refrain from giving in full, should be read with an imagination of the deep solemnity of the occasion, and the earnest tones of the speakers, of the tears running down the benevolent face of John Brooks, and his broken utterance when he pictured the dying looks of the weavers of Manchester, and his sudden energy when he asked what government was for, if it did not relieve them; and of Mr. Lowe's stern prophet-like and almost inspired denunciation of those who withheld corn from the people.
P. A. Taylor, Esq., said that as chairman of the conference, which had held its meetings in the metropolis during the present month, and which had sought that interview, he had to inform him that it was composed of deputies from all parts of England and Scotland, but principally from the manufacturing districts, and from several towns in the West of England. They had also with them a number of ministers of religion, who had been deputed by their respective congregations to take part in their proceedings. They had likewise delegates from agricultural districts, for though the late appeal made to national charity was declared to be for the relief of the manufacturing population, they were convinced that the pressure of destitution and suffering was not confined to that class, but was quite as severe and crushing upon the agricultural labourer in many parts of the country. They had come together to lay before the public, through the press, and before her Majesty's ministers, through him (Sir Robert Peel), the dreadful and alarming condition of the people in the various parts of the country from whence they were deputed. Had the amount of distress throughout the country remained the same as when the conference was held in London in February last, it was highly probable they should not, at so early a period, have again assembled; but, since that time, distress had gone on increasing, capital had still further been diminished, employment decreased, and trade become more depressed; the
