Page:History of the Anti corn law league.pdf/374

358 a-year, was protected; the funds, too, were protected by the common honesty and great honour of Englishmen; the colonies were protected by the imposition of duties on the productions of other countries. But what protection was given to the toiling artizan, or enterprising and industrious trader? They were left to the pressure of a mass of artificial burdens, as well as to all the accidents and difficulties of natural events; and was it to be expected that, the people were starving, he, or such as he, should not sympathise with any efforts, the most desperate even, that might be resorted to in the hope of relief? The depreciation of property in Bury and the neighbourhood was most appalling. A spinning and weaving establishment, which cost at least £40,000, was lately offered for sale, and only £4,000 bid for it. Another, which five years ago was sold for 33,000, was offered for sale, and not a single bid made for it and one called "The Gig," which Sir Robert Peel would recollect, as his (Sir Robert Peel's) life was in the lease, though he (Mr. Grundy) had thrown it out, believing that his life would not he lengthened by his becoming prime minister, was declared at £15,000, and bought for between £5,000 and £6,000. They believed that he had the power to give them relief; and were he Sir Robert Peel he would do it, without regard to any party.

Sir Robert Peel inquired whether Bury was not under the New Poor Law?

Mr. Grundy said it was.

Sir Robert Peel:What is the extent of the union?

Mr. Grundy named the places included in the union, well known to Sir Robert Peel. The Poor Law was no favourite of his, and he begged leave to call his attention to its effect on the minds of the people. If he were a labouring man, and relief and redress of grievances were refused, he knew the effect it would have on his own mind, and therefore he deemed it unnecessary to describe