Page:History of the Anti corn law league - Volume 2.pdf/456

 Ashworth seconded the next resolution: "That after the payment of the first instalment (20 per cent.) the subscribers of the £250,000 League Fund be released from all further liabilities." It was carried unanimously. Mr. Edward Baines, jun., of Leeds, then moved: "That the Council of the League, whilst discontinuing its own operations, cannot be insensible to the intimation given in both houses of parliament, of a determination to contest the ensuing general election with a view to obtain the repeal of the corn importation bill; and under these circumstances, the Council offer their earnest recommendation to the free traders in the parliamentary constituencies to continue their vigilant attention to the registration, so as to be able to return a decided free-trade majority to the next House of Commons." Mr. P. A. Taylor, of London, seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. Mr. William Brown, of Liverpool, and Mr. John Cheetham, of Stalybridge, both of them afterwards members for South Lancashire, moved and seconded a motion: "That in case any serious attempts were made by the protectionist party to induce the legislation to retrace its steps, or prevent the final extinction of the Corn Law in 1849, the gentlemen who have hitherto so ably fulfilled the duties of the executive council, be hereby authorized to call the League into renewed existence." Mr. F. R. Atkinson counselled free traders to keep a sharp look out, and "keep their powder dry," as he feared there would be some treachery. Mr. George Thomas, of Bristol, thought the resolution was the safety valve. It was then put and carried unanimously. Mr. John Whitaker, of Hurst, then moved: "That Mr. Wilson should leave the chair, and Mr. Robert Hyde Greg should take his place." Mr. Greg having taken the chair, Mr.Cobden, adverting to the labours of the executive council, stated that Mr. Wilson had attended meetings, at which resolutions had been passed, 1,361 times; Mr. Prentice, 1,117 times; Mr. S. Lees, 863 times; Mr. W, Rawson, 601 times;