Page:History of the Anti corn law league - Volume 2.pdf/257

 incautiously had given in their promises without considering that the trust which had been reposed in them was not one given for their own exclusive benefit, but one for which they were answerable to the non-electors who were not so favoured. He well knew the anxiety which the friends of free trade had felt at that period, and the difficulties they had in procuring a candidate to stand forth as the uncompromising advocate of the great principles which they were desirous of testing in that borough. It was at that moment of difficulty and struggle that Mr. Smith—a gentleman of great station, of well-known character, of extensive commercial knowledge, and considerable talents—unhesitatingly consented to become a candidate, and make an effort to rescue the borough from the thraldom in which it had been held. Mr. Smith was then the president of the Chamber of Commerce in Manchester, chairman of the Anti-Corn-Law League, and universally known and respected throughout the country. He came to Walsall at their request, and conducted the contest in such a manner as to merit not only the applause and esteem of his friends, but the approval of even his opponents. There was not a person in Walsall who could be found to utter a single word against Mr. Smith during that memorable contest. They were, however, borne down by the influence to which he had already adverted, but not until they had reduced the majority of their opponents to that point which proved the impossibility of his or any other monopolist again successfully contesting the borough. The ladies of Walsall felt grateful to Mr. Smith for his invaluable services, and they were resolved that at some future time they would prove the estimation in which they held him, by the presentation of a substantial token of respect.

Mrs. Cox then rose, and, taking up a very splendid silver salver which was on the table, presented it to Mr. Smith, saying, "I have great honour in handing you this piece of plate." The honourable gentleman accepted the