obliged to carry his capital arid skill to foreign lands, from the belief that the repeal of the Corn Law had been so long delayed that the country must gradually sink into utter ruin without an instant change, a great impression was produced on the assembly. Mr. Smith spoke at great length, and as effectively as if he had sat at the feet of the great economist whose name he bore. Mr. William Rawson rendered good service also, by his illustrations drawn from the state of the Nottingham stocking trade, in which he was engaged. After some little discussion between the President and Mr. Cobden, about the conduct of Mr. Poulett Thomson, the latter put Mr. Cobden's motion as an amendment, and it was carried almost unanimously, there being only four or five hands held up against it. The result was received with loud cheering. In my paper of the 22nd of December, I said of this meeting:—"The Chamber of Commerce has aroused itself from its seven years' sleep. The proceedings of the meeting last week have engrossed so large a share of public interest, as to have almost thrown into the shade the proceedings of our corporation elections. The adjourned meeting on Thursday last was even more crowded than the former, and our readers will perceive, from our very extended report, that the debates were not less interesting or important. The facts stated by the different speakers, coming as they did from some of the most intelligent of our merchants and manufacturers, appeared to make an impression on the chamber such as we have never before witnessed in any assembly, and we are confident that they cannot fail to produce a similar feeling throughout the whole manufacturing and commercial community of this kingdom. Here were assembled our most eminent merchants, manufacturers, and spinners, who, after a debate of five hours, at their first meeting, adjourned their discussion for a week, to give time for reflection and consideration upon the course which they should pursue, and then after another
