having been supported by Mr. Matravers, of Westbury, who also described the trade of that place as being at a very low ebb; it was carried unanimously. The next resolution was moved by Mr. Overbury, of Westbury, in an argumentative and effective speech of some length, showing the evil effects of the prohibitory duties on corn and other food. The resolution was seconded by Charles Staunton, Esq., and on being put by the chairman, only two hands were held up against it. The third resolution was moved by Mr. Charles Cooper, who repudiated political motives as inducing him to attend the meeting, and pleaded the repeal of the Corn Laws on grounds of humanity and Christian principle. Mr. Salter, of Trowbridge, seconded the resolution, and spoke to the deplorable state of the trade and manufacturing interests in that town. Mr. Stancombe, moved the fourth resolution, corroborating Mr. Salter's statement, which was seconded by Mr. Wood, of Frome. It was stated by the chairman that the next resolution related to the adoption of a petition to both houses of Parliament, founded on the foregoing resolutions. On this Mr. J. H. Webb, of Trowbridge, rose to move an amendment as a rider to the petition, the purport of which was, that the meeting in seeking legislative measures in favour of the manufacturing interests, sought nothing that might be incompatible with a due regard to the claims of the landowners to protection. It was seconded by Mr. Ghee, with a few observations in defence of the plan recently broached by Mr. Christopher, as the ministerial organ; which called forth some spirited arguments from Mr. Staunton, on the fallacy of some of Mr. Christopher's opinions, quoted by the seconder. The amendment was put and lost, only three hands being held up in its favour; while the original motion, having been moved and seconded, was carried almost unanimously.The petition was then signed by the chairman,and afterwards by most of the meeting.
