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    carried the repeal of the navigation laws j last year we equalized the duties on coffee , and reduced the differential duties on timber . . . ' . ¦ At the same time , we have not been unmindful of those great interests from which an unjust protection was withdrawn ; for instance , in conformity with the suggestions contained in the report of a committee of the Souse of iLords , we reduced ; by 600 , 000 ? ., the stamp duties which pressed heavily on the sale and transfer of land . " With similar views , we extended and enlarged the advances for drainage and agricultural improvements wKich had been sanctioned under the Administration of Sir R . Peel . The repeal of the navigation laws has been followed by a reduction of the burdens imposed by light dues , which have been diminished in the case of the coasting trade to little more than one-fourth of their previous amount . Other important changes have been made , intended to raise the

    character , and promote the interests , of the merchant shipping of the country . The question of the Merchant Seaman ' s Fund , which ' had so long been a source of discontent among our sailors , has been brought to a satisfactory conclusion , with the aid of a liberal contribution from , the public purse . The general commerce of frhe country has been assisted by the increased provision made for colonial and foreign packets . In respect to our sugar colonies , we favoured immigration and public works by loans guaranteed by the home Government . It is not necessary for me to celebrate the success of measures intended to continue and complete the policy of free trade . You will find the more recent facts , furnishing the most conclusive proofs of the wisdom of that policy , in the financial statement of the present Chancellor of the Exchequer . That speech deserves your attentive study .

    The financial results of the policy of the last 10 years may be thus summed up : — 1 . Customs' duties have been repealed or reduced to the extent of 9 , 000 , 000 ? . 2 . Excise duties have been repealed or reduced to the extent of 1 , 600 , 000 ? . 3 . Stamp duties were reduced , in 1850 , to the extent of 600 , 000 ? . ' ¦ - ¦ ¦ ¦ 4 . The window duties have been commuted for a housetax , by which relief was given to the extent of 1 , 200 , 000 ? . o . The produce of Customs , Excise , Stamps , and Taxes in

    was , in 1842 , 48 , 000 , 000 ? . ^ 1861 , 46 , 600 , 000 ? . Thus , the relief to the country has been 12 , 200 , 000 ? . ; the loss to the revenue only 1 , 400 , 000 ? . With these facts before us for our information and guidance , I can have no hesitation in accepting the challenge to decide finally , completely , and conclusively the contest between protection and free-trade . " What the present Ministers may propose to the next Parliament I cannot divine . For myself , I shall be ready to contend , —

    1 . That no duty should be imposed on the import of corn , either for protection or revenue . 2 . That the commercial policy of the last ten years is not an evil to be mitigated , but a good to be extended , — not an unwise and disastrous policy , which ought to be reversed , altered , or modified , but a just and beneficial system , which should be supported , strengthened and upheld . There are , however , restrictions on the pursuits of industry which still require our attention . The transfer of land is still clogged by legal difficulties , expenses , and delays , which unfairly diminish the value of that species of property , and to a great degree prevent its becoming an investment for the savings of the industrious classes .

    The machinery of the department of the Customs ought to be simplified to the utmost extent consistent with the safety of the revenue . It should be the object of the Legislature to remove , as far as possible , those remaining burdens or restrictions upon the shipping interest which still impedo its prosperity . Leaving questions of commercial policy , I must now advert to other subjects of importance which , during the career of the late Ministry , required from time to time our attention . In 1847 the perils and alarms of commerce induced us to assume the responsibility of suspending the law regulating the issues of the Bank of England . In 1848 the revolutions on the continent of Europe led to a threatened disturbance of the public peace in England ,

    and wild projects of insurrection in Ireland . These dangers were met , and overcome . In 1846 , 1847 , and 1848 occurred the fearful destruction of the potato crop in Ireland by an unknown and mysterious disease . The ravages of a dreadful famine were mitigated by the expenditure of nearly 8 , 000 , 000 ? . of money , in wages to the unemployed and food for the starving . Such were the measures of immediate relief . The acts of Parliament which have been passed for promoting the great trunk railways , for loans for arterial drainage and land improvement , for the sale of encumbered estates , for amending the provisions of the Poor Law , and , lastly , for a largo extension of the franchise , will , it is hoped , lay the groundwork for the permanent welfare of Ireland .

    The last live years have seen the wiso enjoyment and omul exercise of constitutional freedom m tlio great united province of Canada . Instead of bickerings between the upper and lower provinces , dissensions between tho Legislative Councils and Representative Assemblies , and an executive vibrating between arbitrary powor and helpless inaction , we" have Been all tho powers of tho State working harmoniously together , and a marvellous increase in revenue and population rowiird thoir efforts . I trust

    that thirit oxample will not bo lost , either upon other colonies in circumstances somewhat similar , or upon tho Legislature at home . In tho West Indian colonies the two great changes effected within twenty years , from slavery to freedom , and from monopoly to competition , have no doubt boon severely folt , but , generally speaking , thoso colonies appear to bo now seeking for a ' revival of prosperity where alono it can bo found , —in improved mothods of cultivation and manufacture . Reviewing tho policy of tho Itot flvo years ) it hag been

    matter of satisfaction i » us who have presided-over that policy , to witness , on leaving office * the people in the enjoyment of greater comfort and increased means , public credit fully sustained , taxes largely reduced with scarcely any loss of revenue , peace preserved , and the name of England respected throughout the world . The chief cause of these results must not , however , be sought in any existing men , or in , any recent measures . They flow from the spirit of our people , from , Maena Charta and the Bill of JRights , from the freedom of public discussion , and the temperate use of power by the Crown , the Parliament , and the people . It was from a confidence in this wise and considerate use of popular strength that

    we thought it at once just and prudent to extend the right of voting for members of Parliament . It appeared to us that the advance of the working classes in knowledge and intelligence ought to be accompanied by an increased shore Of political power . 1 am aware how difficult a task it is to adjust in any plan of representation the xespect due to ancient prescri p tion with the claims of advancing trade , increased population , and growing intelligence ; but it appeared to us wiser to endeavour to make this adjustment when various propositions for the purpose could be calmly weighed and deliberately settled , than to wait for the storm , when the conflict of the elements might overpower the voice of reason , and the rush of the encroaching tide

    obliterate the footmarks of experience . There is a subject not strictly connected with the franchise , but which has an important bearing on the safety of our institutions , —I allude to education . Voluntary effort has done much , but the means of instruction , even in reading and writing , are still unattainable by a great proportion of our working classes . I can only say , I shall pay unremitting attention to a question which so deeply affects the future condition of the people . Upon another question , which last year so greatly absorbed the time and attention of Parliament as to stop the progress of many useful measures , I have but a few words to say . In arresting what we considered to be an invasion of the temporal riehts of our Sovereign arid of the' nation ,

    we were scrupulously careful to maintain inviolate the sacred principle of religious liberty . In the same spirit in which I proposed the repeal of the Corporation arid Test Acts , and constantly supported the concession of the Roman Catholic claims , I shall continue to act . One portion of our fellow-subjects is still excluded from the privilege of sitting in Parliament or holding office under the Crown . The ensuing elections must determine whether the representatives of the people will be prepared by large majorities to remove those useless and degrading disabilities . The oath taken b y members of Parliament ought to be the same for all , —simple and not complex , —a bond of union , and not a , badge or distrust or a source of religious discord .

    I have now laid my opinions before you on many subjects of past and future interest . I have shown you that while much has been done , much remains for us todo . You will rejoice , as I do , to observe that contests for just and useful reforms , though baffled oft , are ever won . Measures of religious , civil , and commercial liberty have in our own time had their origin , their periods of discussion , perhaps of discouragement , have suffered their hour of crisis and doubtful victory , have had their day of signal

    triumph , and finall y have taken their place among our permanent institutions . Thus it has been with the question of Roman Catholic disabilities ; thus it has been with Parliamentary reform ; thus it is about to bo with free trade . In this last struggle I have played a secondary , but not unimportant part . It will bo no mean glory if , honoured with the name of your representative , I shall be enabled to promote that great cause which is about to obtain from tho electors of the united kingdom its final and irrevocable triumph .

    Let it , however , be recollected that if the adverso party is to be encountered with succoss , it must bo met by tho jfreo trade reformers in a body . Large and useful improvements in our laws and administration can only be effected by the cordial union and untiring energy of all friends of enlightened progress , commercial freedom , and civil equality . I remain your faithful and obliged servant , J . RuSSELIi . Lord John ' s supporters met at the London Tavern on Monday , tinder tho presidence of Mr . G . Prescott . Mr . Rnikcs Currie , M . P ., moved , and Mr . Thomas Hankey seconded , a resolution pledging the Liberal party to support collectively Lord John Russell , Sir James Duke , and Bnron Rothschild on one ticket . A

    diversion was made by Mr . W . D . Saull , who moved that each name bo put separately . This was supported by several gentlemen , and there seemed a good deal of division , —the opposition being represented by Mr . Alderman Wire , Mr . Wilson , and Mr . Charles Gilpin . Discord roso very fast , when Mr . Travors stepped in with a motion for adjournment , assisted by Mr . W . Hawes nnd others . Several electors spoke in high terms of Lord John Russell , and finally the opposition unaccountably subsided , the nmondmonts wore withdrawn , and the resolution carried without opposition . , Sir James JDuke nnd " Lionel do Rothschild" havo issued addresses to tho electors ; but there is nothing now or remarkable in either .

    Finsbtjby . —Mr , Wyld is canvassing tho borough , and a requisition , it is , said , in in course of signature , requeuing Mr . Alderman Chftllii * to come forward Mr . Wyld ia subjected to a pretty severe crosw-oxnininntion , out of which ho does not extricate himself very successfully . Sottthwahk .- —Sir W . Moloswortb , and Aldormnn Humphrey havo now both put out addrcssou . Tho

    atter says he has always opposed the Maynooth en dowmerit , and all similar grants . Mr , Apaley Pellatt ' name is placarded as that of the " resident candidate > *

    EN ( H ^ AND AND WALES . Bbistoi .. —The Tory candidate for Bristol is one of the new Mongrel species known as " Free-trade Derbvites ; " His name is . M'Geach y j he has been in Parliament , before ; he is described as being a " backbone * gentleman , arid one who takes especial delight in beW called Conservative . He addressed a thin meeting respectably headed on Monday , and is said to have been " " warmly received . " H ® is a Bristolman . Hunts . —Mr . ThornhuTs death has left a !*«< . « .. J . J-UJX 1 j . o . —mi ! auuiuiiuio ueam uos ierc a

    „ , vacancv in the representation of Hunts . The new candidate fo a Derbyite . Lord Mandeville , like the Premier , he gives up Protection- —provisionally . Protective duties have been repealed by the voice of the people legally expressed > and only by that voice can they again lie re-enacted . It would he , " worse than idle io deny " that the subject is " surrounded with the greatest difficulties . '' Therefore is he glad Lord Derby is Minister . But , he will not pledge himself to follow Lord Derby blindly , or " abandon his right of private judgment ; " that is to say , when Lord Derby " ceases to identify * himself with a policy" which Mandeville

    thinks right , then Mandeville will vote against Derby . Two of the things JLord Mandeville is sure will be done are very curious—Lord Derby will neither disturb " public tranquillity by fruitless discussions and «« . necessary tg , mpermg with legislation , nor allowing acknowledged evils to remain tonrebulced . Did anybody , except perhaps the audience of a Mrs . Malaprop , ever hear before of «» necessary tamperings ? Are there , then , such processes as necessary tamperings ? And what does Lord Mandeville mean by rebuking evils ? He might as well speak of applauding benefits - But if such be Protectionist grammar , what must be Protectionist logic ?

    Leeds . —The free-trade Derb y ites are represented as being in a very deplorable condition in the good town of Leeds . Mr . William Beckett has been implored again to contest the borough on the new political principlenamely , supporting Lord Derby . But he has declined . Manchester . —The two opposition candidates are Captain Denman and Mr . George Lock . These gentlemen are holding local meetings . They both profess Liberalism of a Whig tendency . Why they should be brought forward to disturb the present members , is a mystery .

    The sitting members attended a crowded meeting in the Free Trade Hall on Wednesday , and were most warmly and enthusiastically received . Mr . Gibson demolished the Protestant pretexts on which the newcandidates were introduced ; and Mr . Bright delivered a capital speech on Ireland . Northtjmbek : lani > ( South ) .: —The sitting members , Mr . S . Ogle and Mr . Matthew Bell , retire . Two new candidates have entered the field to supply the vacancies —" a supporter of Lord Derby , " in the person of Mr . Henry George Liddell , an offshoot of the Tory Ravensworth family ; and a free-trader , whose name is W . B . Beaumont .

    Nottingham . —Tho Liberal candidates are Mr . Gisborne—a man well known in Notting ham—formerly a member of tho House , and Mr . Strutt . They addressed a meeting together on Monday . Pobtsmouth . —Lieutenant-General Lord Frederick Fitzclarenco , G . C . H ., having accepted the appointmont of Commander of the Forces at Bombay , has withdrawn from tho candidature for the representation of this borough . Viscount Monck , of Bally trammon , Wexford , Ireland , lias come forward in his stead . In his address he says that his " principles are those of liberal and enlightened progress . " With regard to the questions of Protection and Free-trade , he is " opposed to any

    taxation upon the food of tho people , and desires to mn carried still further those principles of commerce and Hnanco the application of which has up to this time so remarkably reduced taxation without diminishing «>» recoipts of tho Treasury , nnd placed within tho rcncii of the poor man an increased supply of tho necessaries and comfort * of life . " Lord Monck also promise * to advocate a modification of the income-tax , an extension of tho franchise , and an improved and , extended system of education for tho benefit of all sects and classes . Nor nro local matters overlooked by the new candidate Ho promises to advocate the establishment of commercial docks in Portsmouth , and the interest ot w >

    borough and port generally . T . , Sandwich . —Mr . Grenfell being elected for W ««« JJj two gentlemen propose to supply his pl « caj ;»» Lord Clinton , whoso name is a guarantee of Ins » » Tory" and " Protectionist" principles . . WiNDSom . —Tho election terminated on ^ tJlrg ' ia tho complete victory of tho Free-trad © ca »« i «» ' Mr . Grcnfoll . The numbers wore- —

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    504 . ¦ -. " ¦ : ¦ : THE llAff R . , ; ,. ¦¦ . ij ^^ tj : :,

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), May 29, 1852, page 504, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1937/page/4/