Page:History of the Anti corn law league.pdf/310

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
294
CONFERENCE AT GLASGOW.
fusing leases and preventing the improvement of the soil, they show themselves so regardless of the people —practically saying, that no more inhabitants shall dwell in this kingdom than we choose to raise food for; compelling emigration of both capital and labour, which would otherwise have borne their share of the burdens of the country, thus crippling the resources of the nation; for what constitutes the strength of a country, but a nnmerous and well-fed population ?"

An important demonstration in Glasgow followed closely upon the one which had been made in Edinburgh. It was held on Friday, January 14th, and was attended by deputies from most of the manufacturing towns in Scotland. At the morning's meeting, presided over by Walter Buchannan, Esq., evidence was given of the existence of extreme distress in Paisley, where, out of one hundred shawl manufacturers, seventy-six had become bankrupt within the previous month in Aberdeen, where there had been a great decrease of employment and a corresponding increase of pauperism and in Kerriemuir, Auchter-muchty, Linlithgow, Maybole, Stranraer, Kilsyth, Saltcoats, Kilmarnock, Mauchline, Cumnock, Largs, Duntocher, Kilwinning, &c., where the distress was equally severe. A great meeting was held in the City Hall in the evening, consisting of nearly two thousand persons, all seated at refreshment tables. The chair was taken by James Oswald, Esq., M.P. for the city, supported by the Rev. Dr. Wardlaw, Mr. Ewart, M.P., Mr. Dennistoun, M.P., Mr. Fox Maule, M.P., Mr. Eutherford, M.P., Mr. Spiers, M.P., Mr. Wallace, M.P., and the Eev. Dr. Heugh. The Rev. Dr. Wardlaw asked a blessing on the banquet and the Mr. Ewart, M.P., proposed the first toast, proceedings. which was, "The total and immediate repeal of the Corn Law." The Glasgow Association had resolved that this should be given as a test of opinion, as in that city many persons interested, or supposing themselves to be interested, in the preservation of the West India monopoly, were not disposed to go the length of the entire abolition of the great landowners' exaction; while others were