Page:History of the Anti corn law league - Volume 2.pdf/110

 On the following Saturday, Mr. Cobden and Mr. Moore visited Bedford, pursuant to advertisement for the purpose of discussing the question of the Corn Laws with the farmers of Bedfordshire. Much excitement had prevailed in the town for some days previous, and every possible exertion had been made by the pro-corn-law party to defeat the advocates of free-trade principles. The farmers for miles round had been canvassed by influential agriculturists and landholders, and entreated to attend for the purpose of putting down the representatives of the Anti-Corn Law League at Bedford. Lord Charles Russell was appointed chairman, by acclamation. Mr. Cobden then came forward, and was received with considerable applause. He was followed by Mr. Pym, who, in a long speech, and which, from the applause of his own party and the opposition of a large portion of the meeting, was rendered almost inaudible, proposed: "That protection to native industry, particularly to the agriculture of the country, is essential to the well-being of the state, and any attempt, however plausible, to abolish that protection, and further depreciate the productions of our own soil, will only end in the spread of inevitable ruin throughout the rural districts, and ultimately deprive the manufacturers of their best and surest customers." Mr. Bennett, of Luton, seconded the resolution in a long harangue vituperative of the Anti-Corn-Law League. Mr. Metcalfe, in a brief speech, moved the fol. lowing amendment to the resolution proposed by Mr. Pym: "That in the opinion of this meeting, the corn law and every other law which protects one class at the expense of other classes, must prove injurious to the national prosperity; and, therefore, all monopolies, whether passed under the pretext of benefiting the agricultural, colonial, or manufacturing interests, ought to be immediately abolished." Mr. Lattimore seconded the amendment. Mr. Biggs nest addressed the meeting against the amendment, which was supported at great length by Mr. R. R. R. Moore.