thought it would be well that they should receive some enlightenment, and with this view invited Dr. Epps, of London, to give them two lectures. The meetings were crowded and much instruction was conveyed, and much incitement was given to action.
The borough of Manchester declared itself for repeal at a great meeting held in the Town Hall, at which Mr. H. Hornby Birley, a gentleman whose connection with the attack on the people assembled in St. Peter's Fields on the 16th August, 1819, made it little likely that he would have a favourable reception, moved, amidst many cries of "Peterloo," that in the opinion of the meeting the only change of the Corn Law should be to a moderate fixed duty, but that the change should not be permitted to be made by a ministry in which the people had no confidence. He was seconded by another conservative, and supported by two chartists, but the motion was negatived by an overwhelming majority, and the original resolutions were carried unanimously.
A volume might be filled with the vituperation poured out in the press against these manifestations of public opinion. A specimen or two may be given. The Morning Post said: "But the manufacturing people exclaim, 'why should we not be permitted to exchange the produce of our industry for the greatest quantity of food which that industry will anywhere command?' To which we answer, why not, indeed? Who hinders you? Take your manufactures away with you by all means, and exchange them anywhere you will, from Tobolsk to Timbuctoo but do not insist on bringing your foreign corn here untaxed, to the ruin of your countrymen engaged in the production of corn. If nothing will serve you but to eat foreign corn, away with you, you and your goods, and let me never see you more. We do not want to drive you away. You are welcome to stay if you will; but remember, if you do, that
