Page:History of the Anti corn law league.pdf/107

Rh there as the representative of all the people in his employment, for they, as well as himself, were threatened with destruction by the operation of the Corn Laws. Mr. J. B.Smith said that to give force to petitions presented to Parliament, it was necessary that the people should assume an attitude that would demand attention to their prayers. The course should be followed which was taken to rescind the noted orders in Council in 1812 deputations should be sent to London from every part of the country, and the demand ought to be heard at the bar of the House of Commons. Mr. R. H. Greg recommended the same course, and urged the meeting to show its earnestness by contributing the means of supporting an energetic movement. Mr. Alderman Shuttleworth took a general view of the mischiefs inflicted by the landowners' monopoly. Mr. Alderman Cobden recommended an investment of a part of the property of the gentlemen present to save the rest from confiscation.

The Chairman said that though young in business he would put down £50. (Cheers.)

Mr. J. R. Smith would give £100, and he was commissioned to put down Mr. Shuster's name for £ 100. (Cheers.)

Alderman Cohden said he would give £100. (Cheers.)

Mr. Novelli would also give £100. (Cheers.)

Mr. James Kershaw would give £100. (Cheers.)

Mr. Alderman Brooks would give £100. (Cheers.)

Mr. J. C. Dyer would give £100 most cheerfully, and £1,000 more if it were wanted. (Cheers.)

Mr. W. Rawson said he could only give £50 now, but would give half of all he possessed, if it were needed. (Cheers.)

Before leaving the room, the chairman announced that the subscriptions had reached £1,800 On the following Saturday the resolutions and subscriptions were thus advertised:—

"Moved by J. B. Smith, Esq., seconded by R. H. Greg, Esq ,

"That this meeting, feeling deeply and solemnly convinced that the foreign commerce of the country, upon which the welfare of all classes of our manufacturing population depends, is threatened with impendent