"Peace and free trade with all the world," was appropriately replied to by Dr. Bowring, whose visit in the previous September had given rise to the association, now meeting in such strength and with such coadjutors. After short speeches from Mr. Ainsworth and Mr. Ewart, the company separated, not, however, without adding considerably to the fund, more than £600 having been subscribed in the room.
On the following day, a meeting of the delegates was held in the York Hotel, Mr. Smith in the chair. Mr. Cobden said that the members of the Manchester Association had thought it desirable that the various associations throughout the kingdom should act together, and read the following resolutions, which were submitted to the consideration of the assembled delegates:—
"Resolved—1. That this meeting of representatives from all the great sections of our manufacturing and commercial population, solemnly declare it to be their conviction that the prosperity of the great staples upon which their capital and industry are employed, is in imminent danger from the operation of the laws which interdict or interfere with the exchange of their productions for the corn and other produce of foreign nations, and thus check our trade, and artificially enhance the price of food in this country; and believing that the facts upon which this judgment is formed are little known, and of such national importance as to call for their disclosure before tie people's representatives, they earnestly recommend that petitions be immediately forwarded from all parts of the kingdom, praying to be heard by counsel and evidence at the bar of the House of Commons in the approaching session of Parliament."
"2. That in order to secure unity and efficiency of action, this meeting recommends that delegates be appointed by the several Anti-Corn-Law Associations of the kingdom, to assemble as a Central Board, in London, at the opening of Parliament; to whom shall be entrusted, amongst other business, the duty of obtaining the services of such members as may be inclined to urge their cause with efficiency and in the meantime the meeting impresses upon all those local bodies, the necessity of immediately collecting and arranging their evidence, and placing it at the disposal of the Central Board. Those manufacturing and commercial towns not already possessing in Parliament;