Page:History of the Anti corn law league.pdf/351

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
BEAR BREAD AND DISTRESS.
335

Paisley, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Birmingham, Mansfield, Potteries, Holmfirth, Cork, Nottingham, Sheffield, Dudley, Todmorden, Beaminster, Edinburgh, Halifax, Mirfield, Burnley, Stalybridge, Nantwich, Knaresborough, Haslingden, Bradford, Dundee, Stockport, Ennis, Colne, Westbury, Carlisle, Belper, Wolverhampton, Oldham, Hyde, Bolton, Leicester, Forfar, and a great number of other places in the United Kingdom, agricultural as well as commercial and manufacturing. The council of the League, fully aware of the danger that might arise out of the great amount of unrelieved, but, by honest legislation, easily relievable distress, thus earnestly called for a meeting of deputies in London, again to represent to Parliament the deplorable condition of the country:—

"The daily increasing sufferings of the people, the harrowing details of which are given in the Anti-Bread Tax Circular, cannot much longer be left without a remedy. Parliament is dragging on, apparently in utter forgetfulness that multitudes are perishing for want of food. The Premier has already hinted at a prorogation. This must not be allowed without another, and a strenuous effort, to bring the legislature to a sense of its duty. What is to be done? It has been resolved that a special general meeting of deputies be called, to be held in London, on Monday, 27th June—the place of meeting, Brown's Hotel.

"To this step we have been urged, not only by the necessity of the case, but by numerous and pressing communications from our friends in all parts of the country. We, therefore, intreat all the anti-corn-law associations, and every friend of free trade, throughout the kingdom, to be prompt and energetic in rendering their support to this movement, and in appointing deputies to the meeting. The country cannot brook the delay of eight months which must elapse before another session of the legislature. The question of free trade in food—must shall be re-opened before Parliament separates The Peace of the country requires it. The lives and interests of millions are trembling in the balance; it is for our friends to say which way the beam shall incline."

Previous to the meeting of deputies, Mr. Hamer Stansfield, of Leeds; Mr. William Rawson, of Manchester the; Rev. William Eoaf, of Wigan; Mr. James Lees, of Saddleworth; Mr. John Bright, of Eochdale; the Rev. C. Baker,