Page:History of the Anti corn law league.pdf/314

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298
LADIES' COMMITTEE.

felt for centuries to come. I believe this to be the higherobject, the more extended benevolence. We look not so much to the temporary relief of a few thousands only, as to the permanent benefit of millions, who are suffering now, and will continue to suffer, unless relieved by the repeal of the Corn Law." The belief being that the Bazaar would be heartily supported, a discussion arose as to the time of holding it, in which Mrs. Bickham, Mrs. Haughton, Miss Haughton, Mrs. Armitage, Miss Armitage, Mrs. Woolley, Mrs. Potter, Mrs. Prentice, Miss Gifford, Mrs. Hilton, Miss Weston, Miss Satterthwaite, Mrs. and Miss Swindells, Mrs. Gadsby, Mrs. Gill, Mrs. Gunness, and Mrs. Bibby, took a part, and it was resolved that the Bazaar should be held in the beginning of February. A ballot then took place for officers, when Mrs. Cobden was chosen as president of the committee, Mrs Armitage, as vice-president, and Mrs. Woolley, as secretary. Mr. Wilson, on behalf of the mayor, then tendered the use of the Council, or the boroughreeve's room for future meetings, and the proceedings terminated.

There was much to do in these two months and a half, but woman's zeal was enlisted in the cause of benevolence, and thousands of fair fingers were instantly at work, and everywhere there were eloquent pleaders for co-operation. On the following Saturday the Manchester Times contained the names of eighty-five forming the committee, the number of which soon became three hundred and sixty, comprising ladies in every part of the kingdom, each becoming the medium of communication for numbers in each locality. It was intended that the Bazaar should be held in the Town Hall, but it soon became apparent that there would not be room enough there. The Theatre Royal, probably the largest theatre out of London, was at length fixed upon, and its whole interior underwent a change, which converted its somewhat sombre appearance into one of great brilliancy and beauty. The effect was the produc-