F. R. Hodgson.
Henry Houldsworth.
James Murray.
James Atherton.
Robert Gladstone.
John Mc.Vicar.
William Neild.
Henry Newbery.
J. B. Smith.
Henry Tootall.
Thomas Townend.
Geo. Wm. Wood, M.P
Mr. J. C. Dyer, after stating his desire that the directors should fully represent the opinion of the members upon the great question of free trade, and his opinion that the speech made by Mr. Wood should not appear to have any sanction from that body, moved another list, from which the names marked above in italics were omitted, and the following substituted:—
Robert Hyde Greg.
Richard Cobden.
Benjamin Pearson.
Holland Hoole.
Henry McConnell.
Joseph Smith.
James Burt.
Richard Roberts.
James Kershaw.
John Cheetham.
John Lloyd.
J. C. Dyer.
Henry Ashworth.
W. R. Callender.
Andrew Bannerman.
Most of the gentlemen proposed to be substituted for the others named, were members of the Anti-Corn-Law Association. Mr. Edmund Ashworth seconded the amendment. Mr. Gibb objected to Mr. Dyer's list, as formed exclusively of persons of one line of politics or of commercial policy. Mr. Dyer denied that in its formation any reference was made to politics, the only object being to secure a directory favourable to the repeal of the Corn Laws. Mr. Bead protested, with great warmth, against a choice for one specific purpose. Mr. Cobden was far from wishing the chamber to be actuated by political motives. He wished it to be less subservient than it had been to the government for the time being, and to instruct and compel government to do what the interests of the country required. Mr. J. E. Taylor said that Mr. Wood had spoken in the commons as an individual, not as the president of that chamber. He knew, he said, that Mr. Wood, though in favour of total repeal, would, like himself and Mr. Newbery, be contented to take a small duty for a time. The meeting, however, was not disposed to elect
