India had been destructive of peace, and that which was called a "scientific frontier " was theft, robbery, and murder (applause). He advised his hearers to sink for the moment particular questions, and to unite to throw Lord Beaconsfield out of power in order that they might once more enjoy the liberty and freedom which had been bequeathed to them by their forefathers (applause). The resolution, which was also supported by Mr. J. H. KNOWLES (Cleckheaton), was carried with acclamation.  Mr. Wm. BROOK, agent of the Halifax Liberal Association, proposed a resolution as follows :  That in the opinion of this meeting the neglect of pressing home questions, and the reckless and extravagant expenditure of the Government, have greatly intensified the present severe depression of trade, and therefore it is imperatively necessary that all Liberals should unite, and at the next election do their utmost to secure the return of two Liberal candidates for this division of the West-riding.  Mr. Brook said that the question for consideration at the present time was not the passing of particular measures, but as to whether the Government of England was to be carried on upon principles of right and justice and equity, and whether they were to accept a man like Lord Beaconsfield. These were the questions which in a very short time the people would have to determine. A spirited foreign policy meant struggle, depression, and distress at home. That was the rule of Tory Governments formerly and it was the rule of Tory Government to-day. They diverted the attention of the people from questions of home importance, and when they had done that by their foreign policy they Introduced tentatively and by degrees a return to practices and courses which had long since been abandoned by the nation, and whilst the Government were professing a high-spirited foreign policy they were introducing a course of Imperialism at home which would gradually filch from the people their liberties and land the country back to the time of the Stuarts (applause). None of them were so foolish as to say that the policy of the present Government had directly brought on the existing depression in trade, but he affirmed that they had deliberately and systematically disturbed matters abroad; had, as had been proved, been guilty of a species of political fraud in their dealings with foreign nations; had, for purposes of their own interests, introduced increased armaments and increased expenditure; had treated foreign nations as though they were enemies, whereas they might have treated with them so as to make them feel that they were their friends. Could anybody imagine for a moment that foreign nations could In consequence of that conduct have the same confidence in the Government as to the preservation of peace as they had had in the Liberal Government? They were all concerned in these questions, and they should endeavour to vindicate their sense of national honour and to place the country right in the eyes of the world, and at the earliest moment to get rid of Lord Beaconsfield. There would soon be an opportunity afforded and they must strive to return the Liberal majority to power, and to restore a Liberal Government to office (applause). The resolution was seconded by Mr. Was.