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 CHAPTER II.

THE GREAT GATHERING.

The great gathering took place in the new Free Trade Hall on the evening of the 30th January, Mr. Mark Philips, the senior member for the borough, in the chair. The meeting was probably the most magnificent ever seen within doors. The Hall, with the single exception of the great feudal structure at Westminster, the largest in the kingdom, was not merely filled but crammed in every part. Well might Dr. Bowring exclaim that he was awe-struck by the sight of the vast assemblage and well might he who saw the Manchester Anti-Corn-Law Association when only seven persons met to commence the righteous agitation, rejoice to witness the presence of more than as many thousands, all evidencing their enthusiasm in the cause, and well might he prognosticate its speedy triumph. Mr. George Wilson read the following list of contributions towards the 50,000 fund: