platform, asked him a simple question "Do you say that the bread tax is a just tax?" Mr. Dix attempted to evade the question; but Mr. Cobden repeated it, with the addition of—"Answer the question; yes or no ?" " Do you say the bread tax is a just tax?" Mr. Dix replied, "I do !"
It is impossible to describe the exclamation of abhorrence with which this declaration was received. The hisses, groans, and signs of disapprobation were absolutely deafening. Mr. Cobden then, in a most felicitous manner, cut the ground from under the friend of the bread tax, and for nearly an hour argued, in a most lucid and powerfu lmanner, against the horrible injustice of the bread tax. William Rathbone, Esq., moved the following resolution, and Lawrence Heyworth, Esq. seconded it:—"That this meeting, deeply sensible of the gross injustice as well as impolicy of the existing Corn Laws, pledge themselves to persevere in their exertions to their total repeal." C. Holland, Esq., moved a vote of thanks to the deputation of the League, and declared that the inhabitants of Liverpool were greatly indebted to them for their visit, and for their eloquent and unanswerable speeches. Mr. Alderman Shiel seconded the resolution; and both resolutions were carried by acclamation. A more enthusiastic meeting was never held in Liverpool, and calculated to tell powerfully on the Parliament and the country. Only one day's notice was given, and yet the immense room was crammed to the ceiling, whilst hundreds could not gain admittance, and the speeches of the gentlemen composing the deputation were received with continued cheering; proving the deep interest felt in that great port in the great question of repealing the bread tax.
To give even the briefest report of the meetings which were held in various parts of the kingdom at this period would fill a volume. I find in my paper of May 15th, the following illustration of the manner in which men were bracing themselves up for the coming contest:—"Two
