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122 comprehensive knowledge of its interests, but also a decision of character adequate to the due application of their principles on all great emergencies. The repeal of the Corn and Provision Laws being a measure admitted, not only by its advocates, but by its opponents, to be of the most vital importance to the empire, cannot, with justice or safety, be made an open question by any administration. This meeting, nevertheless, behold with regret, that, upon the late division on Mr. Villiers' motion, the Queen's ministry declared their neutrality, as a cabinet, upon this great national question, thereby abandoning the exercise of one of its most important functions."

"Moved by Mr. Kinloch, of Dundee; seconded by the Mayor of Manchester, supported by the Hon. J. E. Murray, of Edinburgh:—

"That the delegates, having learned that on Tuesday evening Mr. Villiers brings on a motion in the House of Commons, for a committee of the whole house on the subject of the Corn Laws, do forthwith adjourn to London, and that the first meeting take place at Brown's Hotel, Palace Yard, at eleven o'clock on Tuesday morning the 12th instant."

"Moved by Mr. Whigham, of Edinburgh; seconded by Mr. Ackroyd, of Halifax, supported by Colonel Thompson:—

"That the delegates having, since their separation in London, received full powers from their constituents, to adopt whatever measures they may deem advisable for obtaining the total repeal of the Corn and Provision Laws, determined, as the surest means of effecting the good object, to promote, by every means in their power, a union of those great communities represented on this occasion; and they appeal to the co-operation of every class and calling in the country to aid them in throwing off, by an united and national effort, the the most pernicious tax ever imposed by a legislature."

The censure, contained in these resolutions, on the neutrality of the administration, gave offence to a number of persons who professed free-trade principles, but would rather have their assertion delayed until gentlemen in office felt themselves disposed to make political capital of them. The delegates, however, disregarding these outside murmurings, met in increased strength in London at the time appointed, and having called Mr. J. B. Smith to the chair, the resolutions passed at their meeting in Manchester were read and confirmed. Amongst the speakers was