Page:History of the Anti corn law league.pdf/38

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22
ADDRESS TO ELECTORS.

have been frequently and seriously injured by the want, on the part of the government, of full and correct information on subjects connected with our manufactures and commerce; and that this has almost inevitably arisen from there having been, hitherto, no immediate connection between this particular community and any individual members of the administration. All persons conversant with public business know the difficulties which, from this cause, have constantly been experienced in bringing commercial subjects, and even the condition of the population dependant on manufactures and commerce, under the consideration of government and parliament.

Strongly impressed with the importance of obviating such difficulties, and with the conviction that the best means of doing so is to return as one of our representatives a member of the government, officially connected with the administration of commerce, we are induced most earnestly to recommend to your choice the Right Honourable C. Poulett Thompson, Vice-President of the Board of Trade, &c., whose enlightened views of rigid and extensive economy in the public expenditure, which were announced in his justly-celebrated speech of the 25th March, 1830, establish in the most satisfactory manner, that, both with reference to the extent of his knowledge and to the soundness of his financial, commercial, and political principles, he possesses high qualifications for the important and distinguished trust; and whose valuable services in obtaining the repeal of the Print Duty, especially entitle him to the warm acknowledgments of the inhabitants of this district.

To him also, as one of the ministers to whom the country owes the Reform Acts, the public gratitude, support, and confidence, are due.

The committee would not conceal the responsibility which rests upon it, in venturing to recommend to your suffrage a candidate for the representation of this important community; and begs to assure you that it has been prompted by no other motives than the desire to see those pledges redeemed (of returning reform representatives), which were virtually made to the ministry and the country, by the warm, general, and distinguished exertions Manchester has displayed in the cause of reform; that it has no interests which are not common to yourselves—the good of the country, and the honour and welfare of the borough; objects which, it sincerely believes, can only be accomplished by the return of honest, enlightened, and firm friends to the principles of reform.

The committee has thus explained some of the reasons which have induced it to address you; and hereby announces a determination to put into nomination, at the ensuing election, the Right