Page:History of the Anti corn law league - Volume 2.pdf/183

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MR. COBDEN'S MOTION FOR INQUIRY.
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improperly constituted, and did not fairly represent the feelings of the county. The Duke of Wellington said that it would be an impolitic thing to disturb the Corn Law, because it had not yet had a fair trial, and the Duke of Richmond was of opinion that the Corn Law wanted no more discussion!

In the House of Commons on the following evening Mr. Cobden brought forward a motion, of which he had given notice, to inquire into the effects of protective duties on the interests of the tenant-farmers and labourers of this country. The League says:—"There was a dinner to be given to Mr. O'Connell on the same evening; and the name of Mr. Cobden appeared amongst the list of stewards. It is impossible to describe the feeling of satisfaction which this little fact diffused amongst the monopolists in London. In Pall Mall and Piccadilly—in the Carlton, ay, and even in the Reform Club, for there are some monopolists there—the topic of discussion was whether or not Mr. Cobden would bring on his motion. Oh, is Cobden to bring on his motion to night?' Don't know, but I should say he will not. He is advertised as one of the stewards to this O'Connell dinner.' Indeed! I am right glad to hear of ite Of course there will be no House.' Well, but suppose we go down to see. These fellows have an ugly way of sticking to business, and I should not wonder if Peel and Gladstone were in the way, ready to make some of their confounded damaging admissions!' Down they come; and are rather nettled, if not amazed, to find, not only a House, but a crowded one. The benches on both sides are full; all the ministers are in attendance; and, though a hum of conversation fills the atmosphere, there is evidently the expectation of a something. The speaker calls on Mr. Cobden; instantly there is a profound silence; and the Strangers' Gallery, which is crowded to suffocation, looks the very picture of excited satisfaction."