debate of five hours duration, solemnly, for no other term will convey to our readers so correctly the deep interest manifested by the chamber during the whole of their protracted sittings, declaring, by a majority of at least six to one, that the great and peaceful principles of free trade, on the broadest scale was the only security for the welfare of the community."
The effect of the outward pressure upon the chamber, gave some promise that a continuance of the pressure might not be ineffectual when directed upon parliament. Personally, I greatly rejoiced in the prospect of an effective expression of public opinion, for I had sometimes despaired of being able to excite it. I was compelled to be an agitator when agitators were scarce. It had always been an effort with me to overcome my reluctance to take part in public meetings. I rejoiced to see that my voice on this great question would not be needed, except, perhaps, as an occasional and humble substitute for some one of the popular leaders who were rising up. But I resolved that my pen should allow no landlord fallacy to appear unanswered, and that my newspaper should be devoted fare of every portion of the to record the proceedings of the new movement—not as its organ, but as an independent coadjutor in the good work. Hence an occupation of space for eight years, more probably than any weekly newspaper ever devoted to a single object. During that long struggle I was often told that it would be more to my interest if I made the Manchester Times more of a newspaper. It mattered not. If journalism was not to effect public good it was not the employment for me; and now, at the end of fourteen years, calmly looking back upon the past, I not only do not regret the course which I took, but am deeply thankful that no temptation induced me to swerve from a straightforward, and, as I believed, a righteous purpose.
